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  • #1

    Please help

    While I'm not a cancer survivor, I lost my right testicle because of a torsion in 1987. The last 19 years have been difficult to say the least. I was 23 when this operation was performed and I've had feelings of intense sadness (identity issues) from time to time. I know this is primarily a cancer-oriented forum, but I would like to share my feelings and experience if anyone is interested or has anything to say that might help my mental state. BTW, I'm seeing a counselor and a support group was recommended - so here I am.

    I don't really know where to start, so I'll leave this as my first message.
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  • #2
    JohnV:
    Welcome to the forum. Your input is certainly welcome. Other then the obvious (no cancer) you have the same identity issues thatt most men have after the removal of a testicle. Ninteen years is a long time to fight depression all I can say about that is congratulations for not giving in. I do have one question, have you had your testosterone levels checked? Low testosterone after the removal of a testicle is more of an issue then most doctors seem to think it is.
    Son Jason diagnosed 4/30/04, stage III. Right I/O 4/30/04. Graduated College 5/13/04. 4XEP 6/7/04 - 8/13/04. Full open RPLND 10/13/04. All Clear since.

    Treated by Dr. Rakowski of Midland Park, NJ. Visited Sloan Kettering for protocol advice. RPLND done at Sloan Kettering.

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    • #3
      No, I haven't had the levels checked. My post-op care has been minimal. At the time of my surgery I didn't have insurance and so it was a public hospital situation. How might the levels affect me?

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      • #4
        The attached link will take you to a testicular cancer web site that has some very good information about testosterone. http://tcrc.acor.org/hormone.html

        This is a short quote from their page "Given that low Testosterone side-effects include depression, mood swings and lethargy, the pyschological effect on a Testosterone deficient, pubescent boy growing up in the modern world perhaps should not be underestimated."

        To have your testosterone checked is a simple blood test, it certainly is worth getting it looked at. If you do an advanced search on this site and look for testosterone levels you will be shocked at how often that comes up as an issue.
        Son Jason diagnosed 4/30/04, stage III. Right I/O 4/30/04. Graduated College 5/13/04. 4XEP 6/7/04 - 8/13/04. Full open RPLND 10/13/04. All Clear since.

        Treated by Dr. Rakowski of Midland Park, NJ. Visited Sloan Kettering for protocol advice. RPLND done at Sloan Kettering.

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        • #5
          Thank you for the link. I will get on it immediately. BTW, I'm only online periodically, 9am - 6pm CST. If you don't hear from me, I'm probably in an evening college class or away from the computer for the weekend. I plan to check this forum at least a couple times a day during the work week. Again, thank you for responding. My "load" feels a little lighter right now.
          Last edited by JohnV; 02-21-06, 06:34 PM.

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          • #6
            John, let me add my welcome to dadmo's. Having your testosterone checked is a good thought.

            How frequent are your bouts of depression? Is there anything specific that seems to trigger them?

            We can all use some support each day!
            Scott
            right inguinal orchiectomy 6/5/2003 > nonseminoma, stage I > surveillance > L-RPLND 6/24/2005 for recurrence, suspected teratoma but found seminoma, stage II > chylous ascites until 9/2005 > surveillance and "all clear" since

            Your donation funds Livestrong services for people facing cancer now. Please sponsor my ride!

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            • #7
              Welcome John!!!
              Alot of times the healing begins when you realize you are not alone..As you can see your not alone....our support is geared towards,but not limited to TC.... your thought and experiences will be welcome because many member do suffer from depression, like you, do to their condition!!!!! DON
              Moffitt Cancer Institute
              CANCER SUCKS
              Diagnosed/Left I/O 9/18/2004--Non-Seminoma/Stage IIIC--3X B.E.P chemo--3X T.I.P. Salvage chemo---Abdominal [email protected] 34cmX 24.5cmX 17.5cm---4/19/2005 --RPLND/Left Kidney,8 1/2lb Abdominal tumor,42 nodes removed---7/16/2005 Remission/Surveillance---Severe Peripheral Neuropathy--

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              • #8
                Originally posted by Scott
                John, let me add my welcome to dadmo's. Having your testosterone checked is a good thought.

                How frequent are your bouts of depression? Is there anything specific that seems to trigger them?

                We can all use some support each day!
                The depression episodes happen at least once a month if things are going well. Lately I've been "down" since November which is the anniversary of my loss. Furthermore, someone asking if I have the "balls" to do something manly or even another completely unrelated loss (job, dropping a class...) can trigger the feelings of being incomplete or damaged. Once a co-worker showed me an article in a health magazine that discussed torsions and he said, "Watch out, this might happen to you!" He was joking, of course, but it brought a lot of pain to the surface.

                It occurred to me recently that our society is almost as obsessed with testicles as it is with women's breasts. The references are everywhere in pop culture. This is most annoying.

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                • #9
                  Originally posted by Don
                  Welcome John!!!
                  Alot of times the healing begins when you realize you are not alone..As you can see your not alone....our support is geared towards,but not limited to TC.... your thought and experiences will be welcome because many member do suffer from depression, like you, do to their condition!!!!! DON
                  Don,

                  You are right. I couldn't wait to check this forum today. Reading many of the posts has already given me some peace of mind.

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                  • #10
                    Welcome John....glad to hear from you....these posts are a great source of comfort for me...and many others...you are not alone...Mary Ellen

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