goodbye mustache

hello lifetime of stories & advocacy

Here we are, the last day of Movember, and I am so thankful for the opportunities I’ve had this month to chat about men’s health – especially testicular cancer.

I have been talking to people about it in person, because let’s face it…a mustache is an attention-grabber, and most people who notice can’t help themselves but to ask about it. And it’s tough not to feel self-conscious when you know you look less than normal, especially when you normally prefer to blend in to the background, but for this month I am happy to shine a light directly on myself and what I have experienced. And perhaps more importantly, how others can learn from my experiences.

So here’s the abridged version of a typical conversation I might have with someone who asks about my mustache (like a random mom at daycare after I drop off the boys):

I am growing my mustache for Movember to raise awareness for men’s health issues, including testicular cancer. I was diagnosed back in September, had surgery immediately, and am currently awaiting tests to see if I’m clear or need more treatments. It was awful and painful, but could have been much worse. My advice to any man or woman who notices anything abnormal with their bodies…don’t hesitate and don’t sleep on it. Go see your doctor immediately. And then after you hopefully get an all-clear, or even moreso if you don’t, see someone to help your brain, because cancer takes a toll on you mentally and physically.

On that last note, I am thankful for Vanderbilt. I was able to get in to see a counselor who is helpful for processing the last few months. Because they haven’t really been easy. Recovery took a while and I am not actually fully healed. It’s really only been a few months and despite my attempts to fast-track healing, my incision (or “b-section” as my friend Patrick called it) will flare up in pain when I do too much.

Next week I go in for a CT scan, with lab work and an oncologist visit to follow soon after. I am anxious to get a grasp on how things look and more importantly to continue moving forward. I’m hoping for the best, absorbing all the positive vibes, and feeling the effects of the prayers. I am happy to be on this side of the cancer battle and will continue to fight it as long as it decides to stick around. In closing, while the mustache (seen below) disappears, the stories and advocacy remain. Men and women who stumble upon this blog – check yourselves out for anything concerning and take action quickly. This world needs YOU and your stories of survival in the face of cancer, mental illness, or whatever is thrown at you.