Been keeping this quiet, but here it is (UPDATE)

[RIDE-RED 250r]

I am now recovering from having one of my testicles removed yesterday.

This is the end result of over ten years dealing with a recurring issue. I had sought medical attention a few rimes but the docs were largely stumped.

Long story short, I saw a new doc about this problem early in December. More tests were conducted including blood tests for cancer indicators, a contrasting dye CT scan, and several ultrasounds. After all of this my doc was convinced that I had a malignant tumor inside my testicle and decided thru best course of action was to remove it. He did not want to even conduct a biopsy as a biopsy carried high risk of causing the cancer to spread if that is what I had.

So, yesterday I became the one-nut-wonder. But the good news is that once doc got it out and examined it he now feels that I did not have a tumor after all. However, thorough pathology is moving forward on it and the final results should be known in about a week.

I'm sore as hell right now, they cut diagonally along the top of my thigh. Was supposed to be that single cut up above but he ended up having to cut the change purse as well due to complications in removal. Guess I had alot of scar tissue... I haven't had a surgery since I was 11 years old for tonsils.

Not sure why I decided to share this with you all other than that I consider many of you family that I just have not yet met face to face.. and I have noticed that I find it helpful to talk about it.

I can't say enough good things about the staff that cared for me. They way they made me feel like the center of their universe was a great help in easing my nerves and fear. Yes, I was scared, especially about the possibility of cancer.

Anyhow, another reason I post this is to urge anyone here who may be having issues "down there" to can the embarrassment and get it looked it. A lesson I paid my right nut to learn! Lol!

Also, if anyone has any questions about anything you may have going on yourselves, feel free to pm me.

And no, my trikes will not be up for sale due to a newfound lack of cojones to ride em!!

[Dirtweed]

You'll just lean off to one side is all when riding...no problem.

Wow all that reading gave me a ache in the belly. I got clipped in the 90s and that was enough to take I can't
imagine what you went through!

I hope final test result is the same as the initial thought. Hate to see anyone go through cancer.
Hope you recover quick and all is well afterwards!



Darrin

[El Camexican]

You're in all our thoughts and prayers Joe. Thank you for sharing. Hope you get to being yourself real soon.

They say laughter is the best medicine, so while some may say I'm un necessarily breaking your balls (er make that singular) I'm posting a video of a song you might find fitting of the occasion. It should also be pointed out that as a gun aficionado you can appreciate the beauty of a stout single shooter.

A big (but tender) hug from all of us at 3WW! Get well soon buddy!!!:beer


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f6Y0vD0_Vg

[atc007]

All the best to you my friend. We knew El would bust your ball lol . ;) Glad to hear you already joking about it bud . Sounds like a good reason to rest up for awhile! I've had a few friends over the years born without one or removed... Always a good laugh as their sense of humor allows! Fingers crossed for great lab results :)

[ironchop]

Here's to a quick recovery!

Glad you got it taken care of now before its too late

[bkm]

Here's to a quick recovery uniballer.

[Kismet]

Glad you are ok.

Life happens--wait until you get old. :) You wake up and your first conscious thought is: "Now what?"

[slashfan7964]

Take care buddy. A very close friend of mine had one removed back when I was in high school. He finds telling people about it makles him feel better and unique. His got all wrapped up and swollen to the size of a tennis ball. He said it was the most painful thing he's ever felt in his life.

So, I just want to say you aren't alone and this is more common than I think anyone would like to admit. A lot of people think it takes away someones manlihood...I'll tell you my buddy probably has bigger balls than me! Hang in there man, you've got our support.

[RIDE-RED 250r]

You guys are awesome!

I welcome the jokes and lightheartedness. I have been the biggest joke cracker by far about this. I'm in a great mood, glad its done and wont miss the trouble it has been giving me for the last ten years. Thinking about asking doc if I can have what's left so I can dispose of it properly..... at the rifle range..LOL!

I truly appreciate all of the kind words of encouragement. :)

Oh and El Camexican: been singing that song in my head since yesterday! Classic! :beer

[redsox]

Joe, glad to hear you're alright man. wowza. the big C is some scary stuff. The whole one nut thing always makes me think of John Kruk. He was an old Philly and one of my favorite players. He was a wild man. Played hard and partied hard. He was a booze bag and out of shape, but he could really play. he was like a player from the past, before conditioning and nutrition. He lived with a few bank robbers and was generally a wild, wild guy. Anyway, he got whacked in the nads with a pickoff throw and somehow the injury led to the discovery of cancer. So, he was one marble light. I remember how light hearted he took it. He was always joking about it and i remember thinking how cool he was to be able to rise above something like that. I remember when he retired, he was joking about writing a book. he was going to title it "I'm taking my ball and going home; The John Kruk story." That always cracked me up. he's still on ESPN all the time. Cool guy. Anyway, hope you feel better soon.

[yaegerb]

Glad to hear you're ok Joe and hope the tests come back benign. Look at the bright side.....you'll be 1/100th of a second faster due to less wind resistance!

[Dirtcrasher]

Hey, we won't do to you what we did to swinger with his snip snip the other day!!

I worked with a guy that got "twisted testicles" and he said the pain was terrible. He said "we're not gonna take it, no, we ain't gonna take it" and got one removed and is just fine today :D

I'm so glad it went well for you and hope your all set now!! Couldn't have been easy to share your sack with all these docs/nurses over the years unless you have a big dong; But again, So glad your AOK!! :)

You know we love ya!!

[tripledog]

It is amazing that you have a sense of humor in the face of such adversity, and I will never think of a "change purse" the same way again. I wish you a speedy recovery and many healthy years ahead.

[slashfan7964]

Humor is what keeps my friend sane over it.

It's the best medicine. Honestly.

[clmeue37]

Instead of disposing of it, save it in a jar and every time the wife starts "busting your balls" about something just hand her the jar and tell her she can take it out on that one lol.

And look at it this way...the quad guys think we're short one wheel so it's fitting that you prefer toys of a 3 wheeled nature!

Seriously though I'm glad to hear that everything went well and will be waiting and hoping for good test results!

[Buck Snort]

Your sense of humour and sharing this is very impressive! Get healed up fast and get back to shooting and riding.

[Scootertrash]

Keep yer chin up Red! Cancer is nothing to mess with. I have a history of prostate cancer in my family so I get a yearly physical including the "digital exam". Only problem is I haven't been able to figure out which finger he's using when he has both hands on my shoulders :wondering http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-shocked003.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)

The rest of you guys don't be afraid to get yearly physicals and proper exams if you have a family history of cancer or heart disease or any other serious ailment.

Ride Red- I don't know if you ever watched Sons of Anarchy, but in the earlier episodes they had a member they nicknamed "Half Sack" cuz he was missing a nut. Maybe you should adopt that nickname. ;)

Godspeed and heal fast!!

Good to see you're not getting testy about the jokes ;) :D

210731

[RIDE-RED 250r]

I see no reason to be testy (or should I say, teste) at all. LMAO!!! :D This is child's play compared to what my dad and my younger brother have been through.

My dad had a triple by-pass, prostate cancer, and a lung transplant within 3 years.

My brother had stage-3 colon cancer in oct of 2013 at 32 years old.

Both are doing great now. Seeing how they battled through what was dealt to them really keeps things in prospective for me. I'm just not accustomed to being on the receiving end of the family piling on to help out. We are a very tight family, us Barretts....

Got my bandages off today. The cut is about twice what the doc predicted..about 4". Got 15 staples.. looks gross! LOL! But the nice thing is, ice packs are more effective now at easing the swelling with the bandage off.

[Scootertrash]

Yea, those ice packs will keep ANY type of swelling down!!

[Dirtcrasher]

I see no reason to be testy (or should I say, teste) at all. LMAO!!! :D This is child's play compared to what my dad and my younger brother have been through.

My dad had a triple by-pass, prostate cancer, and a lung transplant within 3 years.

My brother had stage-3 colon cancer in oct of 2013 at 32 years old.

Both are doing great now. Seeing how they battled through what was dealt to them really keeps things in prospective for me. I'm just not accustomed to being on the receiving end of the family piling on to help out. We are a very tight family, us Barretts....

Got my bandages off today. The cut is about twice what the doc predicted..about 4". Got 15 staples.. looks gross! LOL! But the nice thing is, ice packs are more effective now at easing the swelling with the bandage off.

Can you post pics?? ALL of them :lol:

[redsox]

what do you have in common with Lance Armstrong?????

You have the same amount of Tour De France titles.

[Slingblade]

It's good to see you're keeping a positive, sack half full perspective through this.

Wishing you a speedy recovery and praying for good test results.

[RIDE-RED 250r]

DC: Seriously?? :beer

Sox: Nothing that I am aware of..Is he down to 1 as well?? Or was he able to salvage the set?? No titles on a bicycle.. haven't ridden anything peddle powered in quite a few years.. ;)

Slingblade: Yes Sirree Bob... Always half full! :)

[RIDE-RED 250r]

Ok Steve... You asked for it...

[coolpool]

Ahhhhh my eyes, lol! Hey chicks dig scars, work that angle..........of dangle! Heal well brother.

DC careful what you wish for in the future;-).

[RIDE-RED 250r]

Wonder if I have a change to my member subtitle in the works??? HAHAHA!!!!

[El Camexican]

Wonder if I have a change to my member subtitle in the works??? HAHAHA!!!!

"I'm your singleberry"?

[Scootertrash]

Ok Steve... You asked for it...

You need to provide some of this with those kinda pics

210786

[Scootertrash]

"I'm your singleberry"?

http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-laughing001.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php) http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-laughing001.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)

[redsox]

"I'm your singleberry"?


thats funny stuff right there!! Joe, yes, I was referring to Lance's uniball status. Cancer. But, it was a bad comparison and a play on the fact that his biking titles have been voided. Unlike Lance, you have integrity. it was a stretch of a bad joke. lets all just move on.

[RIDE-RED 250r]

Roger that my good man. :beer :)

After reading your post again today I get it now. The pain meds get me a little loopy here and there.

[86125m]

Clemeue37 its not our fault that the quad guys need training wheels.

[NeverLift]

Glad your healing up nicely.
I am going in for a testicle related surgery on march 2nd. 10 years ago I had a very bad hernia (doc said it was the biggest he's ever seen). This was while I was going to school out of state. After the surgery my right testicle remained swollen to about the size of an extremely large egg. I had 1 fallow up with the surgeon before I moved back home. The surgeon said it was normal and could last 2 years. While 10 years later and nothing has changed its been a constant source of discomfort and sometimes pain. Now I finally have health insurance and preexisting conditions don't matter I am going under the knife. What I have is called a Hydrocele, the doc should be able to cut my bag and drain the fluid I hope its that simple.

[RIDE-RED 250r]

Glad your healing up nicely.
I am going in for a testicle related surgery on march 2nd. 10 years ago I had a very bad hernia (doc said it was the biggest he's ever seen). This was while I was going to school out of state. After the surgery my right testicle remained swollen to about the size of an extremely large egg. I had 1 fallow up with the surgeon before I moved back home. The surgeon said it was normal and could last 2 years. While 10 years later and nothing has changed its been a constant source of discomfort and sometimes pain. Now I finally have health insurance and preexisting conditions don't matter I am going under the knife. What I have is called a Hydrocele, the doc should be able to cut my bag and drain the fluid I hope its that simple.

Hmm... That sounds sort of similar to the 10+ year issue I was dealing with although mine was not caused by hernia.

Best of luck to you on your up-coming surgery!

[RIDE-RED 250r]

Well my friends.. My Doc called me about a half hour ago because he wanted to give me the final results of the pathology and didn't want to keep me waiting.

I am very happy to report that they found no cancer! :D

I was feeling pretty good about it after Doc told us what he found Friday.. but it is still good to get that final word on the matter.. :)

Now just gotta finish healing up and get back at it! :)

[yaegerb]

Well my friends.. My Doc called me about a half hour ago because he wanted to give me the final results of the pathology and didn't want to keep me waiting.

I am very happy to report that they found no cancer! :D

I was feeling pretty good about it after Doc told us what he found Friday.. but it is still good to get that final word on the matter.. :)

Now just gotta finish healing up and get back at it! :)

Excellent news sir. Been thinking about ya the past couple days and was hoping for the best.

[atc007]

Awesome. Sure makes ya think doesn't it? Nothing but time till they call...So glad for you and your family!

[El Camexican]

Excellent news!!!:Bounce Time to party with the remaining "Army of one" !!! :beer


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IjgZGhHrYY

[Dirtweed]

Excellent news!!!

[Thorpe]

Glad to read you doing well Joe! Great news from the doctor! Couldn't help cracking a uno joke here, happened to find this, it's a cut and paste, didn't even have to change the name!

TESTICLES: Joe was moderately successful in his career, but as he got older he was increasingly hampered by terrible headaches. When his personal hygiene and love life started to suffer, he sought medical help. After being referred from one specialist to another, he finally came across a doctor who solved the problem. "The good news is I can cure your headaches. The bad news is that it will require castration. You have a very rare condition which causes your testicles to press up against the base of your spine. The pressure creates one hell of a headache. The only way to relieve the pressure is to remove the testicles." Joe was shocked and depressed. He wondered if he had anything to live for. He couldn't concentrate long enough to answer, but decided he had no choice but to go under the knife. When he left the hospital, his mind was clear, but he felt like he was missing an important part of himself. As he walked down the street, he realized that he felt like a different person. He could make a new beginning and live a new life. He walked past a men's clothing store and thought, "That's what I need, a new suit." He entered the shop and told the salesman, "I'd like a new suit." The salesman eyed him briefly and said, "Let's see... size 44 long." Joe laughed, "That's right, how did you know?" "It's my job." Joe tried on the suit. It fit perfectly. As Joe admired himself in the mirror, the salesman asked, "How about a new shirt?" Joe thought for a moment and then said, "Sure!" The salesman eyed Joe and said, "Let's see,... 34 sleeve and... 16 and a half neck." Joe was surprised, "That's right, how did you know?" "It's my job." Joe tried on the shirt, and it fit perfectly. As Joe adjusted the collar in the mirror, the salesman asked, "How about new shoes?" Joe was on a roll and said, "Sure!" The salesman eyed Joe's feet and said, "Let's see...9 and a half wide." Joe was astonished, "That's right, how did you know?" "It's my job." Joe tried on the shoes and they fit perfectly. Joe walked comfortably around the shop and the salesman asked, "How about a new hat?" Without hesitating, Joe said, "Sure!" The salesman eyed Joe's head and said, "Let's see. . . 7 5/8." Joe was incredulous, "That's right, how did you know?" "It's my job." The hat fit perfectly. Joe was feeling great, when the salesman asked, "How about some new underwear?" Joe thought for a second and said, "Sure!" The salesman stepped back, eyed Joe's waist and said, "Let's see... size 36." Joe laughed, "No, I've worn size 34 since I was 18 years old." The salesman shook his head and said, "You can't wear a size 34 It would press your testicles up against the base of your spine and give you one hell of a headache!"

source: http://www.jokes4us.com/medicaljokes/testiclesjoke.html

[clmeue37]

210925

Great news!

[RIDE-RED 250r]

Thorpe that was awesome!!! :lol:

I want to thank you guys for the tidal wave of kind words and support. I consider each of you extended family. :)

I also want to thank you guys for putting up with some posts I made that might be considered a little sketchy on the "appropriate scale". I have never been on any strong pain meds before in my life.. and I remember being a bit loopy here and there. Looking back through this thread I can see that it had an effect on my judgement in posting. I don't see much point in removing some of those posts as the damage is done so to speak.. But if they are found to be too offensive for some I would be happy to flush them if asked. I guess a laptop/phone restriction may have been appropriate along with the driving restriction.. LOL!

Thank you all for playing along and brightening my day with the good humor and kind words of support. My way of dealing with difficult things often times is to make light of them and have fun with it. And don't take what I say as that I am implying that this is bothering me more than I am letting on.. I am really 100% OK with this. As I said before, many people have it alot tougher than I do.. My Dad, my brother, other folks here.. And our young men and women coming home from war with arms and legs missing and the mental anguish they now carry. They deserve SO much more credit than I. This is nothing. :)

I don't know if this long term problem I had has been weighing on my mind in the background or what... But I have been in such a good mood since I got home from my OP friday.. And being as I am off the pain meds now I know it is not from those. This is genuine. I think Doc took more than just a nut from me friday. :)

[El Camexican]

I also want to thank you guys for putting up with some posts I made that might be considered a little sketchy on the "appropriate scale". I have never been on any strong pain meds before in my life.. and I remember being a bit loopy here and there. Looking back through this thread I can see that it had an effect on my judgement in posting. I don't see much point in removing some of those posts as the damage is done so to speak.. But if they are found to be too offensive for some I would be happy to flush them if asked. I guess a laptop/phone restriction may have been appropriate along with the driving restriction.. LOL!

Now you know how Glamy feels:lol: