Robert Winder

After a month of worry I finally got some good news.

In February I discovered a lump in my testicle, during a routine self-inspection. After an ultrasound and a meeting with a urologist a few days later I was told that I didn’t have testicular cancer. That was the good news. The bad news was that a solid mass in my epididymis couldn’t be diagnosed until it was removed and biopsied. Primary cancer of the epididymis is very rare, the cases are “reportable” and the other explanations for the solid mass are non-existent.

Surgery was scheduled for March 18th, the result would be known a week later.  I was a basket-case, so was Mex, but we continued on, not wanting to think too much. We told the children and close family and friends. I came close to posting here a couple of times too. The stress became a natural part of our day.

On Monday I did another self-inspection, checking before my op. But I couldn’t feel the lump and at the last minute I cancelled the surgery in favour of another ultrasound.  A few more days of jangled nerves, but it was better to wait than go under the knife.

Today I got the confirmation from the urologist… The lump had gone. The news came on our usual Friday ride to Peets, by the time I got there I was overcome with the emotion, the sense of relief, the stress reducing, even my legs started to feel better.

I am the luckiest fella alive. I have Mex, my long suffering and long supporting best friend and partner. I have the best six kids in the world who I adore.  Then there is you, a very supportive group of family and friends.

There have been so many stressful times the past month, you’ve all helped tremendously. Thank you being there when I needed you the most.