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For personal trainer Michael Autore, testicular cancer was never on his radar — until a chance conversation changed everything. In this episode of It Takes Balls, the founder of Slim Thick NYC shares how a neighbor he barely knew planted a seed that may have saved his life, and how he turned one of the hardest experiences of his life into a story of growth, community, and relentless self-advocacy. Michael, recounts the strange series of events leading to his diagnosis: getting drinks with a guy from his block who turned out to be a testicular cancer survivor (as was his father), then noticing his own testicular pain weeks later. He describes the excruciating night he felt something off at his parents' house, the ultrasound, and how his father-in-law's connections pointed him to Dr. Sheinfeld at Memorial Sloan Kettering — the very same surgeon his neighbor and his neighbor's father had used years earlier. He walks through his orchiectomy, his original stage, and his choice of surveillance — only to have his tumor markers reverse course and three lymph nodes enlarge right after Thanksgiving. That night, learning he'd need four rounds of EP chemotherapy, was the hardest moment for Michael and his wife. But when offered the chance to wait until after the holidays, his answer was immediate: "I'll start on Monday." A major theme is how Michael threw everything at his treatment alongside chemo — never in place of it. He hired a nutrition team that helped him cut inflammation and build immunity, learned to cook, used red light therapy for his tinnitus, and worked with a therapist and coach who transformed the language he used about his own healing. He's candid about the side effects that lingered — tinnitus, neuropathy, constipation severe enough to cause a hernia, and the under-discussed challenge of adjusting to life with one testicle — while refusing to let anyone, including himself, frame the experience as pure victimhood. Michael also shares how he scaled his coaching business remotely through treatment, hosted a men's retreat after finishing chemo, and competed in a HYROX event later. Now six months post-chemo and on close surveillance with Dr. Feldman, he declined a recommended RPLND after his lymph nodes shrank dramatically. His advice for the newly diagnosed is grounded and reassuring: you're going to get through it, protect your energy and mindset, bring someone with you to appointments, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Connect with Michael: https://www.instagram.com/michael.autore/ Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.x.com/testescancer ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

When Phil Mamwell first felt sharp, shooting pains, he did what too many men do — he told himself he'd be all right and hoped it would pass. By the time the excavator driver from rural Lincolnshire, England, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in his late 30s, it had already metastasized. In this raw and honest episode of It Takes Balls, Phil shares two years of hell — and the hard-won perspective that came with surviving against the odds.Phil's story is a powerful reminder of why early detection matters. Testicular cancer had never been on his radar, and he's candid that had he been seen sooner, he might have needed nothing more than an orchiectomy. He could feel the BEP working almost immediately as his tumor shrank — only for the cancer to return six weeks later, right around Christmas. From there, Phil faced relapse after relapse. His orchiectomy came after his first chemo, with tumor markers still rising. Second-line VIP chemotherapy followed, along with a stem cell harvest he was certain he'd never need. When the disease came back yet again, he was given a roughly 20% chance of survival and chose high-dose ToPCaT chemotherapy, followed by a stem cell transplant and, finally, an RPLND to remove the residual tumors. The pathology came back with no evidence of disease. Phil doesn't sugarcoat survivorship. He lives with chemo brain, ringing in his ears, and neuropathy, and his hair never fully grew back. He speaks movingly about the survivor's guilt he carries after losing a fellow patient from his own town — a young man with the same embryonal carcinoma diagnosis whom he'd befriended and encouraged. And he's honest about how disorienting remission can be, describing himself as "a dog on a lead" suddenly let loose, not quite trusting it's over until he reaches the ten-year mark at 50. Through it all, Phil credits his wife — who graduated as a nurse mid-treatment — along with his kids, parents, friends, and employer for carrying him through. His advice to men in their late 30s and beyond is simple and urgent: don't make the mistake he did. Check yourself, see a doctor, and don't leave it. Look after your balls. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Connect with Phil: https://www.facebook.com/philmamwell Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.x.com/testescancer ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

Cisplatin is one of the most powerful, life-saving drugs in testicular cancer treatment — but it comes with a lasting side effect that too few patients are warned about. In this episode of It Takes Balls, audiologist Dr. Pam Swartz unpacks how cisplatin damages hearing, why it's permanent, and what young survivors can do to protect their quality of life for the decades ahead. Dr. Swartz starts with the basics of how we hear — from the eardrum and the body's three smallest bones to the roughly 30,000 hair cells in the cochlea — and explains a key truth: we hear with our brain, not our ears. She then breaks down why cisplatin is classified as highly ototoxic (a "class five" medication affecting hearing, balance, and tinnitus), how it accumulates around and kills the outer hair cells, and why that damage can't be reversed. Roughly 40% of patients on high doses experience some hearing loss, often in the high frequencies first — which is why voices can start to sound mumbled, women and children become harder to understand, and the TV keeps creeping louder. This conversation is packed with practical, actionable guidance. Dr. Swartz explains why every patient should get a baseline audiogram before starting treatment (tested out to 20,000 Hz, not the standard 8,000) and a follow-up 6–8 weeks after finishing, how to protect the hearing you have from added noise damage, and how far modern hearing aids have come — now rechargeable, Bluetooth-enabled, and self-adjusting thousands of times per second. She also covers cochlear implants, listening strategies (sound bars, closed captioning, choosing the restaurant booth), and how partners and family can become better communicators. A large part of the episode focuses on tinnitus — the ringing so many survivors live with. Dr. Swartz, who has tinnitus herself, explains what it is, why the emotion you attach to it makes it louder, and why sound therapy is the most effective tool we have. She shares how a simple air purifier changed her own experience, common triggers to watch (salt, caffeine, alcohol, stress), and why CBT, deep breathing, and mindfulness genuinely help. She also recommends the ReSound Tinnitus Relief app — the same sound-therapy tool used by the VA — which runs all night and layers multiple sounds to help mask the ringing. Whether you're about to start chemotherapy, already noticing changes in your hearing, or supporting a survivor, this episode is an essential guide to advocating for your ears — because surviving testicular cancer means living well for the long haul. Resources mentioned: ReSound Tinnitus Relief app | American Tinnitus Association (ata.org) | Find an audiologist through ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) or the American Academy of Audiology Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Have a question for a future expert guest? Submit here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-question-submission Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.twitter.com/testescancer⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Dr. Swartz: https://www.easternvaent.com/providers/dr-pamela-swartz/ Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

Bray Hansel thought he was done. After a swollen left testicle led to an orchiectomy and a pathology report showing an eight-centimeter pure seminoma contained to the testicle, the 37-year-old financial advisor, husband, and father of three from outside Philadelphia went on surveillance feeling like a survivor — proud of what he'd gotten through and ready to move on. But testicular cancer had other plans. In this episode of It Takes Balls, Bray shares a story that captures just how unpredictable seminoma can be. What started as a borderline stage 2B diagnosis became months of confusing scans: a scan showing no active cancer, a blood test reading 0.00 cancer DNA, and normal tumor markers — all while a lone lymph node in his abdomen quietly kept growing. His care team's honest conclusion was that the cancer was declaring itself, landing Bray in the group of seminoma patients who need further treatment after an orchiectomy. Faced with several paths — BEP chemotherapy, carboplatin plus radiation, or a robotic RPLND — Bray walks through one of the most difficult decisions of his life. He explains why he had concerns about the long-term risks of chemo and radiation, and chose a robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection Penn. Of the 15 lymph nodes removed, five contained cancer — more than expected, but still low-volume, with no adjuvant therapy needed and roughly an 80% chance of staying recurrence-free at two years. Beyond the medicine, this is a conversation about perspective, humor, and community. Bray talks about coaching his undefeated soccer team through treatment, making an "RPLND playlist," showing his testicle to his buddies in a parking lot before surgery, and how a whole network — from his wife and friends Brandon, Alex, and Ryan to strangers who never knew they were helping — carried him through. He reflects on the phrase "a problem shared is a problem halved," how cancer deepened his marriage and relationships, and his desire to follow in the footsteps of TCAF's Jordan Jones by being a resource for the next guy. Whether you're navigating a seminoma diagnosis, weighing treatment options after an orchiectomy, or supporting someone through testicular cancer, Bray's story is a moving reminder that survivorship can add depth, connection, and even joy — and that no one has to face it alone. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Connect with Bray: https://www.instagram.com/haaaaaaaaansel/ [email protected] Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: https://www.testescancer.org https://www.x.com/testescancer ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

Attend the 2026 Testicular Cancer Conference: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/tcc-indianapolis-2026 At just 24, personal trainer Andrejs Lejietis was building a business and living what he thought was a healthy, active life in Stockholm, Sweden — until a strange abdominal pain that kept returning after lunch led to one of the most confusing diagnoses in testicular cancer. In this episode of It Takes Balls, our first-ever Swedish guest shares a remarkable story about an extragonadal germ cell tumor: testicular cancer with no primary tumor in the testicles at all. Andrejs describes months of uncertainty as recurring pain near his aorta sent him from ultrasound to CT scan to a bone marrow biopsy, with doctors ruling out lymphoma before finally landing on a testicular cancer diagnosis. Encouraged by his girlfriend Emily to stop putting it off, he learned the value of self-advocacy the hard way — and discovered that a "good cancer to have" still hits hard when you're 24 with corporate clients lined up and a future you'd just started building. He opens up about four rounds of BEP chemotherapy at Karolinska University Hospital, an initial AFP tumor marker of 21,000, and stage 2C disease. Andrejs shares the realities of inpatient chemo, losing his hair, sperm banking and stem cell harvesting before treatment, and the unexpected gift of community — meeting other young men going through testicular cancer treatment at the same time. The conversation also covers his open RPLND (retroperitoneal lymph node dissection), a surgery Sweden has centralized to two hospitals for the best outcomes. Andrejs recounts a tumor wrapped around a vein near his left kidney, a difficult six-week recovery, neuropathy, retrograde ejaculation, and being discharged on Christmas Eve. Fourteen lymph nodes were removed — all clear. Andrejs and host Steven Crocker also dig into the Scandinavian healthcare system, where treatment, surgery, sperm banking, and even taxis to chemo are largely covered by taxes — and how testicular cancer, one of the most common cancers among young men, is treated across Europe. Now cancer-free and back to work, Andrejs reflects on how the journey reshaped his path toward becoming a physical therapist, the scar he wears with pride, and his advice for anyone newly diagnosed: take it one day at a time, stay as physically active as you can, and don't wait to get checked. Whether you're a testicular cancer patient, survivor, caregiver, or want to understand rare presentations like extragonadal germ cell tumors, Andrejs's story is a powerful reminder that early detection saves lives — and that you should never ignore symptoms that keep coming back. Provide your feedback on the podcast:https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Join The Ball Room:https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Connect with Andrejs:https://www.instagram.com/stepsforimprovement Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.x.com/testescancer ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

Attend the 2026 Testicular Cancer Conference: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/tcc-indianapolis-2026 When David Smith woke in the middle of the night with searing lower-back pain, he was two weeks out from the Beep Baseball World Series and in the best shape of his life. A legally blind wellness coach, nurse, and competitive adaptive-sports athlete, David assumed it was a kidney stone. Instead, an ER scan revealed a large mass near his kidney — and with no primary tumor found on ultrasound, doctors diagnosed him with testicular cancer at 41. In this episode of It Takes Balls, David shares one of the most powerful stories of self-advocacy the podcast has featured. Determined not to miss the World Series, he delayed treatment two weeks, then began BEP chemotherapy that quickly went sideways: a wiped-out immune system, terrifying bone pain from shots no one warned him about, and a blood clot in his lung. When bleomycin proved too dangerous, David — drawing on his own nursing knowledge and relentless research — pushed his oncology team to change his regimen himself. David doesn't hold back about the gaps in his care, from "factory"-like bedside manner to Googling his way to a nearby cancer center and an experienced surgeon he'd never been told about. His post-chemo RPLND removed 21 lymph nodes (all negative) but left him navigating a brutal recovery that nearly broke him. But this episode is really about what comes after. David opens up honestly about survivorship — the fear of recurrence, the identity crisis of remission, faith, and the ongoing work of figuring out who he really is. His message to anyone facing a diagnosis: advocate for yourself, do your research without letting it consume you, and hang tight — because far more people survive cancer than don't. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Connect with David: https://www.instagram.com/dcsmith1006 Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.x.com/testescancer ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

Attend the 2026 Testicular Cancer Conference: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/tcc-indianapolis-2026 In this episode of It Takes Balls, Taylor Woods shares one of the most extraordinary journeys ever featured on the podcast. What began with sitting on his enlarged testicle and doctors believing he was dealing with a bacterial infection ultimately became a diagnosis of advanced testicular cancer that had already spread throughout his body. After living with symptoms for more than a year, Taylor learned he had a 17-centimeter testicular tumor, cancer in his lymph nodes, multiple nodules in his lungs, and a tumor pressing against his brain. Taylor walks through undergoing an orchiectomy (testicle removal surgery), four rounds of BEP chemotherapy, TIP chemotherapy, multiple rounds of radiation, and several brain surgeries after developing brain metastases. He shares the terrifying experience of seizures, kidney failure that delayed surgery, a stem cell transplant at Fred Hutch, and living with a titanium plate. Despite enduring more treatment than most typical testicular cancer survivors, Taylor continues fighting with remarkable optimism while managing an active brain tumor and ongoing surveillance. The conversation also explores life after cancer, including adapting to permanent disability, returning to school to study graphic design after seizures changed the course of his career, and finding purpose through creativity. Throughout the episode, Taylor repeatedly comes back to one message: self-advocacy matters. Looking back, he wishes he had sought a second opinion sooner after being told his symptoms were caused by an infection, and he hopes others will trust their instincts when something doesn't feel right. Although Taylor refers to himself as a "warrior" rather than simply a survivor, his story is ultimately one of resilience, hope, and perseverance. Whether you're navigating a testicular cancer diagnosis, facing recurrence, supporting a loved one, or learning about brain metastases, chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, and survivorship, this episode is a powerful reminder that every day is worth fighting for. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Connect with Taylor: https://www.instagram.com/tay_bayw/ https://www.instagram.com/sunshinedesign_graphics/ https://www.facebook.com/taylor.woods.985442 Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.x.com/testescancer⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

In this episode of It Takes Balls, internationally renowned urologic oncologist Dr. Axel Heidenreich joins the podcast for a fascinating conversation comparing testicular cancer treatment in Europe (focused on Germany) and the United States. Although both approaches produce exceptional cure rates, patients are often surprised to learn just how differently experts on opposite sides of the Atlantic make treatment decisions. Dr. Heidenreich explains where the European Association of Urology (EAU), American Urological Association (AUA), and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines align and where they take very different paths. From surveillance and chemotherapy to RPLND imaging, and follow-up care, he shares why there isn't always one "right" answer and how physicians balance curing cancer with preserving quality of life. The conversation also dives into one of the most debated topics in testicular cancer today: the future of surveillance. Dr. Heidenreich discusses emerging blood tests that could reshape how recurrence is detected and monitored, offering his perspective. Rather than accepting the latest technology at face value, he explains why some innovations may hold more promise than others and what that could mean for the future of testicular cancer care. Whether you're newly diagnosed, currently on surveillance, or simply interested in how leading experts think differently around the world, this episode offers an eye-opening look at the evolution of testicular cancer treatment and the questions that could shape the next generation of patient care. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Have a question for a future expert guest? Submit here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-question-submission Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.twitter.com/testescancer⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Dr. Heidenreich: [email protected] Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

Attend the 2026 Testicular Cancer Conference: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/tcc-indianapolis-2026 In this episode of It Takes Balls, Nate Edwards shares how finding a lump the day after his 34th birthday led to a testicular cancer diagnosis in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although two people in Nate's life had previously been diagnosed with testicular cancer, including one of his best friends and a former robotics student, he still wasn't convinced it could happen to him. In fact, his primary care doctor initially doubted it was cancer before an ultrasound revealed otherwise. After undergoing an orchiectomy, Nate learned he had 100% embryonal carcinoma, the same aggressive type of testicular cancer that affected Lance Armstrong. As a new father, he suddenly found himself navigating sperm banking, treatment decisions, and the uncertainty that comes with a cancer diagnosis. One of the most fascinating parts of Nate's story is his treatment journey. Faced with choosing between chemotherapy and RPLND (retroperitoneal lymph node dissection), he sought multiple opinions before ultimately choosing surgery during the height of COVID. Doctors removed 23 lymph nodes during a nine-hour operation, and remarkably, every single one came back negative for cancer. The conversation also dives deep into fertility after testicular cancer. Nate openly discusses sperm banking, retrograde ejaculation after RPLND, low semen volume, multiple miscarriages, and the emotional roller coaster he and his wife experienced while trying to grow their family. Despite numerous setbacks and fertility concerns, the couple eventually welcomed a second child, a milestone that makes this story especially meaningful. Today, Nate is an active members of the online testicular cancer community, helping newly diagnosed patients navigate treatment decisions, fertility concerns, and survivorship. His story is a powerful reminder that testicular cancer can happen at any age, that self-exams matter, and that a strong support system can make all the difference. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Connect with Nate: https://www.instagram.com/edwardsnate https://www.reddit.com/user/RelevantFeed495/ https://www.facebook.com/nate.edwards.7315 Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.x.com/testescancer⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

In this episode of It Takes Balls, Tony Florio shares one of the most unusual testicular cancer stories featured on the podcast. An attorney, husband, and father of two young kids, Tony was on paternity leave when he developed a persistent ache in his lower abdomen. There was no lump, no testicular pain, and no obvious signs of testicular cancer, just a nagging discomfort that refused to go away. After a CT scan revealed a large abdominal mass, doctors initially suspected a sarcoma or paraganglioma, two diagnoses with far different prognoses than testicular cancer. Even after a scrotal ultrasound came back normal, Tony continued searching for answers. Using AI tools to better understand his medical reports and advocating for additional testing, he pushed for tumor markers that ultimately helped point his medical team in a different direction. Tony underwent major surgery to remove a retroperitoneal mass, entering the operating room knowing he could potentially lose part of his colon or even a kidney. Fortunately, the surgery was successful, and pathology revealed what nobody initially expected: a germ cell tumor consisting primarily of teratoma, embryonal carcinoma, and yolk sac tumor components. Even more unusual, doctors never found a tumor in either testicle, leaving questions about whether his cancer represented a burned-out testicular cancer or a rare extragonadal germ cell tumor. The episode also explores the emotional side of facing cancer while raising two young children. Tony reflects on the fear of not being there for his family, the support he received from his wife, friends, and neighbors, and the faith that helped carry him through the most uncertain moments. He also discusses postoperative complications, including a painful pneumothorax that landed him back in the hospital, as well as the surprising recommendation from his tumor board. This conversation is a powerful reminder that testicular cancer symptoms don't always start in the testicle, that self-advocacy matters, and that sometimes the most important part of the journey is simply getting the right diagnosis. Whether you're navigating a recent diagnosis, interested in rare presentations of germ cell tumors, or looking for hope during surveillance, Tony's story offers insight, perspective, and encouragement. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.x.com/testescancer⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

In this episode of It Takes Balls, recent law-grad Jack shares how a symptom many men might dismiss led to a life-changing testicular cancer diagnosis. Ironically, Jack describes himself as a lifelong "hypochondriac," someone who routinely worried about his health. Yet when this symptom first appeared, even he wasn't convinced it was anything serious. Living alone in New York City while attending law school, Jack eventually trusted his instincts and went to the emergency room, where an ultrasound revealed a suspicious mass. What followed was a whirlwind of sleepless nights, frantic Google searches, and rapidly learning about orchiectomies, surveillance, sperm banking, and treatment possibilities. Determined to find the best care available, he connected with the team at Memorial Sloan Kettering and underwent surgery under the care of Dr. Rich Matulewicz. Jack opens up about navigating cancer largely on his own, with family hundreds of miles away in Wisconsin (visiting after surgery) and friends helping him through recovery in New York. He shares the emotional moment when the reality of being a cancer survivor finally hit him—days after surgery, alone in a friend's apartment, when weeks of fear, uncertainty, and stress came pouring out all at once. The conversation also explores survivorship, scanxiety, and what it's like to return to normal life while still living with uncertainty. As someone who loves data and analysis, Jack explains how understanding recurrence statistics helps him cope with follow-up scans, even as enlarged lymph nodes required additional monitoring after surgery. More than anything, Jack's story is a reminder that testicular cancer symptoms don't always include a lump. Sometimes the warning signs are subtle. His message to listeners is simple: trust your body, advocate for yourself, and get checked when something feels off. Early detection saves lives. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.x.com/testescancer ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

In this episode of It Takes Balls, testicular cancer survivor Tony Salas shares how his cancer journey led him into one of the newest and most rapidly evolving areas of cancer surveillance: MicroRNA-371 testing and Signatera ctDNA monitoring. Tony opens up about the symptoms and diagnosis that changed his life, including the whirlwind of appointments, surgery, and learning how quickly testicular cancer treatment decisions have to be made. But what makes his story especially unique is what came after treatment—navigating surveillance while trying to avoid chemotherapy and gain greater confidence in whether his cancer was truly gone. Throughout the episode, Tony discusses using MicroRNA 371, an emerging blood test showing major promise in detecting active germ cell tumors, along with Signatera, a personalized circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) test designed to monitor for residual disease and recurrence. He shares what it was like balancing traditional surveillance methods like CT scans and tumor markers with these newer technologies, and how the uncertainty of recurrence can weigh heavily on survivors mentally and emotionally. The conversation also explores the emotional side of survivorship, including scannxiety, the fear of recurrence, and the challenge of moving forward after treatment while still feeling tied to constant monitoring. Tony speaks candidly about the importance of self-advocacy, staying informed about evolving cancer research, and finding ways to regain a sense of control during survivorship. This episode is not only a powerful survivor story, but also an insightful look at the future of testicular cancer surveillance and personalized cancer monitoring. Whether you’re navigating a diagnosis, currently in surveillance, or interested in the latest advances in testicular cancer treatment and recurrence detection, Tony’s experience offers both hope and perspective. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Connect with Tony: https://www.instagram.com/tone_loc17/ https://www.facebook.com/coachtony05 Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.x.com/testescancer⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

In this episode of It Takes Balls, licensed marriage and family therapist Renee Calhoun joins the podcast to discuss one of the most overlooked aspects of a testicular cancer diagnosis: the emotional and relational impact it can have on patients, partners, children, and families. Drawing from her professional experience as an LMFT, Renee explains how cancer affects far more than physical health. The conversation explores the fear, uncertainty, anxiety, and identity shifts that often follow a diagnosis, especially for men who may feel pressure to stay strong or avoid emotional vulnerability. She also shares practical insight into how couples can communicate more effectively during treatment and recovery, even when both partners are struggling in different ways. Renee also offers guidance for parents trying to explain cancer to children, emphasizing the importance of honest, age-appropriate conversations and emotional openness within the family. Throughout the discussion, Renee highlights why mental health support should be viewed as an important part of the cancer journey not just for patients, but for caregivers and loved ones as well. Her perspective brings a compassionate and practical voice to conversations that many families struggle to navigate alone. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Have a question for a future expert guest? Submit here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-question-submission Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.twitter.com/testescancer⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Connect with Renee https://www.reneecalhounlmft.com Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

In this episode of It Takes Balls, Dylan Bolton shares a testicular cancer journey that quickly turned into a fight for his life. In his early 30s, with a wife and two young daughters, Dylan noticed swelling in his testicle that continued to grow until he finally sought medical attention. Within days, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent an orchiectomy. Dylan began treatment for a non-seminoma germ cell tumor with EP chemotherapy, but midway through, his condition took a devastating turn. What started as standard cancer treatment escalated into severe complications, including sepsis and gangrene, leaving him hospitalized in critical condition. At one point, his family was called in to say goodbye. After the road blocks were resolved, despite only completing part of his chemotherapy, follow-up testing showed no evidence of active cancer. Dylan later underwent a retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Now in recovery, Dylan is navigating the physical and emotional aftermath—including significant weight loss and the challenge of redefining what survivorship means after such a traumatic experience. This episode highlights the importance of recognizing testicular cancer symptoms, the realities of chemotherapy complications, and the unpredictable nature of cancer journeys. Dylan’s story is a powerful reminder that survivorship isn’t always linear—and sometimes the hardest battles go far beyond cancer itself. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Connect with Dylan: Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.x.com/testescancer⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

In this special episode of It Takes Balls, the podcast heads to the golf course for the second annual Tee Off for Testicular Cancer tournament in Norfolk, Virginia. Recorded from a golf cart, this episode captures the energy of a day dedicated to testicular cancer awareness, fundraising, and community. Joined by returning guest BJ Lange, TCAF founder Kim Jones, and some event sponsor representatives, the conversation highlights how the event brings together survivors, supporters, and advocates from across the country. From prize drawings and contests to creative fundraising efforts, more than $24,000 had already been raised by the start of the tournament. After the tournament, the goal of raising $30,000 has been surpassed! Beyond the event itself, the episode reinforces the mission: raising awareness and promoting early detection. Listeners are reminded of the importance of monthly testicular self-exams, common symptoms, and how early diagnosis can lead to high cure rates, especially when detected early. More than anything, this episode is about community and turning awareness into action to provide meaningful support to those affected by testicular cancer. Join us at the 2026 Testicular Cancer Conference: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/tcc-indianapolis-2026 Information about Signatera: https://www.natera.com/resource-library/signatera/understanding-signatera-for-testicular-cancer/ Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.x.com/testescancer⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.twitter.com/stevencrocker https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com