Whether it’s to a loved one, a psychologist, or writing in a journal (maybe even this one!). Cancer is intense and expressing what you’re feeling and what you’re struggling with can make all the difference in improving your outlook. Being vulnerable isn’t a weakness, strangely it’s the first step to being stronger, and becoming the victor rather than the victim when it comes to the mental game of cancer.

If you need to talk, there are options available specific to testicular cancer. Talk to your doctor or nurse about what resources are available, such as the psychosocial oncology department at your cancer centre (oftentimes at no cost to you).

Yes, we’re putting this in the “mind” section. Don’t question it – it really can be a stress relief. Desire and libido may be one of the first things to disappear, and one of the last to return following treatment, but don’t worry, you can live a long a happy sex life. The important thing is to listen to your body and take small steps. Try masturbation, test it out once the stitches have healed along the abdomen. Think about sex (a novel concept I know) and motivating yourself to have sex. If you have a partner, and if you’re ready, start exploring intimacy with them too, and be honest about how you’re feeling and what you’re thinking. If you do have intercourse and sex wear protection, as the bleomycin chemotherapy drug can contaminate sperm.  If you’re still experiencing challenges, talk to your doctor about this.

Your sperm may be affected by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Therefore, if there is any chance of causing a pregnancy, you must use barrier contraception, such as condoms, during chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and for a period of time after that. (please consult your doctor about the duration of contraception needed as it varies according to your situation)

Fertility usually returns to normal some months after chemotherapy, but for some men, it may not recover. Therefore, sperm banking is crucial if you are considering having children. There are many treatment options for infertility (including artificial insemination and in-vitro fertilization), please consult your doctor.

Mindfulness has been implicated to be extremely important in helping recovery from treatment both physically and psychologically. Being mindful or meditating doesn’t have to be a yoga retreat in the mountains of Peru in order to be effective – but it can be that too. Mostly, it’s about finding moments to give your brain space – sometimes it can be doing a repetitive task like washing the dishes or mowing the lawn, or simply going for a walk with the dog in the park and clearing your mind.