So as many of may already know I recently had to say farewell to "Righty" because of a conflict of interest. Namely, he decided he wanted try living with testicular cancer and I disagreed. So the doctor performed an unilateral orchiectomy, removing my right testicle. We are still waiting on the results of the biopsy and blood-work, but as long as the tumor has not metastasized, that should be the end of it.
Now I have a 3 inch wound on my right pelvic region. Which, in the grand scheme of things, is not that big of deal, but it does mean that I am and will be bound to limited physical activity for a while. No lifting, no Paddling, no P90X, and no romance...at least not of the pnysical variety.
I want to assure everyone, however, that as soon as I am ready, I will be back at it harder than ever. I have many great things planned for this year, including an expedition in Ecuador that will, if all goes according to plan, take place in January/February. I am also going to get in touch with the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation to see what I can do to help raise awareness in and around the paddling community.
Bottom line, check your nuts boys, not everyday because you'll never feel a change, but every month or so. Tell your friends to do the same and maybe, just maybe, you can catch it early like I did, saving you and your family a lot of heartache.
Keep your paddle wet and your balls cancer free.
Jake
http://testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/
