Fight for Andrew
Donation protected
I am honestly not sure what to say but let me start by telling you my story. My name is Andrew and I am 28 years old, I am a father to a precious 20 month old little boy who is my world, who I adore and love. As I sit here lost for words; Never a day in my life would I have thought I would be sitting here writing this plea for all and everyone to see. They do say the strongest warriors come from the hardest battles.
Back in early December of 2018 after being in and out of the emergency room for three months, from being told there was nothing wrong from a doctor who took care of me both times while in the ER, or from the urologist that I first saw that put me on an antibiotic for 10 days, did I ever imagine that I would get the dreaded news that no one ever wants to hear.
This news, however, did not come from the ER doctor or from the first urologist, but from a good friend’s mom thousands of miles away in another state, who I would like to say is a true human being, one that is kind enough to take time out of her schedule to help a complete stranger. My body was trying to tell me something, but from all accounts no one was willing to listen to me nor have any answers to why I was sitting here with this bowling ball between my legs. From the advice of a good friend; who I now call my guardian angel, I forwarded my ultrasound out to his mother in Montana. She then had asked her colleague, who was an urologist to take a look at it.
It now was December 11, one day after sending my results out to Montana, I was receiving the news that I most likely had testicular cancer. I was advised that I immediately needed to get a simple blood test done and a CT scan to confirm my diagnosis. At that moment no words can describe the feelings and emotions that came over me. I can recall though, my body had suddenly become completely numb in utter disbelief that I may have cancer.
Immediately, I contacted the first urologist pleading to have blood work started and a CT scan done. Finally after all these months of endured pain and being ignored the urologist confirmed the truth of the cancer. At this time my testicle was 8 cm and the size of a baseball. The question that still haunts me today and will probably forever is how could an ER doctor say nothing was wrong, to not even order a simple blood test, to discredit all of my concerns by telling me nothing other than to go home and ice my balls.
On December 13th I proactively had the surgery to remove my testicle. The surgery went as planned but unfortunately the cancer had spread to a lymph node in my stomach. After three weeks of healing the Doctor immediately advised that I start chemotherapy to shrink the tumor in my stomach. Once again, I felt this disconnect from this doctor who offered no alternative therapy other than chemotherapy. It bothered me so much I took it upon myself to get second opinions and do the extra research.
The thought of starting chemotherapy and dumping poison in my body as my only option at this time seems counterproductive to what I believe and who I have become. Over the past five years I transformed myself and my beliefs on how I wanted to live my life for the better. I not only chose a healthier lifestyle for myself but I also managed to touch numerous other individuals along my journey by dedicating myself to helping them transform their lives for the better. This is who I am and I am proud of what I have accomplished, I love life and most of all I found peace and clarity in helping others.
I know and fear that chemotherapy may be inevitable, but I feel I owe this to myself to try alternative options to cure my cancer inside of me prior to wreaking havoc on my entire body that may lead to permanent damage to my organs. I love life and most importantly I love my son, who I want to see grow up to be a young man with my help and guidance.
I may be a stranger, someone you have never met, a family member, a friend. Your kindness will never be forgotten. I have only good intentions here to live a happy and healthy life for myself and for my son. I am need of your help that will help cover the costs for the treatments. I have researched several alternative treatment centers and have found one that I feel very comfortable with that has restored my faith that they will help me in healing and join me on my journey to get well again.
Back in early December of 2018 after being in and out of the emergency room for three months, from being told there was nothing wrong from a doctor who took care of me both times while in the ER, or from the urologist that I first saw that put me on an antibiotic for 10 days, did I ever imagine that I would get the dreaded news that no one ever wants to hear.
This news, however, did not come from the ER doctor or from the first urologist, but from a good friend’s mom thousands of miles away in another state, who I would like to say is a true human being, one that is kind enough to take time out of her schedule to help a complete stranger. My body was trying to tell me something, but from all accounts no one was willing to listen to me nor have any answers to why I was sitting here with this bowling ball between my legs. From the advice of a good friend; who I now call my guardian angel, I forwarded my ultrasound out to his mother in Montana. She then had asked her colleague, who was an urologist to take a look at it.
It now was December 11, one day after sending my results out to Montana, I was receiving the news that I most likely had testicular cancer. I was advised that I immediately needed to get a simple blood test done and a CT scan to confirm my diagnosis. At that moment no words can describe the feelings and emotions that came over me. I can recall though, my body had suddenly become completely numb in utter disbelief that I may have cancer.
Immediately, I contacted the first urologist pleading to have blood work started and a CT scan done. Finally after all these months of endured pain and being ignored the urologist confirmed the truth of the cancer. At this time my testicle was 8 cm and the size of a baseball. The question that still haunts me today and will probably forever is how could an ER doctor say nothing was wrong, to not even order a simple blood test, to discredit all of my concerns by telling me nothing other than to go home and ice my balls.
On December 13th I proactively had the surgery to remove my testicle. The surgery went as planned but unfortunately the cancer had spread to a lymph node in my stomach. After three weeks of healing the Doctor immediately advised that I start chemotherapy to shrink the tumor in my stomach. Once again, I felt this disconnect from this doctor who offered no alternative therapy other than chemotherapy. It bothered me so much I took it upon myself to get second opinions and do the extra research.
The thought of starting chemotherapy and dumping poison in my body as my only option at this time seems counterproductive to what I believe and who I have become. Over the past five years I transformed myself and my beliefs on how I wanted to live my life for the better. I not only chose a healthier lifestyle for myself but I also managed to touch numerous other individuals along my journey by dedicating myself to helping them transform their lives for the better. This is who I am and I am proud of what I have accomplished, I love life and most of all I found peace and clarity in helping others.
I know and fear that chemotherapy may be inevitable, but I feel I owe this to myself to try alternative options to cure my cancer inside of me prior to wreaking havoc on my entire body that may lead to permanent damage to my organs. I love life and most importantly I love my son, who I want to see grow up to be a young man with my help and guidance.
I may be a stranger, someone you have never met, a family member, a friend. Your kindness will never be forgotten. I have only good intentions here to live a happy and healthy life for myself and for my son. I am need of your help that will help cover the costs for the treatments. I have researched several alternative treatment centers and have found one that I feel very comfortable with that has restored my faith that they will help me in healing and join me on my journey to get well again.
Organizer
Andrew Thiel
Organizer
Appleton, WI
