June 2023 - I had just celebrated my 31st birthday, eagerly anticipating our family's first holiday abroad with my partner Rachel and our lovely 5-year-old daughter, Georgie. Through dedicated efforts at the gym and regular running sessions, I had achieved a level of fitness and health that I hadn't experienced in years. Juggling a full-time job alongside family commitments, I found myself immersed in a routine that seemed to be working well for me. However, as life would have it, challenges often emerge when least expected.
Despite my active lifestyle, I had become somewhat complacent in monitoring my own health. Perhaps it was the youthful sense of invincibility or the belief that "I'm healthy" and "I'm young," but I rarely took the time to check myself thoroughly. Little did I know that a seemingly innocuous pain in my groin would soon lead me down a path I never imagined.
It was on the 19th of June that I first noticed a small lump on my right testicle. Initially attributing it to the strains of intense exercise, I decided to wait it out, hoping it would resolve on its own. However, as days passed without improvement, I booked an appointment with my GP for reassurance. Following a physical examination, my GP acknowledged the presence of the lump but remained cautiously optimistic. Nonetheless, I was scheduled for an ultrasound at the hospital to further investigate the matter. In the ensuing weeks, life carried on as usual, with birthdays and social events filling our calendar.
My ultrasound appointment on the 1st of August seemed routine enough, but a subsequent call from the doctor revealed otherwise. It was then that the word "cancer" first entered my consciousness, sending waves of fear and uncertainty crashing over me. The whirlwind of appointments, tests, and consultations that followed blurred the lines between normalcy and chaos. From fertility clinics to radical surgery, each step brought its own set of challenges and emotions. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, there were moments of solace - like the holiday we embarked on just before my surgery, where I found respite from the looming spectre of cancer. However, fate had more in store for me. Post-surgery scans revealed a sobering reality - the cancer had spread to an aortocaval lymph node, necessitating 3 cycles of intense BEP chemotherapy. Facing the unknown, I grappled with fear and doubt, navigating the unfamiliar terrain with the support of my family and closest friends.
The chemotherapy journey was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, pushing my resilience to its limits. There were days when even the thought of food made me nauseous and getting out of bed seemed impossible. Each side effect brought its own unique struggles, with some days feeling unbearably tough. However, through it all, I drew strength from the unwavering support of my loved ones and the glimmer of hope for a better tomorrow. And then, on a cold North East January morning, came the news I was desperate to hear - the cancer was gone! My tumour markers were within normal range and my CT scan showed no trace of any tumours!
As I write this, three months on from my final chemotherapy session, I am reminded of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit. With each passing day, I am reclaiming pieces of my former self - from the regrowth of my hair to the slow and steady gym and running sessions. Yet, amidst the joy of newfound health, there remains a sense of duty - a commitment to raising awareness and supporting others on their own journey towards healing.
“We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up or fight like hell.” — Lance Armstrong