Mason Moore’s Testicular Cancer Story
1. When were you diagnosed and at what age?
I was originally diagnosed in January 2003 at age 29. This happened just two weeks before my wedding, so you can imagine the stress and adjustments that my diagnosis placed on the situation (not to mention a rather abbreviated and "uneventful" honeymoon 😉). Unfortunately, I suffered a recurrence in February 2018 (age 44) and then another in January 2019 (age 45).
2. What stage were you diagnosed with?
With my original diagnosis (2003), I was stage 2A. With both recurrences, I was stage 4.
3. How was the cancer initially detected?
For my original diagnosis, it began with being very tired and just an overall feeling of being run down. I wrote that off to be stressed with work and wedding planning/jitters. That was followed by a dull ache in my left testicle and soon later discovering a BB-sized lump on my testicle. I originally sought advice/care from my primary care physician who quickly referred me to an urologist. From there, it was a whirlwind of tests, surgery, biopsy and ultimately being told that I have cancer.
With my first recurrence (2018), it began with an extreme pain in my upper abdomen/lower chest that caused me to visit our local emergency room. While the pain that I was experiencing ultimately wasn't related to my cancer, it was during testing for the pain that a nodule was discovered on my right lung.
4. How did you feel when you first received the news?
With my original diagnosis, it was a combination of shock, fear and confusion. I knew nothing about testicular cancer at the time - at that is a glaring problem still facing young men today. We aren't taught about this disease or the importance of taking ownership of our health. That is why I'm so grateful for the work that TCF is doing to help fill this gap.
With my recurrences being so unique combined with being told that I'm stage 4 and now having a family to think about, the feelings remained the same, but this time with all new significance.
5. Did you have a support network?
Family, Caregiver etc. If not, how did you overcome it or find it? I was very fortunate to be surrounded by a tight support network during all three of my cancer fights. For those who aren't as fortunate as I've been in this regard, it's vital that they know of organizations like TCF so they can receive the support they need.
6. Tell me about your treatment process.
Original diagnosis: Orchiectomy left testicle followed by three cycles of BEP chemo.1st recurrence: Middle lobectomy right lung. 2nd recurrence: VIP chemo (one cycle) followed by two cycles of TIP chemo and wedge resection of the upper lobe of the right lung.
7. Were there any programs or services offered to you that would help with the treatment process?
From a physical standpoint, I was very fortunate to be treated and counseled by incredible physicians and clinicians. One thing that has been missing throughout though is advice, counsel or insight regarding the mental health aspect of fighting cancer. Anyone who's been told they have cancer knows how much it can weigh on you mentally and emotionally. As a health care system, improvement must be made in addressing this gap.
8. Did you face any obstacles during your treatment process?
If so, how did you overcome these obstacles? No real obstacles...just the pressure of balancing impact on career, managing the insurance process, keeping up with all of the information regarding my disease and treatment - all while making sure that my family is OK throughout.
9. What does survivorship mean to you?
First, and foremost, survivorship, no matter how long it is, is a badge of honor in my opinion. All of our scars (physical and mental) are proof and reminders of how we've fought. It's something that we should be proud of. However, survivorship comes with the responsibilities of honoring those who are no longer survivors by living our lives to the fullest and helping educate others about the disease.
10. What message would you like to provide men in the community diagnosed with testicular cancer?
You are not alone. You have every right to be scared, confused, worried, etc., but understand that there are plenty of great organizations (like TCF) and people that are here to support you every step of the way.
11. What does TCF mean to you?
TCF does so many great things when it comes to providing information, resources and guidance for those impacted by testicular cancer, but what TCF means to me is "community." From the moment that I first became involved with TCF (2013), I knew that I wasn't weird, strange or alone.
