Mark's Girlfriend, Frances, tells her story...
I suppose I should have known that something was wrong when Mark kept having pains in his back and his testicle especially when he told me that it had swelled up and become very hard and tender.
I had never heard of testicular cancer never mind the symptoms. On the 4th February 1998 Mark thankfully got an appointment to go see the doctor at the QED (Quick, Early, Diagnosis).
When he went in to the room to see the doctors. I waited outside, it seemed to be the longest wait as I didn't know what going on or what to expect.
When Mark came out to go home I could tell something was wrong but he said nothing and just handed me a booklet about testicular cancer. I certainly didn't expect that, we planned to go for a drink after as we thought that everything would be fine. On the way home in the car I didn't know what to say or do I was too shocked to say anything. I was trying to act so strong in front of him by not crying, but that changed as soon as I got to my own home and told my family. I was filled with anger, disbelief and hatred that this happened to someone whom I loved and cared about. That night Mark and myself spent a long time talking (well mostly crying) on the phone.
Mark had his operation on the 13th February to remove his right testicle he came out valentine's day and believe it or not he took me out for a meal that night he couldn't even walk properly ( bless !!!)
Mark had about 6 lots of chemotherapy and another operation as the cancer had spread to his abdomen. I tried to be at the hospital as much as I could (with the help of Mark's mum and family, which I am still very grateful for!). Sometimes it is hard to see him suffering knowing I couldn't do anything to take away the pain or illness, but hoping that I was helping him by being there, listening when he needed to talk.
Thankfully on the 10th November Mark was declared, fully cleared of cancer. I remember Mark asking me that if I thought that I couldn't cope it was ok to end our relationship, as you can guess I said no I have never regretted it
Mark was lucky that he went to doctors when he did, as we still don't know how close he was before it was too late
Can you take that chance? Make sure YOU don't leave it too late!
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