Please Help.

[Purplehaze]

Hi, im 15 and live in Arizona. I have been worried lately because I believe I have TC. As a child I have always had pain in my left testicle, but last year it got really bad. It wouldnt stop but then onths ago I developed a lump on my left testicle. It formed very fast. The pain went away but the testicle grew larger. I read a lot and thought this was only a cyst, but then I started getting sharp jolts of pain on the left side of my head. And now the pain on my testicle and thigh area is horrific at sometimes, although it seems that when im active the pain goes away. I play football and basketball, but as I said the pain goes away when im active. I also found that I am very sleepy no matter how much sleep I get. I havnt told anyone about it yet, so your opinions would really help. Please.

[sithhappens]

My opinion is to see a doctor. Living in constant fear and pain of not knowing for sure what the problem is worse for you than the fear of a cancer diagnosis that could ultimately save your life.

[a mom]

As a mother, I would also like to add you should tell a parent or other trusted adult. Don't try and self-diagnose. See a doctor. You'll be okay. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[Purplehaze]

I dont know how to tell an adult.

[AustinsMom]

Hi Purplehaze,

As the Mom of a 16 year old son, I can appreciate how you might find it difficult to seek help from an adult. HOWEVER...... PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE find somebody you can confide in to assist you in having this checked out. Is there anyone at all you can talk to? I'm guessing not your parents, for whatever reason. What about older siblings, relatives, coaches, the school nurse or guidance counselor? There may even be a free clinic in your town, although I am not sure what the policy is on treating minors.

As awkward as it may seem to you now, try to understand this is NOTHING to be embarrassed about. A UROLOGIST is ideally who want to have examine you, but you can start with your Primary Care Physician first, if possible. Though this all must seem "totally aw-w-w-w-kward", remember Doctors see various parts of the human body every day and don't give it a second thought.

There is a very good chance this is NOT TC and you are worrying needlessly. But whatever it is, have it checked and treated so you can go on with your life!!

Keep us posted on what you do......but don't wait....OK? Let us know if there are any questions you have.

Wishing you the best,
Diane

[Purplehaze]

Okay thanks. I think im going to go to the counselor, i just think it would be really weird trying to tell my dad. Also, im not really afraid of the Testicular Cancer, it can be removed. But Im afraid it has spread to my Lymph Nodes or brain, from symptoms im getting. How likely is it that it has spread?

[sithhappens]

There are different types of TC. Depending on the type of cancer, it can spread to the brain (Lance Armstrong's did and he's alive!). Basically you wont really know or feel if its cancer or if its spread until the various tests are done. Is it likely? If caught early I would say no.

I understand the THOUGHT of telling your dad is strange and awkward but actually doing it will be easier than you think.

[hbr777]

Do you have a nurse at school? The counselor is a good bet, too.
Tell an adult you trust.
There is nothing to be embarrassed about. It is important to get ti checked out. Soon.

[Aegletes]

While you may think that talking to your dad would be very awkward, just think how relieved you'll feel once you get this off your chest. Your dad will likely be glad you came to him to discuss something that has been worrying you and which he, as your dad, would want to make sure gets taken care of right away. After all, a little embarrassment at first is a very small price to pay to make sure you're OK. And you'll realize that you'll feel much better just being able to confide in somebody who can then get you to a urologist to have this looked at. Don't delay.

Alex

[Purplehaze]

Everybody, i plan on telling my dad tonight. I think it will be better than some creepy old nurse. But I dont know how. What should I say?

[Wesmom]

wesmom

I hope someone jumps in with something better.

Dad - I need to see a doctor to have my testicle checked. Tell him everything you've been feeling (aches and pains). Tell him you need to see a Urologist to have your testicle checked to make sure it's not cancer. Tell him you need it checked right away. Show him this website if he thinks you're too young for this type of cancer. Please let us know how things go.

[AustinsMom]

Hi Purplehaze,

It is very obvious this discussion with your Dad is making you uncomfortable. We have no way of knowing what your Dad is like or what kind of relationship you have with him. That being said, I'm sure your Dad does not want you to be in pain. No parent wants that for their child no matter how old they are. Right now you are in both physical and emotional pain and you need to take the first step to remedy it.

I can't give you the exact words to say, but once you open up the conversation by telling him you have something very important and urgent you need to discuss with him privately, you will figure it out. I'm guessing once your Dad knows and is able to help you, a VERY LARGE burden will be taken off your shoulders. You need an adult to help you with this and the sooner the better.

It may VERY well NOT be anything terrible at all and can be easily treated. Please just go find out for sure.

Let us know how it goes, OK? You will get LOTS of support and advice from this forum.

Diane

[Kat]

Purplehaze---
You don't need to tell your dad that there is something wrong with your testicle right now, if you are too uncomfortable with it. You just need to tell him that you are sick and NEED to go to the doctor right away. He's just got to get you to a doctor's appointment, that's it.
Now, you DO have to tell the doctor what is going on. I know that it's totally embarrassing to talk about your junk to your parents OR a stranger, but the sooner you get over that part, the better off you'll be in ALL regards. You remember that book that you probably read (or at least heard of) when you were a little kid called, "Everybody Poops," that teaches toddlers about using the potty? Well, EVERYBODY has genitals, so the same principle applies. You won't be saying--or showing--anything to the doctor that he isn't familiar with. There is nothing weird or shameful about your situation---no one is going to blow you off, or act like you're weird for noticing. It's really okay, I promise. Even if it's not testicular cancer-related, you DO still need to see a doctor and get treated for whatever is going on down there. You could just have something as simple as an untreated infection--but that's not going to fix itself without seeing a doctor.
It'll be alright, dude. I promise that NO ONE is going to think you are weird, okay?
Let us know how it goes!

[a mom]

I will tell you what my son said to me. He simply said, "I have a lump on my testicle." That's all. If your dad doesn't think you need to see a doctor, he may not know as much as you do since you've been researching on these boards. Tell him you have read up on it and while it could be a cyst, it also could be testicular cancer and you would like to see a doctor. Hard to imagine at your age I'm sure, but someday you may have children -- what would your reaction be if your child came to you with something like this? If your father doesn't think you need to see a doctor or doesn't take it seriously, then it's time to tell someone at school. Good luck. You can do this!

[Davepet]

Everybody, i plan on telling my dad tonight. I think it will be better than some creepy old nurse. But I dont know how. What should I say?

Purplehaze, we haven't heard from you in a while. Please let us know how you are doing with this. I sure hope you've talked to your dad & seen a doc by now....

Dave