In January, Gizmo found a lump in one of his testicles and thought it was from something easy, like landing a jump too hard (motocross). However, he went to the doctor the same week to check it out just in case. After seeing two doctors, both told him the same news – it’s most likely cancerous and it needs to be removed. So, after multiple CT scans, X-rays, MRI’s, and Ultrasounds, we scheduled the surgery and the testicle was removed. While waiting patiently for the tumor results (a couple days), Gizmo was having a deep pain in his chest and it was difficult to breathe. We were scared that it could be a blood clot from his surgery, so we went to the ER. Unfortunately, that’s when we found out he had two little nodes in his lungs. The doctor told us, “if the testicle was cancerous, then there’s a possibility that it has spread to your lungs.” We tried to stay calm when hearing those words but at least we found it early, right?

We finally got the results from the tumor and the doctor told us that it was 60% cancerous. Therefore, Gizmo will have to do chemotherapy. The doctor did tell us that we should “watch” the nodes before starting chemo because his tumor markers (alpha beta protein – tested by blood) were going down – which is a good thing. So, Gizmo had to do more blood tests, CT scans, and then a PET scan.

The results from the PET scan were not good. They now found four hypermetabolic nodules in his lungs – it’s growing. So, yesterday (March 23rd) Gizmo had his first day of chemo. This will be going on for about four months. The four months include: 1 full week of chemo (7 hours a day) then three weeks of recovery – four times. Because of this, he will not be working, and money is already getting tight. The number of tests he has already done, and the cost of the surgery has really added up. Thankfully he does have insurance, but we all know insurance doesn’t cover everything. We were just told today that chemo alone will cost about $5,000.

Because of the testicle being removed and the current chemo treatments, we had to bank his sperm for our future family. This costs $670 to test and freeze + $125 for shipping + $100 stat fee + $1905 for long-term storage. (Our future kids are already expensive!) This doesn’t even include the process of shipping it back to the facility when we are ready for kids and the cost of the procedure (which could be easily $1000 or up to $20,000).

 
I know it’s a tough time right now to ask for donations, but we appreciate the time you took to read this and for any and all donations.