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Help Derek Fight Bilateral Testicular Cancer
At just 35 years old, Derek Mayer is facing the fight of his life. He’s been diagnosed with cancer in both testicles — an extremely rare and aggressive condition that has completely changed his world in just a few weeks.
Diagnosis & Surgery
On September 25, 2025, Derek underwent major surgery to remove both testicles after doctors discovered two different types of cancer:
- Right testicle: A mixed germ cell tumor (2.9 cm), made up of 75% seminoma, 20% embryonal carcinoma, and less than 5% yolk sac tumor — a more aggressive type that may require further treatment.
- Left testicle: A pure seminoma (3.2 cm), a slower-growing but still serious cancer.
Both tumors were confirmed by pathology and reviewed by Johns Hopkins Hospital for a second opinion. Thankfully, the surgery was successful, and there were no signs of spread to surrounding tissue.
Liver Biopsy
A follow-up CT scan revealed suspicious lesions on Derek’s liver, which led to a biopsy to rule out cancer.
The good news: the biopsy came back negative for malignancy — no cancer was found.
Doctors believe it’s likely a sarcoid-like reaction, which can appear cancerous on scans but isn’t. Additional testing is underway to confirm.
⚕️ Post-Surgery Complications
Unfortunately, Derek’s recovery hasn’t been smooth. After his initial surgery, he developed a large hematoma and severe swelling, resulting in two emergency room visits.
On October 22, 2025, he had to undergo a second surgery to remove the hematoma and allow doctors to explore and control the complication. A drain was placed and removed two days later.
Once Derek fully heals from these setbacks, he will still need another procedure to place two prosthetics for complete recovery.
Because both testicles were removed, Derek will also require biweekly testosterone injections for the rest of his life to maintain normal hormone levels, energy, and overall health.
The silver lining is that no chemotherapy is needed at this time. Derek will continue with scans and blood work every six months for the next five years to ensure his body remains cancer-free.
What Comes Next
While we are incredibly grateful for the positive results so far, this has taken a huge toll — physically, emotionally, and financially. Derek is now:
- Healing from multiple surgeries
- Managing lifelong testosterone therapy
- Continuing scans, bloodwork, and follow-up care
- Coping with physical and emotional recovery
- Facing fertility challenges and long-term life changes
- Handling significant medical bills and time off work
How You Can Help
This journey has been overwhelming in every way. Your support — whether through donations, sharing Derek’s story, or offering words of encouragement — means more than words can express.
Funds raised will help cover:
- Medical costs not covered by insurance
- Transportation to appointments and follow-up visits
- Medications and recovery-related expenses
- Costs associated with additional surgery and lifelong hormone therapy
- Basic living expenses while he’s out of work
Thank you for reading, donating, sharing, and standing with Derek as he continues this fight. Your love, kindness, and prayers truly make a difference.
Organizer and beneficiary
Donald Mayer
Beneficiary