When The Going Gets Tough…

Darryn!

here’s an easy assumption made about those who suffer a major blow in life that, hey, once they’ve survived this traumatic experience, they’re going to be the new Ghandi.

As though every time life gives you a kick deep down in the soul, you’ll automatically go Full Spiritual after you crawl from the wreckage, handing out flowers and being deeply philosophical about this crazy little thing called life.

Which, of course, is bollox. In truth, everyone has their own particular story, their own particular path back from pain and suffering, and you’re just as likely to find a sunny saviour in a wheelchair as you are a sour satan.

For Greystonian Darryn Scott, finding out he had testicular cancer sent him on that long journey to recovery, with each turn triggering new emotions, new challenges, and new realities. And as he came to see The Big C as just, well, a big c, Darryn recognised that acceptance was the key. Accepting your new reality. And dealing with it.

Luckily too, Darryn was diagnosed early, and is now four years in remission – but the war goes on long after that big battle has been won.

Beyond his beautiful partner, Elaine, helping him through this difficult, foundation-shaking time, Darryn found refuge and the key to that acceptance with checkemlads.com, a support group set up initially in the UK by music fan Phil Morris after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in April, 2003. With a little help from his idol, drummer Steve White (who helps keep Paul Weller in the groove), the charity has proven to be a major stepping stone for hundreds upon hundreds of men coping with testicular cancer, and its aftershocks, for over a decade now.

Bravely coming forward to share his story so that other young men will check themselves for testicular cancer – any hard lumps, dull back ache, heaviness or pain in the scrotum, etc – Darryn here talks of living through that initial shock, and treatment, and, just as importantly, how best to overcome the  psychological after-effects.

The medical cure is just half of the equation; mental wellbeing after such an attack on the body is a crucial part of getting your life back fully…

You can find out more about testicular cancer on the Irish Cancer site here, about checkemlads.com here, dealing with testosterone deficiency here, and, of course, Greystones Cancer Support here.