Survivor - Year 3

On April 19, 2004, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Three days earlier the reaction of my ultrasound Radiologist told me I had cancer. But protocol required that I wait for my Urologist to tell me on that following Monday.

On April 24 I had an orchiectomy performed (my 46th birthday). A CT scan on May 7 discovered a tumor wrapped around my aorta. Chemotherapy began May 17 and was complete on July 2, 2004. The chemo kicked my ass. And it killed the cancer.

Today I celebrate three years of life fighting and surviving cancer. I thank my doctors, nurses and other medical professionals for their wonderful care. I thank my lousy insurance company for fulfilling their part of our contract. I thank Lance Armstrong for giving me faith that this cancer could be beaten. And I thank God for making me well and allowing me to live in a nation and a time where this high level of healthcare is available and timely.

My experience with cancer has changed me. I appreciate my wife and children more. I have become more generous. I have taken up new interests, crazy things like barbecue, blogging and wooden boats. I have also developed a selfish need to see other people be happy. I find ways to do this without even thinking.

I am one of the lucky ones.

Testicular Cancer Research Center