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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to be scared shitless right now?

90 replies

SisyphusHadItEasy · 03/05/2018 22:40

My 19 year old just came to me and told me that he has scheduled an urgent appointment with his GP for tomorrow and wants me to come along.

Apparently, he has found a lump on his testicle.

I have reassured him that "the big C" is not the only reason that lumps appear, but he ticks off many of the boxes of the "risk factors" list (white, tall, first degree relative with cancer, age group).

I have a sneaking suspicion that I am not going to sleep a lot tonight.

OP posts:
EyeDrops · 03/05/2018 23:20

Really brave of him, good lad. Hope it's nothing to worry about, and hope you get some sleep.

Fluffyears · 03/05/2018 23:20

My brother had testicular cancer last year. If it is something untoward he will be allowed to freeze sperm so fertilitywill not be an issue. As the dr said, if you are going to get cancer that is the best one because it’s highly treatable and survivable. I hope it’s not but getbit checked.

LightDrizzle · 03/05/2018 23:21

The only two people I know who have had testicular cancer had it years and years ago and have remained clear after their initial medical intervention.
Hoping it isn’t cancer, but if it is, it isn’t always the end of the world. I myself had cancer 36 years ago and I’m fine, despite rather substandard care under a General Surgeon in a provincial hospital.

SaltireSaltire · 03/05/2018 23:22

My son was 21 and went to the doctors many times with this and chronic back pain. He wasn't taken seriously and not even given a blood test. By the time he was (he changed doctors at my suggestion and I went with him.
He was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and endured months of chemo and surgery. When I googled his symptoms, they were classic testicular cancer symptoms.
Be glad your son wants you to accompany him and push for blood test and X Ray.

Absofrigginlutely · 03/05/2018 23:23

Full credit to your DS, he is doing the right thing thank goodness.

My DH has testicular cancer, it’s very treatable. But fingers crossed for you it isn’t. I expect they’ll send him for an ultra sound scan to begin with.

If this experience with DH has taught us anything it’s please get men to check themselves and act upon it. Luckily DH did.

themueslicamel · 03/05/2018 23:23

There will be no need to insist on anything. A testicular lump without a very obvious cause will lead to a "2 week wait" urology referral.

With respect you are wrong, l know of many many cases where there has been a delay as the Doctor did not see anything initially.

If it is testicular cancer, get a current testosterone check as well pre treatment, TC is primarily a hormone issue long term with many survivors suffering the effects of low testosterone including fatigue, weight gain and depression.

Having a pre orchidectomy reading will help immensely.

sadeyedladyofthelowlandsea · 03/05/2018 23:44

You're not going to sleep much tonight OP, so here's a handhold for you. What an incredibly mature young man you've raised, to come to you and be able not just to make the appt, but to talk to you and say that he needs you, too.

You must be a pretty amazing mum, and he appreciates that Flowers

honeyrider · 03/05/2018 23:47

My DH has a lump on one of his testicles for a long time, he saw a consultant about it a few years ago and was told it was a cyst. It's gotten bigger recently and he saw a consultant this morning and it's a cyst.

Our son also has a cyst and had it checked when he was around 18 or 19 and was told it was nothing to worry about. His paternal grandfather also has a cyst on a testicle, it's very common.

It's great that your son asked you to support him. As hard as it is try not to worry as most lumps are innocent and nothing to worry about.

myshinynewusername · 03/05/2018 23:48

The boyfriend I had at that age (he was 19 too) found a lump and it turned out to be totally harmless.

More lumps are harmless than not. Although its obviously important to get it checked.

I hope your son is part of the majority who are not cancerous, but even if he isn't, he has got it checked straight away so he willhave caught it early and its very treatable.

Flowers
DryHeave · 04/05/2018 00:46

Thinking of you both and hoping it’s nothing. (My DH had TC 8 years ago - still all clear & DS born 5 months ago.)

Original poster
SisyphusHadItEasy · 04/05/2018 02:37

We talked about all the things it could be, including "the big C"

He knows that tomorrow is the first step in finding out what it is and dealing with it if needed. I let him know how proud of him I was that he is taking responsible steps to care for himself, and that I would always be here when he needs me (and will back off, if that is what he needs, too)

Thank you for all your support. Odd lumps and bumps are scary on yourself, but when it's your kid...

OP posts:
saoirse31 · 04/05/2018 02:44

Best of luck tomorrow op

flumpybear · 04/05/2018 02:52

That's worrying but hoping it's just a cyst it spot or something

Italiangreyhound · 04/05/2018 03:32

Of course you are worried but he has a doctor's appointment, you are going with him, he will get the care and treatment with you right by his side. He could have ignored it or not told you. He came to you.

My best friend's son had a small testicular 'issue' - it was all fine. I really hope your son will be 100% fine.

Thanks
ShackUp · 04/05/2018 03:43

DH has one of these, he got it checked and it's harmless Thanks

Redcherries · 04/05/2018 06:54

My Dh has had one since just slightly older than your ds and like a pp it is a cyst. We keep an eye on it and the drs scan it on the odd occasion it changes.

I hope your son has a similar outcome. I’d be very surprised if it wasn’t fast tracked just for being a lump, Dh was, but he’s told the cysts are more common than you’d think.

It’s great he came to you, support and a lovely relationship. Good luck today.

Luisa27 · 04/05/2018 06:58

Exactly what @fourfox just said....you have a beautiful relationship with your son - he sounds such a great lad.
Sending you both love and hugs and positivity this morning, I’ll be thinking of you x

notoriousnames · 04/05/2018 06:59

Good luck

Namethecat · 04/05/2018 07:02

Another good luck sent to your son.

user838383 · 04/05/2018 07:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Rudi44 · 04/05/2018 07:14

He sounds amazing and what a great relationship you must have for him to come straight to you. I hope everything goes ok and it turns out to be nothing to worry about

AnElderlyLadyOfMediumHeight · 04/05/2018 07:19

Well done, that young man. Lots of older ones my dh could take his sensible actions as an example.

I had to tell my dh he would be seeing a doctor within the week or else when he casually mentioned symptoms he had that could have been something nasty and had been going on for the best part of a month Angry Fortunately it was nothing, but FFS. Big kudos to your son.

Hope all is well.

pilates · 04/05/2018 07:34

I’m seriously impressed with your son for being so vigilant. Good luck for today.

Lifeontheoceanwave · 04/05/2018 07:40

Fingers crossed today op. My DH found a lump turned out to be a very common blocked sperm duct. But we’ll done on raising such a sensible young man

ginandnappies · 04/05/2018 07:43

Wow you must be so proud of him being so mature about it. I struggle like mad to get my partner to go to the doctor about anything. Good luck today x