Testicular Cancer: A True Story

My Story: On July 3, 1999, I was given the worst medical diagnosis for any man to understand. I had a "terminal" disease, a male cancer from which only a few survive. Over two months of intense testing and medical exams finally revealed the deadly tumor growing in my right testicle was in fact "type 2" Testicular Cancer. Approximately 5000 males between the ages of 15-35 years of age are diagnosed each year. Many die rapidly; a few die from intense chemotherapy and/or surgeries; many young men have their sexual manhood and reproduction abilities removed; and some of us live to tell about this deadly disease. Although we are few, our life span is still uncertain. My worst fear was not dying but the thought of my daughter growing up without her father. The mental, spiritual, physical, and financial scars that cancer causes are issues we as cancer patients deal with everyday. My only choice for survival was to become a test subject/patient for a private cancer research laboratory under the direction of the world famous Dr. Thomas Keane. His research findings have lead to new and improved cancer fighting procedures in Testicular, Prostate, and Bladder cancers among men which is shared with men cancer clinics across the United States and the United Kingdom. My success is contributed in part to (1) early detection, (2) self-examination, (3) yearly physicals and private medical research. There is no known "cure" at this time for my type cancer, only medication to halt the cancer germ from reproducing itself. I have now been informed that I am within the top percent of men who Prostate Cancer can occur because of the close similarities of the types and body area proximity. There is little information available on these types of cancer. We have to rely upon ourselves and our personal experience as a conduit for new technology and medication applications. At the present I am " holding my own" and being very vocal about educating ourselves as men on cancer issues. What I find the most frightening of all is Prostate Cancer and the effects it has shown. Testicular Cancer is devastating, but Prostate Cancer kills and maims thousands more men.

Your Story: Approximately 190,000 adult males ages 35-90 years of age will be diagnosed each year with Prostate Cancer. Many will die needlessly; many will never function sexually again; many will wear a diaper for the rest of their life to help with bladder control; and many men will commit suicide from the mental scars caused by the quality of life under which they will live. Recovery from the surgical procedures will take months or years and the physical therapy required to regain other simple bodily functions can be a long and frustrating process if the control returns at all. Cancer only destroys, this is its only purpose and it can and will happen to you as a male unless you take action to prevent or destroy before it invades your body system. I offer simple and easy advice on the detection and treatment. (1) Yearly physicals with a PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood tests (2) early detection, be very aware of blood or a reddish color in your stool or urine (3) if the Prostate is found to be cancerous seek a specific specialized oncologist/surgeon who can relate to the patient's quality of life expectations. There are at the present time new technologies and procedures which as electives spare the Prostate Cancer patient major surgical procedure removal. Remember to remain calm and make vary careful decisions on the course of treatment. Always seek a second opinion on suggested treatment and prognosis. Educate yourself on your specific cancer and treatment available. Never be afraid of contributing to a research program. These medical studies are what have brought us new and innovative technologies and procedures. Many men have given their life so others can live.

Our Story: We as men know it is our personal responsibility to care for our health. For many years we have seen the momentum built within the women's cancer awareness programs. This has brought about several new medical breakthroughs and made cancer a topic of major daily discussions. Now is the time we take our head out of the sand and acknowledge the need for a complete cure of these deadly diseases. We must take action and responsibility for our future and give the young generation a better chance for survival and a fulfilling life. If not for yourself then do your part for your son/grandson. I speak before groups and national associations and tell my story to comfort and educate men on health and male cancer issues. I have established the Thomas F. Looney Jr. Testicular and Prostate Cancer Research Foundation as a way to fulfill specific needs and answers when traveling this pathway of uncertainty and confusion for future cancer patients. Your support, both financially and personally, is needed. Many of us have friends we can contact whom will show support also. Please take the time to think deeply about the help you can provide, about the quantity of lives you can save. It only takes a small touch from each one of us to make a difference. Be a leader among your fellow men, voice your concerns and thoughts and become active with me in this foundation. The hard truth is if you do not, you will only have yourself to blame when you become a causality of your own story. If I may be of help a line of communication is always open. May God bless you and your continued health.

Your Friend and Cancer Partner,

Thomas (Buddy) Looney Jr.