In November 2019, Belfast man Adam (39) was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

He had noticed a change in size and a ‘dragging’ feeling in his testicles. “I was late to work one day because I wasn’t feeling right. It’s unlike me to be ill and so my old manager Neil, who is also one of my closest friends, noticed. We got talking and he persuaded me to go to the doctors.  

“I got an appointment that Monday afternoon – it was 5th November. The doctor examined me and advised that he’d found a lump on my right testicle. He said he would flag it up for a scan as soon as possible.   

“Even at that stage, when it was still uncertain, I felt numb. I was scared, really scared. I just knew something was wrong.  

“The scan took place two days later. The team at the City Hospital’s Cancer Centre was amazing. The consultant confirmed that it was testicular cancer, kindly explained what exactly it was and what the next steps were going to be. At that very first appointment I was asked if I wanted to donate sperm and if I wanted a prosthetic testicle. It was clear that things were going to happen and happen quickly.  

“I was taken into hospital on Friday 9th November, two days after the diagnosis. On the Sunday I had the right testicle removed and at the same time had the prosthesis inserted. It’s great! It matched exactly the size and shape of what it had looked like before so no one can tell it’s a fake! 

“The recovery after the surgery was ok. I had to take it easy for a week. I then had a dose of chemo one month later. I didn’t find it as bad as I had thought it would be, but a week after the chemo I took a reaction to the treatment and was quite sick, so ended back in the Cancer Centre for tests. The medical team were amazing and prescribed medication to combat any side effects I was feeling.   

Getting back

“I was keen to get back to work and returned about six weeks after surgery. In hindsight, it was probably too early for me so I would advise anyone in a similar position to be mindful of going back to work too earlier as my mobility definitely took a hit. I had issues with my hip and I was tired a lot. Just moving around tired me out.  

“My diagnosis definitely changed my life. It changed me for the better. I gave up booze, I focused on myself and I learnt to deal with my emotions better. I’m feeling good, much healthier and I care about my body a lot more. 

Support network

“I’ve been so fortunate to have such support since my diagnosis. The NHS, the Cancer Centre and my cancer nurse Mel have been amazing.  Any issue, and I know I can contact Mel and she’ll put my mind at rest. I also couldn’t have done it without the help of Cancer Focus NI and my amazing counsellor Barbara.  

“Barbara helped me to better understand how I was feeling, and to realise that it was normal. She also taught me tools and techniques to help me manage my anxiety around blood tests. I used to get so anxious when I was due blood tests but now I have learnt not to worry until the night before. I have had to accept that having bloods and scans taken is going to be a part of my life for a while, but with every blood test and scan it gets easier. 

“My housemates Jane and John have been so supportive, especially Jane who has been a great listener and has helped me through the whole process. And of course, my mum and close friends have all been so, so supportive. I didn’t know how much I needed people until this happened. I honestly feel like it’s made me a better, more appreciative person. 

“My advice would be that if you notice something different down there, or if something doesn’t feel right, please just bite the bullet call your GP. Don’t be embarrassed. Believe me, they have seen everything! 

“Without that first initial push from my friend I’m not sure when I would have made an appointment and who knows how that story could have ended. So please, if you know something is wrong, don’t delay. Get it checked out. It may be nothing. But if it is cancer, you will not go through it alone. There are people there to help.”