While most men with testicular cancer are forced to face the daunting fact that they may only conceive children through an in vitro process if at all, Bob defied the odds.  After surviving two occurrences of testicular cancer, Bob was able to naturally conceive his now two-year-old son Josh, disproving statistics and demonstrating a will to live so strong that it ultimately brought another life into the world.

Bob was originally diagnosed with testicular cancer in October 1999.  He soon underwent a successful surgery that left him with clear CT scans and no sign of metastasis.  However, in December 2000, a second tumor that Bob describes as “the size of a cantaloupe” was found in his stomach.  After extensive testing, doctors found that cancer had also spread to his chest cavity, spine, and lymph nodes.  The initial strategy was to prevent Bob’s already pervasive cancer from spreading, which would require him to undergo 26 rounds of chemotherapy.  This taxing regimen left him weak and bald at only 31 years old, yet he remained focused throughout his treatment, during which he raised $14,000 as a participant in the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s (LAF’s) Ride for Roses. 

Though Bob had only recently completed chemotherapy and was scheduled for an upcoming surgery, he was able to attend and participate in the Ride for Roses, during which he had the honor to meet with Lance Armstrong. Upon talking with Lance and oncologist Dr. Nichols about his prognosis, recent treatment and future surgery, Dr. Nichols suggested that Bob’s surgery – which would involve a potentially paralyzing procedure to remove a tumor on his spine – might be avoidable.  Hopeful about this prospect, Bob sent his medical records to Dr. Nichols for review.

In the end, Bob – now a five-year survivor – did not proceed with a second surgery that not only had the potential to paralyze him, but would have also left him unable to conceive children.  Though Bob recognized the risk in declining surgery, he felt that it was the best option for him, and encourages all cancer patients to carefully consider all of their treatment options before acting on the one with which they are most comfortable. One and one-half years following treatment, Bob became the father of a naturally conceived, healthy baby boy.