Kevin Hilden's Tumor Showed Up in his Retroperitoneum 2 Years After Orchiectomy
Kevin Hilden's Tumor Showed Up in his Retroperitoneum 2 Years After Orchiectomy
Welcome to Episode 66 of It Takes Balls
In this episode of It Takes Balls, Kevin Hilden, a testicular cancer survivor from Arizona, candidly shares his journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Kevin recounts how symptoms dating back to 2014 were repeatedly dismissed as benign by doctors, only for his cancer to be confirmed in 2021 after persistent growth and discomfort. A swift orchiectomy seemed to resolve the issue, but a lack of follow-up guidance left Kevin unaware of the need for ongoing surveillance—until severe back pain in 2023 revealed that his cancer had spread to his retroperitoneal lymph nodes.
Kevin discusses the whirlwind of undergoing chemotherapy and eventually opting for an open retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) at Indiana University under the expertise of Dr. Lawrence Einhorn’s team. He opens up about the physical and emotional toll of his treatments, including unexpected complications like a blood clot and the challenges of post-surgical recovery. With the support of his family and a growing appreciation for life, Kevin reflects on the lessons learned and his commitment to raising awareness about testicular cancer.
This conversation dives deep into the nuances of living through and beyond cancer, from balancing mental health to grappling with the unexpected challenges of survivorship, like managing testosterone levels. Kevin’s honesty and humor bring humanity to a difficult topic, reminding listeners of the importance of persistence in seeking answers and staying on top of follow-up care. His story is a powerful testament to resilience and the critical role of education in early detection.
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