Hi guys! Hope you all are doing well this holiday season :) *MARCH 2024 UPDATE BELOW*

Here's the short version so far, with more details and current updates below:

Went to the ER November 6th, then after a whirlwind of events, got my left testicle removed 11/14. I was diagnosed with embryonal carcinoma. It's only stage 1B, but there's lymphovascular invasion, meaning it's already began to spread to other parts of my body. I have to go to Dana-Farber in Newton, Massachusetts on Monday, Dec 4th to plan and schedule a secondary surgery to remove all effected lymph nodes in my abdomen. Thankfully there's a 95% success over the next 5 years, but this has really thrown us for a loop. 

I have missed a ton of work due to intense pain and recovery from my first surgery, and Kallie and I were already living paycheck to paycheck. Unfortunately my bills are already starting to catch up to me, and one of my doctors suggested starting a GoFundMe for anyone interested in helping us get through this crazy time and help me pay for at least some of my surgeries and copays (and to keep the lights on at home) for the ridiculous amount of appointments I've had to/will have to go to. 

Thank you for taking the time to read, the full story continues below if anyone wants to know. I love you guys and hope you have a great holiday season. And next time you see them, squeeze your loved ones extra tight - things can change very quickly.

Update 1/2024: A routine CT scan schedules 2 weeks before my lymph node dissection showed multiple new tumors as well as significant progression on some old ones in my lungs. This turned into stage 2 lung cancer very quickly. I begin chemo on the same day my (now cancelled) surgery was going to happen, January 29th.

More detailed story - 

I went to the ER due to severe pain in my left testicle on Monday 11/6 and was given an ultrasound on site. I was told I had a large tumor on my left testicle that needed to be removed ASAP - I was even given the "cancer talk" without a biopsy.

Over the next week my case was set to urgent, and I had to see a urologist, get a CT scan and schedule surgery for November 28th.

The following Monday 11/13, I got a call at 4:30pm asking "if I could move my surgery up to tomorrow" (11/14 instead of the 28th). Got the surgery on short notice with minimal complications so far, and finally got back to work this week.

I missed a ton of work in this time, but went in and worked partial days every day I could. My workplace doesn't offer short term disability or any financial assistance, but graciously offered to keep me as part of the team and have even allowed me to keep my health insurance. Boss, if you're reading this, thank you! 

Moving on- Monday of this week, I got my pathology results. It was a whopping tumor that was 5x3.5x2cm, and it turned out to be cancerous. Embryonal carcinoma with lymphovascular invasion, meaning there was solid evidence it has started to spread upwards, which was backed up by imaging from the CT scan. Today I met with my oncologist and was scheduled to go down to Massachusetts with a CD of all scans/imaging from the past 5 years to set a plan for surgery because no surgeons in Maine will even attempt the procedure.

I was given a choice between surgery and chemo - I have always been terrified of chemo, and my doctor told me it often causes more issues in the future for younger patients, so I'm latching onto the surgery idea.

The unfortunate link here is that I've had pain in my left testicle for over 10 years. I got ultrasounds in 2013 and 2018 for pain in the same spot, and in 2018 it was brushed off as a "varicose vein". I've felt daily pain/discomfort since before that, and ever since have casually dismissed it as a varicose vein. It took the tumor damaging things around it for me to actually realize it wasn't a varicose vein. On Monday, my urologist dug into my records with me there and examined my 2018 ultrasounds. She found a few abnormalities that she said should have been flagged and watched closely. Kind of upset that it was missed, but can't change the past.

Anyways, props to you if you've made it this far. Kallie and I both appreciate any assistance you can give, even if it's just kind words. I don't like asking for help like this, but sometimes you have to swallow your pride and accept what help people can give.

Love you all and am thankful for each and every one of you. See you on the other side of this!

Edit: Heard GoFundMe keeps acting up, so just in case, my Venmo is @Noah_Kiel

EDIT 2 Jan 13th, 2024: Was diagnosed with stage 2 lung cancer yesterday. Waiting to hear when chemo starts, was told it would be at least 3-4 cycles (each cycle is 28 days). Been a long couple of months with a lot of doctor appointments, but should be cancer free before summer. Thank you all for your support.

EDIT 3 JAN 19TH 2024- Chemo begins Jan 29th. To start off, I'll have 4 cycles of 21 days each. Not too much more to say at this time.. will be out of work for at least the next 3 months during treatment, so any assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank you all for your support!

MARCH 2024 UPDATE: Hey guys! Writing this on the 25th on my first day of Cycle number 3. Sorry for lack of updates, things have been interesting to say the least! These cycles really take it out of me. I was supposed to be done the first week of April, but I've been neutropenic before both Cycle 2 and Cycle 3, delaying each treatment by one week. Hopefully this fight will be over by the end of April the way things are going.

I went to the ER a couple weeks ago due to severe liver pain and they told me that it's a normal effect from treatment, BUT a CT scan from that trip showed no new growth and a decrease in the biggest tumor's size in my lungs! Things are working, just takes a lot of time and patience.

Thank you all so much for your support in all forms during these times