From Testicular Cancer to Living with a Brain Tumor for Life
From Testicular Cancer to Living with a Brain Tumor for Life
Episode 126
In this episode of It Takes Balls, Taylor Woods shares one of the most extraordinary journeys ever featured on the podcast. What began with sitting on his enlarged testicle and doctors believing he was dealing with a bacterial infection ultimately became a diagnosis of advanced testicular cancer that had already spread throughout his body. After living with symptoms for more than a year, Taylor learned he had a 17-centimeter testicular tumor, cancer in his lymph nodes, multiple nodules in his lungs, and a tumor pressing against his brain.
Taylor walks through undergoing an orchiectomy (testicle removal surgery), four rounds of BEP chemotherapy, TIP chemotherapy, multiple rounds of radiation, and several brain surgeries after developing brain metastases. He shares the terrifying experience of seizures, kidney failure that delayed surgery, a stem cell transplant at Fred Hutch, and living with a titanium plate. Despite enduring more treatment than most typical testicular cancer survivors, Taylor continues fighting with remarkable optimism while managing an active brain tumor and ongoing surveillance.
The conversation also explores life after cancer, including adapting to permanent disability, returning to school to study graphic design after seizures changed the course of his career, and finding purpose through creativity. Throughout the episode, Taylor repeatedly comes back to one message: self-advocacy matters. Looking back, he wishes he had sought a second opinion sooner after being told his symptoms were caused by an infection, and he hopes others will trust their instincts when something doesn't feel right.
Although Taylor refers to himself as a "warrior" rather than simply a survivor, his story is ultimately one of resilience, hope, and perseverance. Whether you're navigating a testicular cancer diagnosis, facing recurrence, supporting a loved one, or learning about brain metastases, chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, and survivorship, this episode is a powerful reminder that every day is worth fighting for.
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