The Wait

If all goes well, then I will have the displeasure of saying I have cancer for a mere 3 to 4 weeks. If things don’t go so well and I need further treatment, that could stretch by a few more weeks. This would be awful. Still though, some people have the condition for months on end, and their experience of it is a lot worse than mine. For this reason alone, I cannot complain about the waiting times I’ve had so far or in the run up to surgery.

I haven’t waited more than 1 week between each stage, test or appointment. I’ve mentioned it before in the Finding Out blog, but this may have something to do with COVID-19 and some hospital wards being emptier than usual as a result. It may usually always be this quick due to the seriousness of cancer, I haven’t a clue.

All I know is that it has been incredibly quick and the NHS have been (as expected) nothing but amazing with me.

Happy, fortunate and appreciative that things are moving forward quickly. This is how I should feel but patience is a virtue of which I have diddly squat. Impatience is possibly my biggest downfall. I’d probably turn down the chance of a million quid if I had to bloody queue for it. At the time of writing this I’m just a day away from surgery and I’ve only had to wait 2 weeks in total since finding out. I’m not complaining, but boy am I ready for them to take my bollock away!

Size Update

I’m still a little bit upset and disappointed about losing one of them, of course. I was quite fond of both of them and we had some great times together. As with many relationships, things can change over time and one of you may outgrow the other. This is definitely happening here! Recently, within the last day or two, I’ve upgraded from a tangerine to an orange. That sounds like I’m talking about a new piece of fancy tech, but I am of course talking about the size of my tumour. This thing is literally like a ball and chain. As it is now, I would pay you to take it from me. Now, please.

How to Deal with the Wait

Something you should definitely not do during the wait up to surgery is dwell on it. Now is not the time for over-thinking or working yourself up. Now is the time for keeping yourself busy and in a positive state of mind. We’ve spoken about the importance of talking to people, but when no one is around you still need to keep yourself occupied and busy, even if you do have the patience of a saint.

Writing this blog has given me something to focus on and keep positive about. Writing is both my passion and my bread winner, so for me this was an easy choice. Perhaps you may have a hobby or skillset that can keep you busy throughout the wait? Maybe you have a project you’ve wanted to work on for a while but haven’t been able to find the time? After surgery, you’ll have a lot of free time on your hands to recover, so you can use this time to finish something that’s been overhanging for a while or start something new and exciting!

Things You Should Do

• Continue to talk to your friends and family
• Complete your research into testicular cancer
• Prepare your home for your aftercare following surgery
• Exercise (if you can whilst carrying a fruit-sized obstacle)
• Remain positive for yourself and others around you

Things You Can Do

• Write a blog, book, diary or anything else that may help you deal with your situation
• Raise some awareness and spread the word (please share this blog)
• Start a fundraising campaign
• Think of a name for your new prosthetic (I’m going for Prosthetio – or Pete – not sure yet)

Surgery is Tomorrow!

That’s all for now folks! My surgery is tomorrow so this will be my last blog until my recovery. My last blog with 2 human testicles! I hope the story so far has been enjoyable, insightful and helpful. I really hope the advice and the insight helps others who may be going through the same thing or something similar. Testicular cancer is beatable if you notice it and call it in early enough, I hope my next blog proves that. See you on the other side folks, wish me luck!