I. Diagnosis

Dear all,

I hope this note finds you well and for those in the UK, still enjoying some rather good weather! You maybe aware that I was off-line yesterday and I want to thank all those who have sent nice follow ups. Following an initial ultra sound scan and CT scan yesterday (11th May) I was diagnosed with testicular cancer, which has moved up a bit to the lymph nodes in my stomach. This was quite a shock as you can imagine but after some reading from my amazing wife, it would appear the prognosis is fairly good with a high cure rate even considering the spread. I followed up with the doctors this morning and it seems that the size of the tumour on the nodes is smaller than 1cm.

On Tuesday afternoon (17th May) I will be having an operation to remove the testicle and will then have some follow up with chemo or radio therapy. Again, I understand the prognosis is favourable. On the work front I know I have great support and I’m very grateful for the best colleagues in the business. I will be on intermittent email and understand that I should be back fairly swiftly after the op on Tuesday. This has been a very humbling experience and it took some time to realise that it was me they were talking about when hearing the results.

My wife and I are very positive, however, we want to encourage all the chaps out there to have a good check of their manhood (perhaps not while you read this!) and for all you ladies to give their men a good check too... Finally, most will know that I do have faith in Jesus and my family and I would be grateful for your prayers. I am comfortable if you’d like to forward this note and very keen to raise awareness. I always wondered why men had two testicles and now I know why!

Best wishes

Stuart McGuire
Executive Director