Courtney’s Reaction

My Little Sister Responds to My Testicular Cancer Diagnosis

When Justin told me he was diagnosed with cancer, it felt like a bus slammed into me. I immediately started crying because, in my mind, cancer immediately means death which I know isn’t always the case but that’s always my immediate thought. Once he explained how everything was going to be okay and he had surgery to remove it, I felt a little better but I was still terrified. I couldn’t lose my brother. There’s no way.

A little later when Mom told me that his testicular cancer spread to his lymph nodes, my heart dropped. 

I knew that wasn’t good at all. Mom, Dad and Justin all told me that he was going to be perfectly fine. But it’s also so scary knowing someone you love so much has cancer and you can’t do anything to help. Mom told me he has to go through chemotherapy which is another word I don’t like because it’s very scary. I know everything is going to be okay, but I’m still terrified that something will go wrong. Being told that your brother has cancer is one of the worst things I’ve ever been told. I know I have to be strong because I know he is, but it’s just so hard when you don’t know what’s happening.

Courtney is my sister. From her birth, we have been best buddies, and apparently have taken thousands of selfies. It was not hard to find a picture of Goober and Bo-Bo for this post.

Testicular cancer isn’t just affecting me; it’s affecting those closest to me. In this series, entitled “Healthy But Affected,” one of my friends or family members will be sharing about their reactions to my diagnosis.  I hope these posts serve as a reminder to talk to the men in your life about performing regular self-checks and their health in general. Together, we can lessen the impact of testicular cancer.

A self exam is how most cases of testicular cancer are detected early. Click the image for video directions or click here for a larger version



Want to work with Justin? Click here to learn more.



ABSOT is endorsed by the Laughter Arts and Sciences Foundation, a registered 501.c.3 charity. To make a tax-deductible contribution to help continue ABSOT's work with testicular cancer awareness and men's health, click the image below.

10 Responses

  1. This was not easy to read as I have been in a similar situation in the past. When life becomes unbearable, we look to the people around us to help make it a little less painful, but we often forget that, because of our pain, they tend to suffer almost just as much as we do. It makes me happy to see that you managed to beat your disease and you and your family were able to find peace! More power to you!

  2. This was not easy to read as I have been in a similar situation in the past. When life becomes unbearable, we look to the people around us to help make it a little less painful, but we often forget that, because of our pain, they tend to suffer almost just as much as we do. It makes me happy to see that you managed to beat your disease and you and your family were able to find peace! More power to you!

  3. You are a true gentleman, who has the courage to not only fight cancer but also give others the awareness to be active, observant and proactive. I wish you be the healthy and fit soon and become a role model for all others. Which you are even now.

  4. You are a true gentleman, who has the courage to not only fight cancer but also give others the awareness to be active, observant and proactive. I wish you be the healthy and fit soon and become a role model for all others. Which you are even now.

  5. Thanks! It's important to remember that it affects everyone.

  6. Thanks! It's important to remember that it affects everyone.

  1. May 14, 2019

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