JAMIE’S PERSONAL STORY AND WHY HE CHOOSES’S
TO RAISE MONEY FOR BLUE SEPTEMBER! 

It was June 2008, when I was experiencing some background pain shooting from my groin to my stomach. At first I didn't find it too concerning, but when it was still there the following morning, I decided to have a check of the sore areas. Whist in the shower I conducted an examination of my stomach, groin and testicles. To my shock I could feel a small lump on my left testicle, which made the alarm bells ring.   

Immediately after my shower I went on the internet to see what it could be. With so many possibilities coming up, I thought it was best that I head straight to the doctors. It was quite embarrassing letting my doctor have a look and a feel down there, but I knew something wasn't right, so it had to be done. My doctor ordered an urgent ultrasound and I was lucky enough to get it done that day.

Following the scan, I saw my doctor again and he immediately referred me to an Oncologist. After two appointments with my Oncologist and more scans and blood tests, it was decided that I had Testicular Cancer. Being told I had cancer was the scariest thing I have ever heard. I was only 27 years old, surely I was too young to get cancer. The battle plan was set - remove the testicle +/- radiotherapy. I now realized that I had to face up to this and deal with all my fears surrounding cancer.

The worst part is the waiting. I wanted everything dealt with the same day the words cancer were mentioned. However I had to go on the waiting list for theatre. Each day of waiting was a nightmare, millions of thoughts go through your head - is it spreading, will I get through this, am I strong enough??

Finally the day arrived, August 20th 2008, the day of my operation. It was a very scary experience, but I was glad it was finally being done. I had decided to have a prosthetic testicle inserted as well, which I was told might make recovery a bit more painful as it needs to settle and relax in place. I don't remember much straight after the operation, as I was on a lot of pain killers, but the days that followed were quite painful.

Once I had completely recovered, it was back to the Oncologist for a review and discussion on what the next step was. I was informed that it definitely was cancer and that it was recommended that I have Radiotherapy.

I went through 15 days of Radiotherapy; 5 days a week for three weeks. I went every afternoon after work to Peter Mac, were I was there for anywhere from 1 - 3 hours. I felt very nauseated and tired and my skin felt like it was permanently sunburnt. I also lost my hair on one side of my body from by stomach down.

While going through this experience my family and partner were extremely supportive, however I still needed to see a counsellor and take Anti-depressants to help me get through. Having Cancer and going through all the treatments is not only physically demanding but it definitely plays a tole on your feelings and emotions. 

Since then I have been in the clear and cancer-free. I still attend regular check-ups and appointments to make sure everything stays 100%.

I have such respect for those who are involved in the research, diagnosis, treatment and fundraising for cancer and I would like to thank all those people who cared for me and supported me through this terrible, but life changing experience. I now understand how precious and important life is and that we must do what we can to help others.

Thanks for the opportunity for me to share my story and raise more awareness for men and cancers. I am more than willing to help out where I can.