The
Big C
If you don't know what the Big C is, I
am talking about cancer.
About 10 years ago I felt a small lump in my right testicle, and
naturally enough this freaked me out. The usual denial followed, but I
eventually got my act together and had it checked out, 3 months
later..! (so lets talk about denial)
The lump turned out be a malignant Seminoma, CANCER. The testicle had
to be removed, but thankfully it was removed before the cancer had
spread to my lymphatic system, from where it would have spread quickly.
A cat scan showed saw there no evidence of spread, but this was NOT a
100% all clear, I still needed three months of intensive radio-therapy
to increase my survival chances.
Thankfully I am now in remission, and didn't ever need chemotherapy ,
but since this scare I have studied more about testicular cancer, and
it's causes.
There are various forms of cancer, in my case testicular seminoma,
which can be caused either by scar tissue, or by a malformation of an
organ. (such as the teste, in my case)
At birth my testes hadn't descended properly, and a few operations were
needed during my first few years to correct this. It cannot be
determined whether it was the scar tissue from these operations that
caused the cancer or if it was due to a malformation. Either way there
was always a high risk of cancer and I was unaware! Even my GP knew my
medical history and should have said something (or known something?)
Apparently the risk of a tumour (not necessarily cancerous) in such
cases is about 30%!
Another interesting but little known fact I have uncovered is that 1%
of breast cancers occur in males!
In my case the tumour also affected sperm production in the testes, and
a sperm count before the op. proved that I am infertile. (oh well!)
This was quite a shock to me, and I hope that this page will alert you
of the dangers! If you feel a lump get it checked out NOW!
They call testicular cancer the silent killer, as men are usually much
more guarded about their private parts than women.
If you are still here I hope this page has been helpful and
informative, sorry if it was a little morbid.
The story has a happy ending, I am having the time of my life, Rene is
out for all to see and admire. I still have some complex issues to sort
out, like finding the right shade of nail polish, and shoes to match my
new dress. I call this my `Quest for the holy grail' ~~BEAUTY~~. I
think this is what drives us all!
I would like to thank all of my friends, who have wished me well, I
give thanks every day that I have found such a wonderful community of
friends.
Thanks girls, I love you all! *kisses*
Love
Rene
