Jesse Beck on Back Pain, Blood Clots, and Testicular Cancer
Jesse Beck on Back Pain, Blood Clots, and Testicular Cancer
Episode 96
Jesse Beck’s journey with stage 3 testicular cancer began in an unexpected way: persistent back pain. At first, he chalked it up to getting older or from dancing again after years away, but the pain escalated until he could hardly walk or sit. Doctors initially suspected autoimmune issues, but tests eventually revealed enlarged lymph nodes, a tumor pressing into his spine, and dangerous blood clots in his iliac veins.
His diagnosis of 100% seminoma was both devastating and a relief - devastating because the tumor had spread, but a relief because seminoma typically responds well to chemotherapy. Jesse endured multiple ER visits, a painful orchiectomy, blood thinners, and three rounds of BEP chemotherapy. Within days of starting treatment, he felt the first real relief from the crushing spinal pain.
Throughout his journey, dance became his anchor. Even while using a cane and conserving energy, Jesse continued choreographing and teaching ballet classes as a way to hold onto joy and creativity during treatment. Support from his family and friends in both California and New York helped carry him through long hospital stays, setbacks, and scanxiety.
Now in remission but still managing lingering blood clots, Jesse is focusing on rebuilding both physically and mentally. His story is a reminder that back pain can be an overlooked symptom of testicular cancer, and that recovery is not just about being “cured," it’s also about navigating life after treatment with patience, resilience, and support.
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