It Was Easy To IGNORE My Symptoms! - Josh | Testicular Cancer | The Patient Story

Josh said it was easy to ignore his symptoms of testicular cancer. He was experiencing back pain, abdominal pain, and chest pain, and in a job where he lifts things a lot, Josh thought he was just in his head. Even after a routine yearly physical for his job, Josh described his symptoms to the doctor, and they prescribed him with an inhaler.

When Josh discovered a mass on his testicle, he still didn’t think it would be cancer. After an ultrasound of the mass and a CT scan, they found over 20 lesions on Josh’s lungs. He would have surgery to remove the mass, and that’s when Josh was diagnosed with Stage 3A testicular cancer.

In this cancer vlog, Josh describes the grueling moments during BEP chemotherapy. He also brings insight to how there needs to be more conversations surrounding testicular cancer and how no one should be embarrassed to talk about it.

#cancerstories #cancerpatient #cancersurvivor #patientstories #thepatientstory #testicularcancer #tscsm #chemotherapy #chemotherapysideeffects

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[Video Chapters]

00:00 Who I Am
00:22 My first symptoms
02:17 I thought it was all in my head
03:20 Eventually I felt a mass
04:22 I had an ultrasound and CT scan
06:00 Getting my diagnosis was a whirlwind
06:59 They did surgery to remove the mass
08:24 Describing an orchiectomy (removal of testicle)
10:08 My diagnosis explained
10:30 The treatment plan
11:08 My side effects of the chemotherapy
12:45 My follow-up scan after chemo finished
13:45 The stigma surrounding testicular cancer
15:00 How I am living my life after cancer
16:10 My biggest advice

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The interview has only been edited for clarity. The interview has only been edited for clarity.

It Was Easy To IGNORE My Symptoms! - Josh | Testicular Cancer | The Patient Story

[barneyclancy]

Josh your a good kid, you articulated your story in the best i’ve ever heard . good luck buddy

[faithf]

There should be testicular cancer scan for men starting at age 20. You have educated the patient story significantly. Thank you. Josh, praying 🙏 you become stronger and healthier everyday.

[dollymando]

A very well spoken and articulate young man. I have 2 adult son’s and I will discuss the importance of regular checks

[kayaker]

Wow, very well said. I am a mom of 64, I lost my mom to lung cancer, taking her to the ER and have them say, she is only dehydrated and me arguing with the ER doctor, that there is something else going on, do a scan or run tests. Too many other people I know have gone to doctors only to be told, "you are too young". NO, nobody is too young to get any cancer, after losing two friends in their early 30's to breast cancer, this back 30 years ago, something needs to change in the medical world. We know our bodies, so anyone who reads this, keep advocating for yourself and your family. Prayers for you Josh, keep doing what you can holistically and that will help tremendously, but push the medical people more if you being to have any inkling again.

[CkCmilliemoo]

I wish you well. You speak so clearly and easy to listen to.

[TheyfoundRickGrimes]

A very, very inspirational young man!! 👏🏻✨👏🏻

[LadyCatherine]

Bravo! This young man is a beacon of light for those with testicular cancer. No shame in talking about any part of one’s body when self advocacy is required.
Triumphant! Blessed and joyful. Keep us posted on your progress.

[bekind]

Thank you, Josh. You are an excellent speaker and very clear in your presentations. Wishing you a rapid recovery.

[makedreamsareality]

Crazy how the doctors fail us way too often minimizing symptoms especially when you’re younger! Sending prayers your way man 💪🏽🙏🏽

[charliebetts]

You are an excellent motivational speaker…God Bless You

[msaunsha]

Thanks for sharing your story, Josh. Prayers up for better health and that you experience a long, joyous life ahead. 🙏🏽 I’m a breast cancer fighter, so I understand the struggles. Hang in there buddy. 🩷

[valleus]

i've just been in remission for a few months from stage three prostate cancer. Even though our cancers are different, it's still cancer. And I've been there where people had told me to ignore it or this is the cancer I want to have if you're going to have cancer. That just sounds horrible to me who wants cancer. Take all cancer seriously and if your doctors are taking it lightly or you feel you're being gaslit get another opinion. It's your life. I appreciate your video, and help me to clear my head of recent concerns and I do just what you're talking about. I get out in nature as much as possible and just explore and walk around. The world is at my fingertips and I want to be present. You're inspiring your charismatic you articulate so well.
I hope your cancer is gone forever and it never comes back. Through my cancer journey I lost two friends to metastatic disease. One of those friends did assisted suicide in Switzerland recently . You're good people. More power to you .Kristo ❤

[Dublin]

Thank you for sharing. I wish you all the best❤

[Pensacola]

My son’s best friend was diagnosed with Stage 3 testicular cancer at just 18. The past year he went to the doctor complaining of pain. They said it was nothing. He went again, no testing. They took him to the ER and was told it was an STD even after telling the dr he has been in a committed relationship for 4 yrs. He left with a Rx but never tested him. Finally after 8 months, his parents demanded an ultrasound and finally got the answer to his pain.

[lindasamson]

Hello Josh! Thank you for sharing your story and getting the message out there for men to do self checks. Being a woman, I did not realize that this is something that is not typically recommended by a doctor. My cousin ( in his mid 50’s) had this cancer and was successfully treated. Best of luck with your journey. I am sure you are saving at least one life by making this video. ❤

[suesingleton]

You talk all you need to talk about your testicular cancer. You have nothing to be ashamed of...indeed be proud of how you are handling it. The more you learn the more you need to share. Males need to hear about testicular cancer!

[yemref]

One of the best patient stories I've ever watched.
You are a great guy Josh and thank you!

[sueu]

I wish you well🫶 We, cancer patients understand your journey.

[modelagirl]

May you continue to do well physically, continue caring for yourself mentally & emotionally.
You are a wonderful speaker and I hope you motivate other young men to be proactive & advocate for changes in attitudes.
Blessed be

[Hannahnana-nana]

Im really glad you are persevering! Please keep up with your health. Fighting!