A Former Colleague Responds to My Testicular Cancer Diagnosis

CANCER SUCKS!!!! No doubt about it! According to the American Cancer Society, three out of four families will see a family member diagnosed with cancer. I really hate those odds! The effects of a cancer diagnosis are widespread.

When Justin first told me he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, I wasn’t all “doom and gloom.” My first thoughts were: he’s young, he’s strong, they found it early, he can fight this and he’s doing all the right things. Perhaps I was in denial. I wanted to wish it away. After all, he and Mallory had recently bought a house and were planning a wedding. Why cancer now?!? It was difficult for me to understand that, as much as I wanted to wish it away, I couldn’t. I couldn’t take away his diagnosis, and I can’t endure his treatment for him, but I can help facilitate his healing by offering him emotional and social support with some humor thrown in there too. It sounds cliché, but honestly, laughter really is the best medicine.

My experiences with cancer have been very positive. 

 My mother and father are both cancer survivors. I know firsthand that cancer is NOT a death sentence. To say that what my parents went through during chemo and radiation was easy is a definite understatement! It was excruciating but they survived!! There were trials and tribulations, but the abundance of love and support they received from their friends and family played a key role in their recovery. Justin also has a huge support system to get him through!

Justin is one of the most upbeat and positive people I know. If anyone can take a cancer diagnosis and turn it into an opportunity to grow and learn….it is him! I will be with you every step of the way as you kick cancer in the ass! I love you JB!!

Kim was my co-teacher at my old school. She was one of the first people to introduce herself to me and we have kept in close contact since my departure. We were more than just colleagues; we were Mr. B and K-Bro.

Testicular cancer isn’t just affecting me; it’s affecting those closest to me. In this series, entitled “Healthy But Affected,” one of my friends or family members will be sharing about their reactions to my diagnosis.  I hope these posts serve as a reminder to talk to the men in your life about performing regular self-checks and their health in general. Together, we can lessen the impact of testicular cancer.