PUBLISHED March 30, 2018
Justin Birckbichler is a fourth grade teacher, testicular cancer survivor and the founder of aBallsySenseofTumor.com.
From being diagnosed in November 2016 at the age of 25, to finishing chemo in January 2017, to being cleared in remission in March, he has been passionate about sharing his story to spread awareness and promote open conversation about men's health.
Connect with him on Instagram @aballsysenseoftumor, on Twitter @absotTC, on Facebook or via email justin@aballsysenseoftumor.com.
While I had strong intentions of making calls immediately after finding a lump on my testicle in early October 2016, I already had tons of commitments to attend to first. My fiancée, Mallory, and I picked up our puppy later that week, I had lesson plans to prepare for my job as a fourth-grade teacher, and my parents were coming to visit the next week. I love being the center of attention when it's my choice, but I hate being a burden to people, so I will keep things in so I don't upset other people. I didn't want to be making Mal worried when she was having her first week with her puppy, nor did I want to tell my parents about this issue quite yet. I decided to wait until they had left the following weekend to make calls. I continued closely monitoring myself and did not notice any major changes during these few days.
On top of this whole worry, we had just moved to a different area in Virginia. My primary care physician was still in Front Royal, which was about two hours from our new home. I had to find a brand-new doctor and essentially ask them to fondle me on the first time. I usually don't even kiss on the first date.
Of course, these are all excuses in a much bigger issue. Society has such skewed visions of men talking about their health; we're supposed to be seen as strong and able to heal ourselves.
On top of this whole worry, we had just moved to a different area in Virginia. My primary care physician was still in Front Royal, which was about two hours from our new home. I had to find a brand-new doctor and essentially ask them to fondle me on the first time. I usually don't even kiss on the first date.
Of course, these are all excuses in a much bigger issue. Society has such skewed visions of men talking about their health; we're supposed to be seen as strong and able to heal ourselves.
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