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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:
wineymummy · 04/05/2018 11:20

My DH found a lump 3 years ago. It was the Big C but the NHS were amazing. Scanned then referred same day to urology and operated on a week later. No need for chemo and still has regular check ups but all looking positive. We also conceived our DD first month of trying, so, as my brother put it, still "firing on one cylinder." IF it is, and he has gone to the gp as soon as he found it, in all likelihood it will be very easy to treat. Best of luck to him and you.

TheHonSaucyJane · 04/05/2018 11:39

At least he's found it and is getting it checked, OP. Fingers crossed it will be nothing at all. But if it is what you fear, the prognosis and survival stats are so much better these days.

If positive stories help, my cousin had testicular cancer at 21; he's been absolutely fine for the 15 years since then. I also know several other men who had it in their early 20's, who've been fine, and none of them struggled to have children at all.

Flowers
JollyGiraffe · 04/05/2018 14:33

How did the appointment go OP?

Luisa27 · 04/05/2018 14:36

Yes, I’ve been thinking about both of you all day OP - how did it go? Hope your boy is ok x

billyt · 04/05/2018 14:40

OP, just for clarity I am a bloke just turned 60. The Doctor I have been with for 40 years recently retired and his practice merged with a local dual- surgery practice.
I'm much, much older than your son and to be honest, with the interrogation you get with the new Doctor's receptionist I frankly would be put off going, I do not want to be questioned by some admin person with either low or no medical training about what is going on with my 'bits.'

I really admire your son for getting checked as soon as he noticed and having such a caring mum he felt he could ask for your support. With my mum, she would have been the very, very last person I would have discussed it with as she spent more time gossiping and drinking than caring Angry

YearOfYouRemember · 04/05/2018 15:03

I hope the appointment brought reassurance, SHIE.

morningconstitutional2017 · 04/05/2018 15:05

Best of luck Sisyphus, I don't suppose it'll comfort you to know that most lumps are benign. You're bound to worry and thumbs up to your boy for actually doing something about this instead of burying his head in the sand. Flowers

WillAgeDisgracefully · 04/05/2018 17:42

Another recommendation for check em lads. Started by the amazing philly Morris, my husband had a Rare form of tc and was stage 3. These guys are always on hand to answer questions, or just give support. PLEASE DO NOT GOOGLE! Hoping it turns out to be harmless but if it should be tc then please use that group x

WillAgeDisgracefully · 04/05/2018 17:45

Just a quick ps to say that although most people think of this as a young mans thing my husband was 52.

downinthejunglee · 04/05/2018 19:24

How's it going OP?

12Nameymcnamechange · 04/05/2018 19:34

I hope this morning went well op Flowers

themueslicamel · 04/05/2018 21:53

Will age disgracefully

Philly is an absolute legend, unfortunately I only found and joined when I was two years in remission so I do what I can to help the news lads coming on. So much practical help together with a healthy lads sense of humour, which is essential.

OP, look it up on Facebook, it will so put your mind at rest.

MacNcheese87 · 05/05/2018 23:12

I hope your sons appointment went well. My DB had testicular cancer at a young age, after sitting on it for a while, he eventually got treatment and has been clear for a few years now.

I hope my son's feel they can talk to me like yours has done with you when they're older.

Thinking of you OP.

Ickyockycocky · 05/05/2018 23:14

TC is the most treatable cancer but it could well be just a harmless cyst.

Original poster
SisyphusHadItEasy · 06/05/2018 00:41

Thank you for all the supportive posts.

The appointment was ok yesterday, he is to go for an ultrasound scan and blood work at the beginning of the week. He pretty much wanted to withdraw into his bedroom and not talk to anyone when we got home - but I can't say I blame him.

So... Onwards to testing and follow-up with the GP.

OP posts:
sadeyedladyofthelowlandsea · 06/05/2018 01:24

Thanks for the update Sisyphus Really hope it's nothing serious, but so impressed by your DS and his maturity. I'd want to run away and hide afterwards if I were him too, and I'm twice his age. Sounds like you & he have a very close & understanding relationship.

How are you feeling right now?

altiara · 06/05/2018 01:54

Sounds so hard OP, but I guess everyone would want to withdraw and can’t help thinking about what could happen. I guess you both need to remember what could happen is it’s a benign lump and if not, he’s on his way to treatment. Good on him for taking action, so many people put it off because they’re scared. Best wishes to you both.

Absofrigginlutely · 06/05/2018 07:09

Thanks for the update. It’s good they’re doing the USS and bloods. It still doesn’t mean it’s the big C, and if it is then as I said before it’s very treatable. Well done your DS. He probably needs time to process it all, and you. There’s lots of support out there too, if you need it.

jarhead123 · 06/05/2018 07:11

It's amazing he told you & went to see the GP right away. So many boys his age wouldnt.

Glad they're doing bloods etc. xx

MollyHuaCha · 06/05/2018 07:16

Wishing him well. (And you)

AlbertaSimmons · 06/05/2018 07:35

I had exactly the same conversation with DS2 at about that age. He took himself off to the GP, was referred for the scan, which he had within days and was fine - just a cyst.
Friend's DS had similar, but it was cancer. He had the op and follow-up treatment, again, fine. In his case they stored semen against possible future fertility issues, but he hasn't TTC yet so doesn't know if it will be needed.
Try not to worry (I know you will), chances are he'll be ok. Well done on raising him to listen to messages about his health. Too many men leave health concerns too late.

Ansumpasty · 06/05/2018 07:37

Literally all men close to me have had this at some point. My DH has had a few. All but one he’s left for a week or so and it’s just disappeared.
One he was sent for an ultrasound and was told there and then it was a harmless cyst. The sonographer said that ALL MEN get cysts but the vast majority just don’t feel them before they shrink.
I hope this reassures you a little while waiting for the appointment Flowers

candlefloozy · 06/05/2018 07:38

My ex partner found a lump on his testicles when we were 17. He went and got it checked out but they did no further tests and wasn't worried. I
Hope the same happens for your son

LagunaBubbles · 06/05/2018 07:41

My DH had this, it was harmless. He's also had a breast lump which turned out to be harmless to but not after a worrying wait for breast clinic to get it cheched out. Your DS has done the right thing by going to GP so prompt.

Petalflowers · 06/05/2018 07:42

Well done on your son in confiding in you and booking an appointment. Hope it turns out okay.

My son thought he found a lump down below also and told me about it. Turns out to be one of those lumpy, pus spots. However, I made sure I gave him a lot of praise for taking it seriously.

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