Luke opens up about the physical toll of treatment, including fatigue and side effects, as well as the mental challenges that came with such an unexpected turn. From scan anxiety to continuing therapy during treatment, he shares how he navigated both the data-driven decisions and the emotional weight of cancer.
Read MoreBeyond the event itself, the episode reinforces the mission: raising awareness and promoting early detection. Listeners are reminded of the importance of monthly testicular self-exams, common symptoms, and how early diagnosis can lead to high cure rates, especially when detected early.
More than anything, this episode is about community and turning awareness into action to provide meaningful support to those affected by testicular cancer.
Read MoreThis episode highlights the importance of recognizing testicular cancer symptoms, advocating for your health, and understanding that survivorship is about more than just treatment—it’s about rebuilding physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Read MoreBeyond treatment, this episode explores the importance of being treated at high-volume centers, avoiding overtreatment, and understanding the long-term effects of both surgery and chemotherapy. Dr. Daneshmand also discusses the status and future of MicroRNA 371 biomarker testing.
Read MoreOsvaldo walks through the shock of hearing “you have cancer,” undergoing an orchiectomy, and waking up to learn that the his testicle had been completely removed. He candidly describes the emotional reality of losing a testicle, the confusion around what doctors were removing, and the relief of finally being free from the constant pain after surgery. His story is an important reminder that testicular cancer symptoms can include a lump, swelling, heaviness, and persistent back pain — and that early detection can save your life.
Read MoreWhether you’re navigating a testicular cancer diagnosis, supporting someone going through treatment, or simply learning more about testicular cancer symptoms, recurrence, and survivorship, Greg’s story is a powerful reminder that early detection matters—and that strength often shows up in the determination to keep fighting, even when the battle returns.
Read MoreIn this episode of It Takes Balls, Eduardo Celis, a Venezuelan-American, shares his journey through testicular cancer at age 35, a diagnosis that can feel especially unexpected for men who consider themselves healthy and in their prime. Eduardo opens up about noticing changes after a vasectomy, navigating the uncertainty of symptoms, and ultimately hearing the words no one expects.
Read MoreJustin underwent four rounds of VIP chemotherapy (cisplatin, etoposide, and ifosfamide), administered inpatient 24 hours a day for a week at a time. He openly discusses the brutal side effects of chemo, including severe pain, tinnitus from cisplatin, dangerously low platelet counts, and the emotional toll of living in the oncology ward. After chemo reduced the tumor to a dead mass, he endured an 8.5-hour open chest surgery, losing two-thirds of his right lung, part of his heart wall, and major veins that had to be reconstructed.
Read MoreThe discussion explores the differences between BEP, EP, VIP, and TIP chemotherapy regimens, including when and why each is used, how doctors balance cure rates with toxicity, and why lung health, kidney function, age, and patient goals matter when choosing treatment. Dr. Feldman also explains why cisplatin remains superior to carboplatin in advanced germ cell tumors, when surveillance is preferred over treatment in stage 1 disease, and how overtreatment can carry long-term risks.
Read MoreBrian then speaks on the physical and mental toll of treatment, including the realities of chemotherapy side effects, trauma-related memory gaps, hearing loss, and long-term survivorship challenges. Brian opens up about navigating work, marriage, and mental health during treatment, as well as the shock of discovering a second testicular cancer diagnosis years later — this time during a period of major life upheaval that included separation, a new job, and relocation.
Read MoreAs a Gulf War veteran, Don also discusses potential links between toxic exposure, burn pits, and testicular cancer, and shares critical information about the VA PACT Act, which recognizes testicular cancer as a presumptive condition for eligible veterans. His perspective as both a patient and physician makes this episode an informative and empowering discussion on early detection, survivorship, advocacy, and navigating cancer care with urgency and intention.
Read MoreColin also opens up about the emotional side of diagnosis, including what he describes as “coming out of the cancer closet” — deciding who to tell, when to tell them, and how much to share. The episode explores the vulnerability of living publicly with cancer while trying to maintain independence, humor, and control. During treatment, Colin found comfort in unexpected ways, from bringing plushies to chemo to reclaiming his identity through creativity and play.
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