16th June - The Hospital and initial diagnosis

I was very impressed with the short time-scale for the referral which meant I was able to go to the hospital less than a week after visiting the doctor.

The consultant checked me out (which felt like repeatedly getting a football landed in your nether regions) and said it looked like there was nothing to worry about and was likely just a swelling from one of the ‘pipes’ down there.  To be sure though, he sent me off for an Ultrasound with a view to closing the file on the same day and avoid the need for me to return (that’s what he told me anyway!). 

The ultrasound was pretty uneventful, although I was ever so slightly concerned by the way in which the scanner (I can’t remember the correct medical term) seemed to take quite a long time and the way in which he said to await the results once he'd discussed the scan with the radiologist.

Following the ultrasound I headed back to see the specialist so he could confirm the good news and tell me that the swelling would subside or whatever the happy outcome was going to be.  I was called in by his assistant to wait in the side room that adjoins the consultant’s office as he was just getting the results through from the scan. 

So, picture the scene.  I’m sat in a small examination room with the door closed to what I assume is a bigger back office.  After a minute or so I realise that I can hear the consultant next door talking on the phone which is intermingled with other nurses who are also back there having a chat, joking and asking who wants a cuppa.  At first I didn’t pay much attention other than to think “jeez, you can hear everything that’s going on back there!”  However, my ears soon started picking up as I began to hear the consultant mentioning certain words, one of which was tumour.  All of a sudden my calm manner vanished and my worry levels rocketed.  “Oh my god, he’s talking about me!”

After a further few minutes of waiting (which seemed like an eternity) by which point I’m really starting to feel worried, the consultant opens the door from the back office and the first thing to come out of his mouth is “is there anyone here with you”?  I literally felt like I’d been hit by a bus.

Obviously at this point I realise it’s not the all clear I was expecting and it clearly was my results he was discussing after all.  I instinctively informed the consultant that whilst I’m here on my own and whilst I realise it’s not good news, can he not just tell me there and then?  However, he strongly advised that it would be better if someone was with me.  

Everything was becoming a blur at this point, but I do vaguely recall asking him why on earth he would give me the impression that everything seemed to be ok before I went for the scan.  He responded by saying he did have some concerns, which further angered me.  Surely it’s better to inform the patient by saying “hmm, this could be something – it’s probably not – but I’d best send you for a scan.”  I also mentioned to him that I’d been able to hear most of his phone conversation through the door.  Not a good experience. 

  

Anyway, in a blur I headed outside the hospital to ring my wife Jacki which was awful.  “Hi, it’s not good news, but I don’t know what it is so can you come to the hospital.” Needless to say my head’s in bits at this point as I end up sitting in my car waiting for Jacki to turn up.

Jacki arrived and we walk back in to wait and this time the consultant appeared with two nurses, both of whom are wearing bright yellow Macmillon Cancer Carer badges.  Again, what a fantastic way of subtly sharing the impending news!

I was told that I do indeed have a tumour on my left testicle which is ‘highly suggestive’ of it being cancerous.  This was followed-up by informing me that I had already been booked in that Friday (three days time) for an Orchidectomy (the medical term for removing a testicle). 

Thankfully though, through my research I’d learned that this procedure isn’t as bad as it may initially sound.  I realised I wouldn’t become infertile and that everything would continue to function as it should down there.  I even knew I could have a prosthetic fitted from an aesthetic perspective.  On top of this I was told it was a day patient procedure so I wouldn’t have to stay in hospital overnight.  So all things considered that’s not too bad.  However, in the space of only a couple of hours I had gone from a state of mind believing everything was ok, to being told I probably had cancer. 

I had some further chats with the Macmillion nurses who were so kind and supportive in providing information and answering my questions.  Following this I was off to have various x-rays, blood tests and general medical checks to record my current state and ensure I was ready for surgery in three days time.