It Takes Balls

Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation

It Takes Balls is a podcast by and for testicular cancer survivors, patients, and their loved ones. Listen as survivors and medical providers give insight into facing and treating a testicular cancer diagnosis in hopes of removing the stigma around men’s urological health. Everyone’s journey is unique and equally important. Early detection of testicular cancer saves lives!

  1. Luke's Testicle Felt Heavy Before His Diagnosis

    5D AGO

    Luke's Testicle Felt Heavy Before His Diagnosis

    In this episode of It Takes Balls, Luke Jillson shares how a subtle symptom—heaviness in his testicle—led to a testicular cancer diagnosis. With no pain, it would have been easy to ignore, but mentioning it during a routine physical set off a chain of events that led to early detection and immediate action. Initially diagnosed with early-stage embryonal carcinoma, Luke underwent an orchiectomy (testicle removal surgery) and later chose RPLND, removing nearly 30 lymph nodes that all came back clear. At that point, everything pointed to a best-case scenario—until follow-up testing revealed the cancer had spread to his lungs, forcing a sudden shift to BEP chemotherapy. 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. This episode is a powerful reminder that testicular cancer symptoms don’t always include pain, and that even early-stage diagnoses can change quickly. Luke’s story highlights the importance of self-advocacy, staying vigilant during follow-up care, and addressing both the physical and mental sides of survivorship. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Connect with Luke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-j-5505b6119/ https://facebook.com/luke.jillson Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.x.com/testescancer⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    37 min
  2. Jeff's Faith Grew During Testicular Cancer Treatment

    APR 15

    Jeff's Faith Grew During Testicular Cancer Treatment

    In this episode of It Takes Balls, Jeff Pilachowski shares his journey through testicular cancer, shaped by his identity as a veteran, father of boys, business owner, and man of faith. Self-employed and responsible not just for his health, but for his livelihood, he talks about having to postpone work for a new client. That reality added another layer of pressure to an already life-altering diagnosis. What makes Jeff’s story especially powerful is how he approached the mental and emotional side of cancer. At the center of it all was Jeff’s faith, which became a foundation during the most difficult moments. He shares how belief, perspective, and purpose helped him process fear, uncertainty, and the reality of a cancer diagnosis—offering a different lens on what strength can look like during survivorship. Jeff also shares his experience navigating the PACT Act, having been exposed to burn pits while deployed overseas. 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.Whether you’re navigating a diagnosis, supporting someone through cancer, or learning more about testicular cancer awareness and recovery, Jeff’s story is a reminder that strength comes in many forms—and that no one has to face this journey alone. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Connect with Jeff: https://www.instagram.com/tetelestai_carpentry/ Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: https://www.testescancer.org ⁠⁠https://www.x.com/testescancer ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    43 min
  3. Dr. Sia Daneshmand - Extraperitoneal RPLND & MicroRNA 371

    APR 8

    Dr. Sia Daneshmand - Extraperitoneal RPLND & MicroRNA 371

    In this episode of It Takes Balls, Dr. Sia Daneshmand, a leading urologic oncologist at USC, joins the conversation to break down the realities of testicular cancer treatment, surgery, and long-term outcomes. Known for his expertise in complex cases and extraperitoneal RPLNDs, Dr. Daneshmand shares how advances in surgery and a personalized approach to care are improving survival while reducing unnecessary treatment. The discussion dives into critical decisions patients face after diagnosis, including when surveillance vs. treatment is appropriate and how factors like tumor type, staging, and risk influence the path forward. Dr. Daneshmand explains the role of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND), when it’s necessary, and how surgical expertise can dramatically impact outcomes and quality of life. 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. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, considering surgery, or learning more about testicular cancer treatment options, this episode provides trusted insight from one of the leading experts in the field helping patients make informed decisions with confidence. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Have a question for a future expert guest? Submit here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-question-submission Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.twitter.com/testescancer⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Dr. Daneshmand: https://keck.usc.edu/faculty-search/siamak-daneshmand/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sia-daneshmand-m-d-569166b/ https://x.com/siadaneshmand Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.twitter.com/stevencrocker https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    41 min
  4. Osvaldo Thought He Had a Hernia

    APR 1

    Osvaldo Thought He Had a Hernia

    In this episode of It Takes Balls, Osvaldo Castro shares his experience with testicular cancer 15 years ago as a 24-year-old man of Mexican descent. At first, he ignored what felt like a lump and assumed it was a hernia. But over the course of several months, the lump grew heavier and more painful, eventually causing back pain — one of the lesser-realized symptoms of testicular cancer. By the time he finally sought help, doctors told him he was dangerously close to the cancer spreading beyond his abdomen. 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. The episode also explores the experience of navigating cancer as a young Hispanic man. Osvaldo discusses how testicular cancer is rarely talked about in his community, not because of stigma, but because men simply are not taught to do regular testicular self-exams or talk openly about their health. He reflects on chemotherapy, financial stress, qualifying for emergency Medicaid when he could no longer work as a welder, and the long-term side effects that followed treatment — including fatigue, low endurance, and low testosterone. Years later, he wants other survivors to know to ask their doctor about testosterone testing and to advocate for their own health after treatment ends. Provide your feedback on the podcast:https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org ⁠⁠ https://www.x.com/testescancer⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    31 min
  5. Greg's Seminoma Returned 8 Years After Stage 1 Testicular Cancer

    MAR 15

    Greg's Seminoma Returned 8 Years After Stage 1 Testicular Cancer

    In this episode of It Takes Balls, Greg Gajewski shares what it’s like to face testicular cancer not once, but twice. Diagnosed at just 29 years old shortly after getting married, Greg was healthy, active, and focused on building his life when he discovered something unusual and decided to get it checked. That decision led to a life-changing diagnosis and surgery to remove the affected testicle. After his orchiectomy, Greg entered surveillance, the standard follow-up approach for many early-stage testicular cancer patients. For a while, everything appeared normal. But during routine bloodwork a few years later, his tumor markers suddenly spiked, revealing that the cancer had returned and spread to his lymph nodes. Facing a recurrence meant a second and more intense battle, this time requiring chemotherapy. Greg ultimately sought treatment with Dr. Lawrence Einhorn, the pioneering oncologist whose work revolutionized testicular cancer treatment and dramatically improved survival rates. Under Dr. Einhorn’s care, Greg underwent chemotherapy and successfully beat cancer for a second time.In this episode, Greg talks openly about the physical and emotional realities of treatment and survivorship. Dealing with long-term side effects like Raynaud’s syndrome, he reflects on how cancer reshaped his perspective on health, resilience, and life itself. Drawing on the discipline he developed through years of gymnastics and martial arts, Greg explains how mindset and support systems played a crucial role in helping him push through some of the hardest moments of his journey. 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. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Connect with Greg: greg.e.gajewski@gmail.com Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.x.com/testescancer ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    29 min
  6. Eduardo's Testicular Cancer Symptoms Following a Vasectomy

    MAR 8

    Eduardo's Testicular Cancer Symptoms Following a Vasectomy

    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. He walks through the process of diagnosis, undergoing an orchiectomy, and the emotional weight that comes with treatment decisions. Eduardo speaks candidly about what it’s like to confront cancer in your mid-30s — balancing health concerns, identity, masculinity, and the mental toll of a cancer diagnosis with young kids after losing his own father at a young age to cancer. His story reinforces the importance of recognizing testicular cancer symptoms like lumps, swelling, or changes in one testicle, and why regular testicular self-exams matter at any adult age. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Connect with Eduardo: https://www.instagram.com/eduardocelisc/ https://www.facebook.com/celisedu Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.x.com/testescancer⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    35 min
  7. Justin Sandler's Battle With a Rare Germ Cell Tumor

    MAR 1

    Justin Sandler's Battle With a Rare Germ Cell Tumor

    In this powerful episode of It Takes Balls, Justin Sandler shares his extraordinary journey with a primary mediastinal germ cell tumor, a rare form of testicular cancer that developed in his chest — not his testicles. After months of unexplained chest spasms and being told it was muscular, a CT scan revealed a rapidly growing 14cm tumor pressing against his heart and lung. Doctors at UCLA delivered a sobering reality: without aggressive treatment, the tumor could crush his heart. 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. But the fight didn’t end there. Just months later, Justin experienced a life-threatening cardiac tamponade, requiring emergency heart surgery while awake. Through it all, he leaned on a philosophy he calls “Embrace Love Free” — choosing acceptance, mindset, movement, and service over anger and victimhood. From walking hospital laps with his chemo pole to performing a one-man show about his experience, Justin transformed trauma into purpose. This episode explores rare extragonadal germ cell tumors, aggressive chemotherapy for testicular cancer, major thoracic surgery, survivorship challenges, post-cancer depression, and the mental resilience required to rebuild life after treatment. It’s a must-listen for anyone facing testicular cancer, rare cancers, chemotherapy, or long-term cancer recovery. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/theballroom Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.x.com/testescancer⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Connect with Justin: justinsandler.com https://www.facebook.com/justinsandler https://www.instagram.com/justinsandler https://www.youtube.com/justinjsandler https://www.tiktok.com/@justinjsandler https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinsandler/ Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    41 min
  8. Dr. Darren Feldman - Understanding Chemo for Testicular Cancer

    FEB 15

    Dr. Darren Feldman - Understanding Chemo for Testicular Cancer

    In this episode of It Takes Balls, Dr. Darren Feldman, a genitourinary medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, provides a deep, evidence-based conversation on testicular cancer treatment, chemotherapy decision-making, and long-term survivorship. Dr. Feldman breaks down how cisplatin transformed testicular cancer from a fatal disease into one of the most curable solid tumors, even in cases of metastatic disease. 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. Later in the episode, Dr. Feldman addresses common patient concerns around recurrence risk, radiation vs surveillance, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND), testosterone changes after chemotherapy, and misinformation surrounding alternative therapies. Provide your feedback on the podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/itbsurvey Have a question for a future expert guest? Submit here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-question-submission Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org https://www.twitter.com/testescancer⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer https://www.facebook.com/tca.org Dr. Feldman: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/doctors/darren-feldman Follow Steven Crocker: https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2 Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

    52 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

It Takes Balls is a podcast by and for testicular cancer survivors, patients, and their loved ones. Listen as survivors and medical providers give insight into facing and treating a testicular cancer diagnosis in hopes of removing the stigma around men’s urological health. Everyone’s journey is unique and equally important. Early detection of testicular cancer saves lives!

Information

  • Creator
    Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    119
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation
  • Show Website
    It Takes Balls

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