For those of you who are reading this for the first time, I was diagnosed with cancer on the 7th July 2020. Testicular cancer to be specific, and unfortunately, it has spread to my lungs.
But I want to go back in time and share more info on symptoms and what happened leading up to my day of diagnosis. My main aim is to raise awareness for it as I know most of the people who follow me on social media and read my blog posts are men aged between 18-35. And us men have an issue with sharing personal issues, which really is a great shame.
First symptoms
The first symptoms I noticed were when I got back from LA in March 2020. I had quite bad lower back pain. It felt like a dull ache. The same ache you would get if you slept funny or sat funny. I naturally thought it was from sitting at my computer for too long so I didn’t get it checked out.
A few weeks later in April the pain got really bad one night, to the point where I was writhing all over the place. I went to the hospital to get checked out and the first thing the doctor said to me was that it’s kidney stones. I was surprised as I didn’t have any other symptoms of kidney stones but the doctor knows better than me, so I’m going to believe whatever he says. They did all of the tests for kidney stones and everything came back negative. I ended up going home in the very early hours of the next day.
A few days later I went to have an ultrasound scan just to double-check there are no kidney stones. Again, nothing was found in the screening. I was then sent to see a doctor in the hospital who was asking about my symptoms and other questions in general.
I was a relatively fit healthy male who wasn’t overweight, didn’t drink, didn’t smoke, or anything else like that. I try and eat pretty healthy too and go to the gym a few times a week.
One of the questions the doctor did ask was if I were having any pain in my testicles. It was an unexpected question. But when he asked I remembered that I had been having a dull ache in my testicles. It’s the same feeling of being kicked in the nuts or accidentally sitting on your balls. But it would come and go fairly quickly so I never thought twice about it. At the same time, I had no lumps on my testicles so testicular cancer wasn’t something I even considered. After I answered this question, the doctor sent me home. This should have been the first sign something was wrong and unfortunately, I don’t think even the doctor expected that it was a sign of testicular cancer.
Things got better but then they got bad quickly
A month or two went by and most of my lower back pain had gone. I was feeling my normal self again. The testicular pain would come and go but again, it wasn’t anything painful enough where I felt like it was impacting my daily life.
Then in May or June, I can’t remember too well, my nipples became quite sore and there were lumps behind them. They were also super painful any time I would touch them. The only way I can describe the pain is that it feels like you’re being stabbed, it’s worse than the insertion of a needle.
My testicular pain also got worse. My left testicle specifically felt very tender and I started getting sharp pains going from testicles up to my abdomen as if someone was tearing/pulling the tube that’s connected to my testicle. It was a sharp pulsing pain that was excruciating. I knew then that I needed to see my doctor.
On 3rd July I went to go and see my doctor and told him about all of the issues I’ve been having and that I suspect it may be something serious, but never specifically said that I think it might be cancer. He examined me briefly and then sent me home. Again, because he’s the expert, I believed there was nothing serious going on so I went home thinking everything will be fine.
Shit hit the fan!
A few days later on the 6th July, things got really bad. I woke up that Monday morning and was having serious difficulty breathing. I could barely even talk. My breathing was so shallow and sharp. My lungs felt like they had closed up. It was absolutely terrifying and I can only imagine that it feels similar to suffocating.
An ambulance came and my breathing was getting better but I could tell there was something still seriously wrong. The paramedics examined me and said I need to go to the hospital for further checks as something like this isn’t normal and shouldn’t be happening.
I got to the hospital and straight away they carried out a bunch of blood tests, x-rays and CT scans. They found two blood clots in my lungs. These two blood clots were making it difficult for my lungs to function properly. Due to my lungs having to work harder, my heart also had to work harder to get blood pumping and oxygen around my body. So my resting heart rate was 120bpm! My normal resting heart rate before all of this was 70-80bpm.
Thankfully the blood clots can be resolved with blood thinning injections which I’m currently taking every day. It’s not pleasant at all and hurts like hell, but it has to be done.
However, the blood clots were caused by something else and that’s what led the doctors to find nodules in my lungs. Now the doctors were trying to work out why I had these nodules. They were able to see I had come to the hospital previously for lower back pain. So they carried out another CT scan of my abdomen and groin area. And I also had an ultrasound scan on my testicles.
The person carrying out the ultrasound was showing me what was on the screen and they could see that my left testicle had some abnormalities, but even they weren’t sure what they were as they hadn’t seen it before. And because I had no lumps, they were very unsure of what was going on.
I went back to my hospital bed and waited for a couple of hours. It was the longest wait of my life. But when the doctors came and pulled up a couple of chairs, I knew right away before they even said anything that I had cancer. It was a weird moment as I felt like I had already accepted it and I already knew. I was just waiting for confirmation.
So on the 7th July 2020 at around 3pm I was diagnosed with testicular cancer that had unfortunately spread to my lungs.
Next steps
I’m still waiting for a bit more information from my doctors but I know I need to have chemotherapy and I need to have surgery to have my left testicle cut out. My chemotherapy starts on the 28th July. I don’t know how many cycles I’ll have or what exactly they’ll be putting in me but I do know I’ll be going through it for the next 3-4 months.
Testicular cancer is very curable and it’s the only type of cancer that can be cured. The doctors tell me and everything I’ve read online says that I have a very high chance of getting out of this completely ok.
So please, if you’re a male, check yourself regularly. Sometimes you may not even have a lump and may just have a dull ache or pain. If you have lower back pain and sore nipples, get yourself checked out and specifically asked to be tested for cancer. It’s still a very rare disease so a lot of doctors don’t even think of it when treating a patient.
If you’d like to find out more about testicular cancer you can read about it here on the NHS website – Testicular Cancer NHS.
Brother, I started following you when I was 16. You have been my mentor for web design. When I heard about this it was horrible. The only thing I can tell you is “think positive”, everything will be fine brother. I promise you.
Prayers to you man, i know you will overcome all this. Thank you for such an informative post.
Be safe, man. That is probably the fear that we all live with. This stupid and terrible disease is getting more people everyday. I wish you a speedy recovery and thank you for sharing.
All the BEST!
Thank you and God bless you for sharing your story. One of my closest friends had testicular cancer over 20 years ago and he came through it like a boss. I am hopeful you will do the same.
You’ll get through this, man! Thank you so much for taking the time to spread awareness for this disease despite everything you must be feeling and going through right now. My mom was diagnosed with cancer last year after I took her to the ER for abdominal pain. The pain was just a minor infection, but the doctors just happened to find that she also had cancer that had spread around her body. That moment you described when the doctors came into the room and pulled up a chair and you just KNEW they were about to give bad news is something I can relate to with my mom from that day. I’m rooting for you, Oliur. You’re going to kick cancer’s ass!
Get well soon buddy. The world and your dear ones need you.
Thanks for having the courage to write this – more people need to check themselves and be aware. Best of luck to you – I hope the treatment goes well and that you’re better very soon!
Hey, I saw in your video that you wanted to hear from people with similar experiences.
I was diagnosed with testicular cancer back in 2013 when I was 22.
Similar to you, first in the family to ever get diagnosed with any cancer. Runner, lifter, no smoking, etc.
Just passed my 7th year post-cancer, but still not out of danger as we found a sessile serrated polyp in a recent colonoscopy – one of the most dangerous colorectal cancer precursors. It was supposed to be the post-observation hand-off year, when my GP would take control of my care, but this finding forces me to stay with my oncologist indefinitely.
I won’t say it gets easier emotionally, as each visit to the oncologist is still riddled with anxiety and fear. But there is peace with mortality, and genuine joy and appreciation for life and all the little things.
If you want to reach out, I’ll be happy to talk. Take your time
Thank you for sharing!
You’re strong Oliur, I am praying for you. You will come out of this stronger, more resilient, and with an enlightened spirit. I am sending positive energy your way, I know today is your first day of treatment, alway remember the discomfort is temporary.
Bruh continue to be strong, we’re here for you. You’ll always be in our prayers, so just continue to push through.
Stay strong, Oliur!
I hope to see you here again quickly!
Wishing you all best!
Nuno
Hi, hope you’re well.
After watching your recently upload on YT I thought I’d drop a message to see how you’re coping and well… if you’re coping…
I was on a similar position too long ago and well frankly understand your exact emotions right now. Anger, frustration, hurt, fear and even loneliness.
Regardless of having loving friends and supportive family around you, you feel it’s a battle you’ll have to face alone because that’s how you’ve always lived. It’s a horrible feeling.
I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer last year. Being the youngest and the baby of the family I was petrified to leave everything. Because that’s what the big C always leads to it seems. Departure.
Ofcourse as I’ve reach out to you, it’s clear that’s not what happened praise the lord but the road wasn’t easy.
What I’m trying to say is, things will get worse mentally before they get better and there will be times where you want to give up but fight that dark cloud. Looking after yourself mentally. Find people to help you emotionally and let the doctors and god heal you physically.
Regards,
A
Have been following you since the day you were active making theme pages for Tumblr. I always enjoy your content. And keep you in prayer bro. Somehow, when such things happen, it really leads us think what’s the most important things in life….
I believe you will come through.
Thank you for sharing your story, man. My mum was diagnosed with cancer in 2010, so I recognise some of those emotions you’re describing. It’s scary but it’s super important that you stay strong and surround yourself with positive energy and good vibes.
All the best
Stay strong
Thank You for sharing your experience man. Im 19 years old and this story inpired me to be aware of things that can come so unexpected in life. I’ll be sure to spread awareness,meanwhile keep safe and stay strong…you’re in our prayers
All the way from South Africa
Leo
Thank you for sharing your experience with us Oliur. Stay strong <3 hope to see you and your amazing work here again quickly!
Wishing you all best!
You are a strong and courageous man!
I wish you could get over this shit that is cancer.
Many readers or viewers support you and think of you even if they don’t comment …
See you SOON.
So you didn’t have any lump at all? That’s so strange.. I always thought you’d be able to detect it early from just checking your balls…. Good luck man
Quick recovery Oluir. God’s got you and He will be with you through all this. Be blessed🙏🏾
Thanks for sharing and my prayers with you for a speedy recovery!
Hope you’re doing well. I also was kick starting my photography business when I had I found out I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. It can be overwhelming. But your pride and confidence will overcome the situation if you always think positive. Been such a fan of your business and lifestyle for several years now. Keep strong!
I hope you pull through to the other side.
Get well soon sir
Wishing you well and a full recovery. Thanks for sharing your story. Sending you prayers for healing, strength and continued courage.
Thanks being vulnerable and open to share this. I’m sure you’re helping others who may be brushing off something that could be, potentially, some more serious.
Sending you healing thoughts.
Thanks for sharing your story. I can see the importance of multiple medical opinions. They are just human after all. Wishing you well. You got this.
– Thomas
Stay strong man, you’re an inspiration to so many of us. We’re behind you.
Stay strong and thanks for sharing your story, it’s a brave thing to do ❤️
I was recommended your video on YouTube and honestly, I do not know much about who you are or what type of videos you make. As a fellow man, I just wanted to send my thoughts and prayers to you, perhaps as a small token of encouragement and sympathy. Everything will turn out just fine in the end, I am sure, but I wish you strength and steadiness in your treatment process. May you get well soon.
Hey, saw your video on youtube. Sending you love and prayers from Vancity 💖
Thank you for making the effort to share this. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
I’m a subscriber and don’t comment usually, just wanted to say I really enjoy your videos and content. The news sucks, theres no 2 ways about it. Thanks for updating us on the symptoms and how you’re feeling now. Can’t even imagine what you’re going through, keep strong brother.
Wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery
Hey Oliur!
I hope you get well soon! Stay strong, you will get through this. Keep us posted on your progress. We would all love to know how you are progressing.
Sending love and prayers from Toronto❣️
Stay strong 💪
Oliur,
I have been with you for a long time on the internet, especially on your website theultralinx. I’ve been following your posts and wishing for your improvement as soon as possible. Hold on, everything will be fine. A big hug from your Brazilian follower here.
I’m so sorry to hear that. Love your videos and Instagram posts, love yuour style. Almost mesmirizing to watch your videos in stressful times.
My deepest thoughts and greatest thanks for your sharing this story. I am fit, exercise and eat well. But I haven’t bene to teh dopctor’s in over a decade. I will certainly take my health more seriously.
Just read this, thanks for sharing. Be well…cheering for you
Thinking of you. Stay strong. Get well soon.
Been a fan of you since 7 years ago… I think. Love your work, online magazine and themes. Syafakallah… Insyallah I pray you’re getting well soon.
Hey man, I dont know you. But I had your video recomended to me on YouTube and I wanted to give you the best of luck I can offer! You will beat this my friend! I hope chemo has gone well and you will give us an update soon!
Hey, i saw the video on your YouTube channel i really hope that you will survive the cancer i wish you the best of luck I am with you
stay strong man! your whole community is with you.
Thanks for writing this. Lots of things I had no idea about. So glad you beat it.
What a post. Fuck cancer.