Mike Stapleton

I am an Advanced EMT with Beaufort County EMS, a husband, and the father of three children ages six, four, and two. I had just accepted my position and was preparing to move my family from Augusta, Georgia to Beaufort, South Carolina when I began noticing pain shortly after starting the job. I assumed it was a muscle strain from constant bending, lifting, and pulling.

Moving day came and went without issue. We loaded and unloaded the truck, and everything seemed fine. The next day, however, I could barely walk. My right testicle was extremely swollen and painful. I found myself sitting in the bathtub with ice, hoping the pain would ease. After a couple of days, I knew something was wrong and went to see a doctor.

During the exam, the physician told me I needed to go to the hospital immediately for an emergency ultrasound, labs, and a CT scan. At that point, I knew what it was. I was referred to a urologist who surprisingly scheduled me for the very next day. Two days later, I was in surgery for a right radical orchiectomy.

My CT scan initially came back clear, and we believed the worst was behind me. While recovering from surgery, I followed up with an oncologist, who recommended a baseline PET scan. A few days after the scan, the second wave of bad news arrived. The PET scan revealed a cancerous lymph node in my abdomen near my aorta.

A needle-guided CT biopsy was unsuccessful, so I underwent surgery to remove the lymph node. Shortly after, I had another procedure to place my chemo port. I vividly remember the first few days after the port was placed. My daughter was sitting with me and accidentally bumped it. The pain was so intense I saw stars.

Following a pre-chemotherapy evaluation, I began four rounds of EP chemotherapy. From the first day, I experienced severe ringing in my ears. I felt constantly sick, weak, and exhausted. Around the time of my daughter’s first birthday, we had family and friends visiting when I suddenly developed a fever. It was the weekend, and my oncologist was unavailable, so I went to the emergency room.

I was told I was critically neutropenic and septic. My white blood cell count was dangerously low, requiring continuous IV antibiotics. I spent five nights in the progressive care unit, one step below the ICU. After being discharged, I pushed forward and continued my chemotherapy regimen.

The fight was brutal. There were days I wanted to stop. But my wife and children stood beside me, giving me the strength to keep going. I have never felt that sick or defeated in my life.

One month after finishing chemotherapy, I returned to work on the ambulance, doing what I love and saving lives. A month later, I received the words I had been hoping for. There was no evidence of disease. I was officially in remission.

This month marks my one-year milestone. I am scheduled for a PET scan, CT scan, and labs on July 6. I continue to spread awareness about early detection and testicular cancer within the EMS, fire, and law enforcement communities. I am also active in survivor groups such as TCC.