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.testicularcancerawareness... Join The Ball Room: https://www.testicularcancerawareness... Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://www.testicularcancerawareness... Connect with Greg: [email protected] Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: ⁠https://www.testescancer.org ⁠⁠ https://www.x.com/testescancer⁠ ⁠  / testescancer   ⁠⁠   / tca.org   Follow Steven Crocker:   / stevencrocker     / steven.crocker2   Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com #testicularcancer #testicularcancerawareness #testescancer #medicalpodcast #podcast #ittakesballs 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:30 What led up? 00:03:44 Life at the time of diagnosis 00:06:32 Orchiectomy recovery 00:09:05 Second diagnosis 00:12:53 Do you regret not doing chemo at first? 00:15:02 Chemo experience 00:16:38 Discussing with his daughter 00:17:45 Alternative contemplation; ultimately choosing chemo 00:21:54 Managing longterm effects 00:26:53 Final thoughts