Nate’s RPLND: 23 Lymph Nodes, Zero Cancer

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In this episode of It Takes Balls, Nate Edwards shares how finding a lump the day after his 34th birthday led to a testicular cancer diagnosis in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although two people in Nate's life had previously been diagnosed with testicular cancer, including one of his best friends and a former robotics student, he still wasn't convinced it could happen to him. In fact, his primary care doctor initially doubted it was cancer before an ultrasound revealed otherwise.

After undergoing an orchiectomy, Nate learned he had 100% embryonal carcinoma, the same aggressive type of testicular cancer that affected Lance Armstrong. As a new father, he suddenly found himself navigating sperm banking, treatment decisions, and the uncertainty that comes with a cancer diagnosis.

One of the most fascinating parts of Nate's story is his treatment journey. Faced with choosing between chemotherapy and RPLND (retroperitoneal lymph node dissection), he sought multiple opinions before ultimately choosing surgery during the height of COVID. Doctors removed 23 lymph nodes during a nine-hour operation, and remarkably, every single one came back negative for cancer.

The conversation also dives deep into fertility after testicular cancer. Nate openly discusses sperm banking, retrograde ejaculation after RPLND, low semen volume, multiple miscarriages, and the emotional roller coaster he and his wife experienced while trying to grow their family. Despite numerous setbacks and fertility concerns, the couple eventually welcomed a second child, a milestone that makes this story especially meaningful.

Today, Nate is an active members of the online testicular cancer community, helping newly diagnosed patients navigate treatment decisions, fertility concerns, and survivorship. His story is a powerful reminder that testicular cancer can happen at any age, that self-exams matter, and that a strong support system can make all the difference.

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