Partner diagnosed with non-seminoma TC with metastasis- support and help

Niya26 1 month ago

3 replies
8 subscribers
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Hello everyone,

My long-term partner has been diagnosed with non-seminomatous testicular cancer. A subclavicular lymph node biopsy showed a mix of 50% embryonal carcinoma, 45% teratoma, and 5% yolk sac tumour. It has metastasised to his lymph nodes, specifically the retroperitoneal lymph nodes, and they have also mentioned involvement near the diaphragm.

He started 4xBEP chemotherapy just three days after diagnosis. I’ve read that even in metastatic cases there are still good cure rates, which gives me some hope. Everything has been such a whirlwind of emotions, and I feel very overwhelmed. The doctors have said he is tolerating the chemotherapy well so far.

We were long-distance for some time and had been making plans to be together again when this happened. He is currently receiving treatment in Singapore.

On top of that, I lost my brother to leukemia a little over a year ago. Things seemed to be going well until they suddenly weren’t, and this is bringing back a lot of that stress and fear.

I’m looking for advice on how best to support him during treatment. Anything that worked for you and might be helpful when the chemo side effects start. I’m travelling to be with him so I can support him in person, and I would really appreciate hearing from others who have supported a partner through something similar

I didn’t know where else to turn for advice. The more I read online, the more overwhelmed I feel, and it can get quite isolating.

Thank you so much!

Millibob 1 month ago

Helllo Niya26

I am Brian, one of the Community Champions here on the online Community. I have just noticed your post has gone unanswered. I can't answer it myself as I have a different cancer, however by me replying your post will be "bumped up" to the top of the page and I hope seen and answered by other members of the testicular cancer group.

I am sure once you get to Singapore your support will be brilliant - in the meantime just talking to him and being there for him (Teams chats or wats App conversations) will be a great boost to him.

Best wishes - Brian.

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Will100 1 month ago

Hi, your partners story sounds similar to mine. At the start of December 2025 what i thought was a testicular infection was rediagnosed as a testicular cancer and i had to immediately undergo 5 x cycles of intensive BEP chemotherapy (I'm in the uk)

My thinking is that the very fact you are posting in this forum to ask this question demonstrates what a good job you'll do of supporting him. Everyone is different, but I guess on the emotional side its about taking his lead on when to talk about it whilst remembering to try and find a way for you to receive the emotional support you need too.

On the physical side, from my own experience whilst at home between cycles (or during ambulatory chemo which i had for cycles 3&4) things I found very useful was fetching things or if I was to be left alone for a time to make sure I had everything I needed to hand; a bit of visiting coordination help for friends and family popping round, and perhaps the most helpful was researching and cooking healthy chemo-friendly meals.

Its tough but I have no doubt that with you by his side he's going to have the best support he possibly can.

Ludwig VK 26 days ago

It sounds to me like you're already doing a wonderful job of supporting him. When I was dealing with my diagnosis and treatment, I found that knowledge was power, even if that can be scary you at least know what you're dealing with. By doing the research, you're definitely giving yourself the best chance to support him as best you can. And love, just loads of love, whatever that may look like in your relationship. Take care, and look after yourself too in all of this.

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