In this episode of It Takes Balls, Dr. Steven Bradley, a critical care anesthesiologist and host of The Black Doctors Podcast, offers an insider’s perspective on anesthesia and surgical care, especially for testicular cancer patients. As a physician who has personally undergone an orchiectomy, Dr. Bradley shares his unique dual perspective as both a doctor and a patient, shedding light on what happens before, during, and after surgery.

The conversation explores the different types of anesthesia—regional, sedation, and general—and how they impact patient comfort and safety. Dr. Bradley explains how anesthesiologists carefully tailor anesthesia plans, accounting for factors like preexisting conditions, chemotherapy effects (such as bleomycin-induced lung toxicity), and even lifestyle habits like marijuana use. He also dispels myths about anesthesia, discusses post-surgical fatigue, and addresses concerns about nausea, pain management, and rare complications like anesthesia-related neuropathy.

Beyond the operating room, Dr. Bradley talks about his passion projects, including The Black Doctors Podcast, which aims to increase diversity in medicine, and AmbientRx, a music initiative designed to help patients manage stress and anxiety.

Whether you're a testicular cancer patient preparing for surgery or simply curious about the science behind going under, this episode offers an engaging and informative look at the crucial, yet often overlooked, role of anesthesiology in patient care.

Have a question for a future expert guest? Submit here:https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-question-submission

Want to be a guest? Apply here:

⁠https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions⁠

Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation:

⁠https://www.testescancer.org

https://www.twitter.com/testescancer

⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer

https://www.facebook.com/tca.orgConnect with Dr. Bradley:

https://stevenbradleymd.com

Follow Steven Crocker:

https://www.twitter.com/stevencrocker

https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker

https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

In this episode of It Takes Balls, Surendra Ananth opens up about his battle with stage 3 testicular cancer and the unexpected path it took him on.

With symptoms that didn’t point to his testicles at first, Surendra’s diagnosis came late—forcing him to make tough decisions about treatment. From navigating Malaysia’s healthcare system to traveling to India for his RPLND, he shares the physical and emotional hurdles he faced along the way. Growing up in a culture where men’s health isn’t openly discussed, Surendra now dedicates himself to raising awareness and helping others find the information he wishes he had.

Want to be a guest? Apply here:

⁠https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions⁠

Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation:

⁠https://www.testescancer.org

https://www.twitter.com/testescancer⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer

https://www.facebook.com/tca.org

Connect with Suren:

https://www.facebook.com/surendraananth

Follow Steven Crocker:

https://www.twitter.com/stevencrocker

https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker

https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2

Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

In this episode of It Takes Balls, Arjun Sud opens up about his life-changing battle with testicular cancer and the profound lessons he’s learned along the way.

What started as a chance discovery in the shower became a journey through diagnosis, treatment, and self-discovery. Growing up in a culture where health discussions were often taboo, Arjun had to navigate uncharted waters, leaning on intuition and determination to seek answers. He reflects on the emotional toll of his diagnosis, the resilience it demanded, and the unwavering support of his family and community.

Now a passionate advocate for awareness, Arjun shares how his experiences have inspired him to help others and foster open conversations about men’s health. His story is a powerful reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the transformative power of connection.

Want to be a guest? Apply here:

⁠https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions⁠

Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation:

⁠https://www.testescancer.org ⁠

https://www.twitter.com/testescancer⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer

https://www.facebook.com/tca.org

Connect with Arjun:

https://www.facebook.com/sudarjun

(215) 469-1289

Follow Steven Crocker:

https://www.twitter.com/stevencrocker

https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker

https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2

Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

In this inspiring episode of It Takes Balls, Stuart Goldstein, a testicular cancer survivor, talks about his extraordinary journey of resilience and recovery.

At just 18, Stuart's life took an unexpected turn when a chance incident during a family gathering led to a shocking diagnosis. He opens up about the whirlwind of treatment that followed—intense rounds of chemotherapy and the emotional toll of navigating a life-threatening illness at such a young age.

Stuart reflects on the support systems that carried him through, the challenges of balancing treatment with the milestones of young adulthood, and the lingering physical and emotional impacts he’s faced over the past 20 years. He also shares the transformative role of his community and his commitment to raising awareness and helping others who are newly diagnosed.

Sponsored by Dee's Nuts. Use code "nutcheck" at checkout on https://grabdeesnuts.com

Want to be a guest? Apply here:

⁠https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions⁠

Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation:

⁠https://www.testescancer.org

https://www.twitter.com/testescancer⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer

https://www.facebook.com/tca.org

Connect with Stuart:

https://www.facebook.com/stuart8984

[email protected]

Follow Steven Crocker:

https://www.twitter.com/stevencrocker

https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker

https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2

Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

In this episode of It Takes Balls, Randy Herring, a three-time testicular cancer survivor from Washington, shares his incredible journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Randy recalls his first diagnosis in 2009 after noticing a physical change, the discovery of two recurrences in 2019 and 2021, and the challenges of enduring surgeries and over 40 rounds of chemotherapy.

The conversation explores Randy’s unwavering commitment to fitness throughout his battle with cancer, from hitting the gym during treatment to adapting to life without testosterone. He candidly discusses the physical and emotional toll of his journey, the importance of early detection, and how self-awareness can save lives. Randy also highlights his advocacy for cancer awareness and his passion for empowering others through his book, The Fitness Mindset.

As a fitness enthusiast, author, and father, Randy reflects on how cancer shaped his outlook on health and resilience. He offers heartfelt advice to anyone facing a diagnosis, encouraging them to take charge of their health and embrace the power of a positive mindset.

Sponsored by Dee's Nuts. Use code "nutcheck" at checkout on https://grabdeesnuts.com

Want to be a guest? Apply here:

⁠https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions⁠

Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation:

⁠https://www.testescancer.org

https://www.twitter.com/testescancer⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer

https://www.facebook.com/tca.org

Connect with Randy:

https://www.youtube.com/@TheFitnessMindset

https://www.amazon.com/Fitness-Mindset-Habits-Performance-Strong/dp/057876119X

https://thefitnessmindsetbook.com/fitness-articles-index/do-you-need-trt-treatment

Follow Steven Crocker:

https://www.twitter.com/stevencrocker

https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker

https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2

Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

Dr. Richard Matulewicz is a urologic surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). Dr. Matulewicz talks about health-related quality of life (HRQoL) considerations for testicular cancer patients and survivors, including what the future might hold for personalizing care based on a person's specific situation.

Sponsored by Dee's Nuts. Use code "nutcheck" at checkout on https://grabdeesnuts.com

Have a question for a future expert guest? Submit here:https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-question-submission

Want to be a guest? Apply here:

⁠https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions⁠

Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation:

⁠https://www.testescancer.org

https://www.twitter.com/testescancer⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer

https://www.facebook.com/tca.org

Connect with Dr. Matulewicz:

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/doctors/richard-matulewicz

Follow Steven Crocker:

https://www.twitter.com/stevencrocker

https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker

https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2

Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

Austin Weimer is a testicular cancer survivor from Ohio. Austin talks about how his diagnosis was delayed due to being his original urologist's first testicular cancer patient, having chemo and an RPLND at IU, the disparities between testicular cancer and other cancers, and more!

Sponsored by Dee's Nuts. Use code "nutcheck" at checkout on https://grabdeesnuts.com

Want to be a guest? Apply here:

⁠https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions⁠

Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation:

⁠https://www.testescancer.org

https://www.twitter.com/testescancer⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer

https://www.facebook.com/tca.org

Connect with Austin:

https://www.reddit.com/user/Optimal_Ant_46/

Follow Steven Crocker:

https://www.twitter.com/stevencrocker

https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker

https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2

Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

Paul McCaffery is a 10-year testicular cancer survivor living in Scotland. Paul talks about catching his testicular cancer after seeing a self-exam illustration, being treated with orchidectomy and 2xBEP, having a 4-year-old at the time of diagnosis, nearly using IVF but conceiving naturally at the last minute, hosting the "Check One, Two" podcast, and more!

Sponsored by Dee's Nuts. Use code "nutcheck" at checkout on https://grabdeesnuts.com

Want to be a guest? Apply here:

⁠https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions⁠

Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation:

⁠https://www.testescancer.org

https://www.twitter.com/testescancer

⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer

https://www.facebook.com/tca.org

Connect with Paul:

https://www.instagram.com/cahonaspaul/

https://www.facebook.com/CahonasPaul

https://x.com/CahonasPaul

Follow Steven Crocker:

https://www.twitter.com/stevencrocker

https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker

https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2

Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

Mike DeJean is a testicular cancer survivor from Louisiana. Mike talks about initially being diagnosed with lymphoma; later finding out that it was actually testicular cancer; having enlarged lymph nodes in his abdomen, neck, and lungs; being treated with VIP chemo; having his RPLND with Dr. Cary at IU, and more!

Sponsored by Dee's Nuts. Use code "nutcheck" at checkout on https://grabdeesnuts.com

Want to be a guest? Apply here:

⁠https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/it-takes-balls-submissions⁠

Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation:

⁠https://www.testescancer.org

https://www.twitter.com/testescancer⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer

https://www.facebook.com/tca.org

Follow Steven Crocker:

https://www.twitter.com/stevencrocker

https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker

https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2

Theme song: No Time Like Now - Tom Willner www.tomwillner.com

Kevin Hilden is a testicular cancer survivor living in Arizona. Kevin talks about being diagnosed with testicular cancer in his 40s, having an orchiectomy in 2021 and a retroperitoneal mass show up in 2023, having an RPLND at Indiana University, testosterone, and more!

Sponsored by Dee's Nuts. Use code "nutcheck" at checkout on https://grabdeesnuts.com

Want to be a guest? Apply here:

Follow Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation:

https://www.testescancer.org

https://www.twitter.com/testescancer

⁠https://www.instagram.com/testescancer

https://www.facebook.com/tca.org

https://www.facebook.com/kevin.hilden.14

[email protected]

Follow Steven Crocker:

https://www.twitter.com/stevencrocker

https://www.instagram.com/stevencrocker

https://www.facebook.com/steven.crocker2