It Takes Balls - Podcast

Drawing from her professional experience as an LMFT, Renee explains how cancer affects far more than physical health. The conversation explores the fear, uncertainty, anxiety, and identity shifts that often follow a diagnosis, especially for men who may feel pressure to stay strong or avoid emotional vulnerability. She also shares practical insight into how couples can communicate more effectively during treatment and recovery, even when both partners are struggling in different ways.

Dylan began treatment for a non-seminoma germ cell tumor with EP chemotherapy, but midway through, his condition took a devastating turn. What started as standard cancer treatment escalated into severe complications, including sepsis and gangrene, leaving him hospitalized in critical condition. At one point, his family was called in to say goodbye.

Luke opens up about the physical toll of treatment, including fatigue and side effects, as well as the mental challenges that came with such an unexpected turn. From scan anxiety to continuing therapy during treatment, he shares how he navigated both the data-driven decisions and the emotional weight of cancer.

Beyond the event itself, the episode reinforces the mission: raising awareness and promoting early detection. Listeners are reminded of the importance of monthly testicular self-exams, common symptoms, and how early diagnosis can lead to high cure rates, especially when detected early.

More than anything, this episode is about community and turning awareness into action to provide meaningful support to those affected by testicular cancer.

This episode highlights the importance of recognizing testicular cancer symptoms, advocating for your health, and understanding that survivorship is about more than just treatment—it’s about rebuilding physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Beyond treatment, this episode explores the importance of being treated at high-volume centers, avoiding overtreatment, and understanding the long-term effects of both surgery and chemotherapy. Dr. Daneshmand also discusses the status and future of MicroRNA 371 biomarker testing.

Osvaldo walks through the shock of hearing “you have cancer,” undergoing an orchiectomy, and waking up to learn that the his testicle had been completely removed. He candidly describes the emotional reality of losing a testicle, the confusion around what doctors were removing, and the relief of finally being free from the constant pain after surgery. His story is an important reminder that testicular cancer symptoms can include a lump, swelling, heaviness, and persistent back pain — and that early detection can save your life.

Whether you’re navigating a testicular cancer diagnosis, supporting someone going through treatment, or simply learning more about testicular cancer symptoms, recurrence, and survivorship, Greg’s story is a powerful reminder that early detection matters—and that strength often shows up in the determination to keep fighting, even when the battle returns.

In this episode of It Takes Balls, Eduardo Celis, a Venezuelan-American, shares his journey through testicular cancer at age 35, a diagnosis that can feel especially unexpected for men who consider themselves healthy and in their prime. Eduardo opens up about noticing changes after a vasectomy, navigating the uncertainty of symptoms, and ultimately hearing the words no one expects.

Justin underwent four rounds of VIP chemotherapy (cisplatin, etoposide, and ifosfamide), administered inpatient 24 hours a day for a week at a time. He openly discusses the brutal side effects of chemo, including severe pain, tinnitus from cisplatin, dangerously low platelet counts, and the emotional toll of living in the oncology ward. After chemo reduced the tumor to a dead mass, he endured an 8.5-hour open chest surgery, losing two-thirds of his right lung, part of his heart wall, and major veins that had to be reconstructed.

The discussion explores the differences between BEP, EP, VIP, and TIP chemotherapy regimens, including when and why each is used, how doctors balance cure rates with toxicity, and why lung health, kidney function, age, and patient goals matter when choosing treatment. Dr. Feldman also explains why cisplatin remains superior to carboplatin in advanced germ cell tumors, when surveillance is preferred over treatment in stage 1 disease, and how overtreatment can carry long-term risks.

Brian then speaks on the physical and mental toll of treatment, including the realities of chemotherapy side effects, trauma-related memory gaps, hearing loss, and long-term survivorship challenges. Brian opens up about navigating work, marriage, and mental health during treatment, as well as the shock of discovering a second testicular cancer diagnosis years later — this time during a period of major life upheaval that included separation, a new job, and relocation.

As a Gulf War veteran, Don also discusses potential links between toxic exposure, burn pits, and testicular cancer, and shares critical information about the VA PACT Act, which recognizes testicular cancer as a presumptive condition for eligible veterans. His perspective as both a patient and physician makes this episode an informative and empowering discussion on early detection, survivorship, advocacy, and navigating cancer care with urgency and intention.

Colin also opens up about the emotional side of diagnosis, including what he describes as “coming out of the cancer closet” — deciding who to tell, when to tell them, and how much to share. The episode explores the vulnerability of living publicly with cancer while trying to maintain independence, humor, and control. During treatment, Colin found comfort in unexpected ways, from bringing plushies to chemo to reclaiming his identity through creativity and play.

This episode highlights the urgent need for patient advocacy and global access to testicular cancer education, especially in regions where language barriers, cultural taboos, and lack of survivor communities leave men feeling isolated. Mohammad’s courage in sharing his experience is a powerful reminder that every patient deserves to understand that they are not alone, no matter where they live.

Dr. Dubin also dives deep into the stigma around men’s health - especially when it comes to testicles and hormone concerns. He talks openly about why men suffer in silence, how misinformation spreads faster than facts, and what men should actually do when they find a lump, feel pain, or notice changes in their libido or energy.

Today, Matt uses his experience to educate other men through TikTok, openly discussing testicular cancer symptoms, chemotherapy side effects, fertility preservation, and life after treatment. His message is clear: listen to your body, don’t delay seeking help, and never underestimate the power of community support.

Matt opens up about the physical and mental toll of four rounds of chemo - nausea, hiccups, fear before each cycle - and how he juggled treatment with grad school. He reflects on finding support through nurses, fellow survivors, and online communities, and how skateboarding helped him stay grounded. Matt also revisits his major post-chemo RPLND surgery and his long recovery back to mobility and strength.

He shares how he protected his daughters emotionally, how anxiety and scanxiety impact families, and the importance of community support. Jon talks about empathy, masculinity, vulnerability, and advice for newly diagnosed testicular cancer patients: take symptoms seriously, fight early, and let people help you.

Freshly into adulthood, Peyton Dickinson was balancing school and setting new PRs when a sudden swelling in his testicle turned out to be testicular cancer. What followed was an unexpected journey through diagnosis, surgery, and chemotherapy.

Celebrate 100 episodes of It Takes Balls, the podcast dedicated to raising awareness and sharing real stories from men affected by testicular cancer. Recorded live at the 10th Annual Testicular Cancer Conference in Boston, this milestone episode features survivors, past guests, and medical experts reflecting on the impact of the show and the progress made in testicular cancer education, treatment, and survivorship.

At just 15 years old, Mike Oshinski was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer — at a time when awareness was almost nonexistent. In this powerful episode of It Takes Balls, Mike shares his journey from a small-town high school athlete to surviving stage 3C metastatic testicular cancer with the help of Dr. Lawrence Einhorn’s groundbreaking cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

In this episode of It Takes Balls, Steve shares how his unique vantage point reshaped the way he practices medicine, from understanding the emotional toll of cancer treatment to recognizing the long-term anxiety that follows remission. He also discusses the challenges of balancing fatherhood, mental health, and vulnerability while going through orchiectomy, BEP chemotherapy, and the ups and downs of follow-up scans and tumor markers.

Alex opens up about navigating cancer as a young adult in college, the challenges of sperm banking and fertility decisions, and how his medical history complicated treatment choices. Nearly five years later, he reflects on survivorship, the mental health toll of testicular cancer, and why young men must learn to check themselves and speak openly about their health.

Throughout his journey, dance became his anchor. Even while using a cane and conserving energy, Jesse continued choreographing and teaching ballet classes as a way to hold onto joy and creativity during treatment. Support from his family and friends in both California and New York helped carry him through long hospital stays, setbacks, and scanxiety.

The conversation also dives into the complexities of health insurance. From understanding the differences between HMOs and PPOs to spotting common medical billing errors, Monica provides clear guidance to help patients avoid financial traps during treatment. She also sheds light on disability insurance and financial assistance programs that can ease the crushing costs of cancer care.

He opens up about the emotional and physical challenges of treatment, including hair loss, isolation during chemo, recovery after major surgery, and the lasting impact on fertility and body image. Jonny also reflects on what it means to navigate survivorship as a young gay man, underscoring the importance of mental health support and community connection after cancer.

Now, Christopher is enrolled in a cutting-edge CAR T-cell therapy trial - a hopeful step forward. He shares candid reflections on the mental weight of recurrence, the isolation of dealing with a rare cancer, and the importance of keeping faith while making space for both grief and gratitude.

Ryan’s journey began mid-flight on a work trip when unexpected groin pain led to a self-check that changed everything. Diagnosed with stage 1B non-seminoma, he opted for a robotic RPLND at the University of Pennsylvania in hopes of avoiding chemotherapy. With clean scans and pathology, it seemed the worst was behind him - until a month later, rising HCG tumor markers revealed a microscopic recurrence that imaging couldn’t catch.

David’s story doesn’t end with testicular cancer. In the years that followed, he faced multiple additional diagnoses - chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), basal cell carcinoma, and low-grade prostate cancer. Yet through it all, he has maintained a sense of perspective, purpose, and humor. He opens up about how survivorship reshaped his identity, the long shadow cancer casts over even the cleanest scans, and how he finds comfort in staying proactive with his health.