161: Brian Vesall survived Stage 2A testicular cancer | orchiectomy | bleomycin | etopside | cisplatin | teratoma

In 2021, Brian Vesall noticed some pain in one of his testicles when getting in his car.  He sought medical attention, which led to his getting an ultrasound.  After briefly looking at the scan, a urologist confirmed to Brian that he had Stage 2A testicular cancer.  He underwent an orchiectomy to remove the cancerous testicle, followed by an aggressive chemotherapy regimen of bleomycin, etopiside and cisplatin.  But he wasn't done.  Brian also underwent an additional surgical procedure to remove approximately 30 lymph nodes.  As daunting as his treatment was, Brian chose to address it with a sense of humor, which he still has after achieving survivorship and advocating for other men diagnosed with testicular cancer.   Brian's cancer journey began when he felt pain in a testicle as he was getting in his car.  Upon further inspection, he noticed a "hard spot on one side."  He immediately went to see his primary physician, who sent him to a urologist.  The urologist called for an ultrasound and only minutes after seeing its results told Brian he had Stage 2A testicular cancer.  The diagnosis was confirmed with Alpha-Fetaprotein and BHCG, or, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin tests, whose results were far above the normal range.   Addressing his cancerous testicle meant just one remedy, an orchiectomy, surgery that would remove the testicle.  Diagnosed on September 27, 2021, Brian had the procedure done just three days later.  He was told to avoid any lifting and really, just about any type of strenuous physical activity.   In November 2021, the surgery was followed by three rounds of BEP chemotherapy, which stood for bleomycin, etopiside and cisplatin.  Brian said he suffered the usual side effects, including cognitive issues, fatigue and hair loss.    In addition, Brian Vesall had to undergo an additional surgical procedure known as RPLND, or Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection in June 2022, to remove approximately 30 lymph nodes   Brian's health is pretty much back to normal, but a byproduct of his treatment regimen is that he suffers from retrograde ejaculation, meaning that semen travels backward into the bladder during orgasm instead of exiting the penis.   By way of advice, Brian Vesall says if you experience the symptoms of testicular cancer, you should act right away, and at all times, be your own advocate   Additional Resources:   Support Groups:   Man Up To Cancer: https://www.manuptocancer.org   The Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org   Brian's Speech at TCAF's San Diego Conference: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/blog/tcc-2024-vesall   Brian's Appearance on the TCAF "It Takes Balls" podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/blog/brian-vesall-it-takes-balls-podcast-guest