I thought id update this post with some general information about my condition. I hope to god that none of you have to ever go through this. However, if I can make you aware of some of the symptoms, circumstances, and issues that I faced, it could potentially help you, or someone you know down the road.
I've noticed that almost all of us on this forum are of a similar age group. 20-30. Myself, im 27.
A few weeks prior to my diagnosis, I noticed a lump on one of my testicles. I became suspicious of it as i recently saw a tv program discussing cancer. I visited my General practitioner (Family Doctor) for a check up. He informed me that it was nothing to worry about, and that it was a cyst that is extremely common in young men. Ive never had any health problems for 27 years, so i instantly thought to myself, "This guy is a doctor, and knows what he is talking about. Who am I to question his judgment". After feeling relieved, I went home and simply dismissed it. ( I later heard numerous cases of Doctors dismissing lumps, and not referring patients for further examinations due to expense)
A few weeks later, I got extremely lucky and felt pain in the testicle, which radiated to the lower back. This pain happened twice. Rather then acting all manly and dismissing it, I went straight back to the doctor's. They thought it was a torsion (twisting of the testicles), and referred me to hospital. At hospital, they performed a number of tests. I asked them to scan me, but was met with resistance. Apparently, using equipment like an ultrasound is also expensive, etc. An hour later they scanned me and found the tumor.
i wont bore you all with the rest of the details, as you can find them in this thread. However, here's some advice i have to all of you.
1) Check your testicles on a regular basis (once every 2 weeks seems reasonable). Girls, check your breast every 2 weeks as well. Get to know your private areas, and body in general for that matter, so that if something does seem out of the ordinary, you can act on it immediately.
2) A good portion of family doctors and GP'S dismiss lumps as "nothing to worry about". Ever since i was diagnosed, several others that are close to me have reported similar symptoms. Their doctor's also informed them that it is just a harmless cyst. Here's the thing however, there is no difference between a cyst and tumor lump. The only sure way to find out is to get it Scanned.
3) The lump can be painless or feel like a dull ache. Most men ignore this as having a problem down below can be embarrassing. Doctors are used to seeing genitals on a regular basis. Get over it, and get checked.
4) Other symptoms involved the scrotum becoming enlarged by fluid.
5) Back pain, abdomen pain, and coughing up blood can be signs of the cancer spreading.
Here's a video which sums up everything I've said.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z6QGK_yook
5) Finally, after researching like a madman, Ive noticed that modern day medicine dismiss the idea that certain foods and drinks, can combat cancer, and restrict its growth. This was further reinforced to me by the Doctors at the cancer clinic. However. there is a ton of research on certain foods which have been proven to effect cancer cells, and micro tumors. Some cancer research groups are finally starting to come around to these findings, and are investigating them further. Below is a list of "cancer fighting foods. Foods that are good for your cells and immune system", and "foods that damage cells and enhance cancer".
Foods that help your cells and battle cancer.
1)Tumeric
2) Japanese green tea
3) Dark chocolate >70% cocao
4) Cabbage, sprouts, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, broccoli, kale, oranges etc.
5) Omega 3 fats, such as Salmon. avoid Omega 6 fats like the plague.
6) blue berrys, strawberrys etc.
7) There are tons more. Research on google for more food.
These foods contain certain chemicals that strengthen you immune system and cells. While this is by no means a cure, or a definite way to fight cancer, it could potentially help us by who knows how much percent (5%, 25%, 50%). ?
Obviously, if you already have cancer, then please go with modern day medicine. (Chemotherapy, Radiation, surgery, etc). Changing your diet, can only benefit you anyway, so there's no harm in giving it a go whilst receiving treatment, or as a prevention method.
Bad foods
1) processed food (frozen process food that you put in the oven) i.e pizza, ready made meals etc etc
2) food and drink with a high amount of sugar.
3) red meat
4) Omega 6 fats.
5) Milk chocolate, sweets etc
6) Fast food, fried food etc.
For those interested in learning more, I urge you to check out the following books.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0718156846/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1405319151/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Apparently cancer is going to double in the next 10 to 20 years. 1 in 3 individuals will get some form of cancer according to the statistics. The biggest risk factor is our diet according to researchers.
Any of you that have made it through this long post, thanks for reading.
As I've said throughout this thread, Get Yourself Checked every so often to avoid potential health issues.
Thanks again for the continued support.