April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, and Neil Cullen has kindly shared his story as part of our Talking Balls campaign, to encourage more men across Northern Ireland to get into the self-check habit. Neil, 32, from Aughnacloy, was diagnosed with stage II testicular cancer in July 2023. This is his story.
“I was on tour in the United States, playing rugby for Clogher Valley Rugby Club, and took an awkward tackle. This left me in so much pain that I had to go to hospital. I had a scan whilst there, after which I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. I had to cut the rugby tour short and fly straight home, and I was very thankful to my friend David who joined me on the journey.
“On my return home, I attended the Cancer Centre in Belfast to meet with my consultants Dr Oladipo and Dr Carser to discuss and plan for a course of chemotherapy treatment. I also met Mel, who is Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Testicular Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist. Mel has been a rock for me throughout my treatment and beyond.
“I received a short spell of chemotherapy, and I now regularly attend the Cancer Centre for check-ups. Mel has been on hand as a wonderful support throughout. Anytime we have been talking, she constantly reminds me that if I ever have any doubt or query, I shouldn’t hesitate to contact her. I would like to thank her for everything she has done for me, and of course for many, many others. People like Mel give so much of their own time to others and they should be celebrated.
“I suppose I could say that I come under the ‘typical man’ bracket when dealing with something like this, and the emotion that goes alongside. I have been overwhelmed with the amount of support that is available when dealing with a cancer diagnosis. I am very thankful for the support of Friends of the Cancer Centre, and of course my friends and family who have got me through.”
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Friends of the Cancer Centre is a registered company limited by guarantee in Northern Ireland. Company number NI616925. Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC101345.
