I am scared.

[ulnair]

It is with a heavy heart that I post today. I was at an Ice Hockey game with my friends today when I was handed a pamphlet about Testicular Cancer. I glanced at it in passing, because I was with my friends and thought I would look foolish reading it in front of them. The first thing I glanced at was the symptoms, and I had them. I have a lump on my left testicle that is roughly twice the size of my testicle. I have fairly constant back pain and abdomen and back fairly consistently. I know all of you are thinking I must have noticed these symptoms before, and I had. However, I have grown up in a very protected community. My parents are very wealthy, so I have never had to struggle for anything in my life. One might say that, without any hardships, I am as innocent as the day I was born. I do not drink, nor smoke. I do not believe in premarital sex, so that is another area in which I am fairly ignorant. As such, I simply thought that it was common for young men to have one testicle much larger than the other. I am 17, but I first remember my testicle being enlarged at the age of 12. I am going to see a doctor about this, so have no fear that I won’t because I think it may be too late, but I would like to ask; how long would it normally take to kill? Is it likely that I am in the final stages, and just now figured it out? Please respond, for I fear that if I do not get this resolved soon, I may go mad.

~~Ulnair~~

[Scott]

Ulnair, it is very important to get this checked out, but don't assume it's definitely cancer. First things first: get to a urologist as soon as possible.

[Karen]

You must get this checked immediately by a urologist. As Scott said, donj't assume cancer but don't delay. Please post back with the doc's assessment. We are here to help.

[Lori]

Ulnair, when is your doctor's appointment? Please keep us posted!

Lori

[fuse929]

It is normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other, but a significant difference in size should be looked at by a urologist. It is very mature of you to be handling this situation so quickly. Give us the update once you go to the doc.

[CharlieFL]

how long would it normally take to kill?

Ulnair, the very first thing is for you to get those thoughts out of your head. While it is true that the sooner it is caught, the better the chances to cure, it doesn't matter how long ago you noticed it because it is never too late to get treated and work on a cure - if it's indeed cancer what you have. As others have said, take things one step at a time (steadily and decisively) starting with a visit to a Urologist. You need to know what you are fighting against in order to win. Keep us posted and good luck!

[Fed]

Hey dude,

Like everyone before me has said, you are doing the right thing by going to get checked out by your doc. Just make sure you don't get ahead of yourself. It's good to be vigilant and diligent, but don't necessarily assume the worst. Testicular cancer is very rare, so chances are things are normal. Going to a doc (a urologist, in this case; GPs may sometimes miss these things due to their rarity) will certainly ease your concerns. Let us know if you have any other questions. We're here for you.

[ulnair]

I just got my appointmet set for Friday the 12th, but I may bee seen tomorrow if they can fit me in. This is with my family doctor. Since I see that most of you suggest a urologist, I went ahead and made an appointment with one for the 18th as well. No matter what my doctor says, I am going to see the urologist for a second opinion. I am hoping he says it's nothing, because this is driving me up a wall. I am still in high school, and my grades are suffering. I have slept a combined 4 hours these last 3 nights, and am praying the doctor has good news.

~~Ulnair~~

[Fed]

I am really happy that you are being proactive about this, and you are handling this with a high degree of maturity. Very smart to go see a urologist, as well; however, do voice your concerns with your GP and see if you can get an ultrasound done if things seem awry (and if the GP tries the trick of the light going through the scrotum and makes an assessment based on that I would insist on the ultrasound, since the latter is considerably more accurate). Try to take it day-by-day. Many of us have gone thorough this, and we are more than happy to walk you through any of your concerns. Stay in touch and let us know how things go.

[dadmo]

ulnair:
I can understand the fear that you are to late but you're wrong. This particular form of cancer can be treated very successfully even in later stages, it just takes more work. As the others have said don't assume the worst.

[ulnair]

I went to the doctor on Friday, and he said it was just a hernia. Thank god.

[Margaret]

I went to the doctor on Friday, and he said it was just a hernia. Thank god.

Wonderful news

[dadmo]

Congratulations on not having something more serious. You should still get that hernia taken care of and keep up those monthly self exams.

[fuse929]

Great news buddy!

[ulnair]

Okay so I had the surgery done on the ingunial (ING) hernia done yesterday, and I was wonderinf if anyone knew how long it would take before im able to get back to normal, i.e going to school. I'm on percaset or however its spelt right now, so i can't really feel any pain, but from what I've heard, it sucks after the medicine runs out. Any ideas?

Thanks again

~~Ulnair~~