Hi, everyone!
The name's Merv.
First of all, please accept my appolies - I've not been diagnosed with testicular cancer... at least not yet. But a few days ago, I noticed a small firm lump that seems to be tucked away behind my left testicle. It's rather small - I'd say about the size of a small pea - but deffinately there... I discovered it only because I happened to be laying in bed at an odd angle and felt it when 'adjusting myself'.
Now, I wasn't too alarmed at first because I'm pretty good at checking myself regularly and have never found anything of concern. So I stood up and had a really good fumble around down there... nothing at first, but then... THERE! A LUMP! tucked away, almost hiding. And then I panicked - my stomach turned. A LUMP!
I phoned my GP straight away and got a same-day appointment. She examined me and, after having a bit of trouble finding the little bugger herself, we sat down for a chat.
She basically told me that she didn't THINK the lump was anything sinister, but... because it's quite small and tucked away, she was concerned it may have been there for some time before it was found - she also advised that she couldn't be sure it isn't on (rather than behind) the testicle. So, she's arranged for me to see a specialist for an ultrasound.
From what I've read online, I'm thinking I may have a cyst. The lump seems firm, yet tender if I gently squash it - the tenderness (mild pain?) seems to be felt more in the lump itself as well as whatever tubey things that are attached to the testicle rather than the whole testicle itself. I don't have any other symptoms other than a little discomfort in the lumpy bit from messing around with it. It seems to be smooth and round in shape.
However... having said all that, I'm not ashamed to say that I'm now bricking it! I'm thinking that the doc thinks it's likely cancer - why else would they send me for the ultrasound? Was the "I don't think it's anything to worry about" remark just an attempt to put me at ease?
I'm especially gutted as I check myself so regularly, yet I still managed to miss this thing! How? I honestly don't know. If it turns out to be cancer, I've no idea what I'm going to do - I haven't even been for the scan yet, and I'm already worrying myself stupid.
I was just wondering if anyone would like to share how they first discovered something may be wrong?
Hi MervBoy I’d like to offer you a warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community. I’m sorry to read about your lump but you’ve come to the right place to talk to other people who have been or are in the same situation and help you get through this.
My cancer is different, but a cancer diagnosis of any kind makes us ask lots of questions, causes confusion, stress and probably emotions we’ve never experienced before. You’ve joined our Testicular cancer group so this will be a good place to connect with others in the same situation. When we've all been thorough in checking ourselves it always come as a massive shock when we're put on a 2 week wait cancer pathway.
It’s always helpful to others if you write a little something (or a lot) about yourself and your journey to date. You can enter it into your profile (click on your username and select “Profile”) It’s helpful to other members with a similar diagnosis who can then hopefully answer your questions. It also means that you don't have to keep writing the same thing over and over. You can amend or update it at any time.
To find more information covering diagnosis and treatments there are pages covering most types of cancers which can be found on our Online Information and Support Section.
Macmillan Support Services also offer lots of information, support, financial guidance or just someone to listen. It’s free to call 0808 808 0000. Most services are available 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. Have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two to three working days for replies from our expert team.
Sending you welcoming hugs B xx
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
"Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever” - Roy T Bennett
