On May 3, 2004 I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. While I was deemed ‘cancer free’ several years later the botched surgery, over-treatment, lack of empirical data and egotistical bull-shit changed me forever. I lost more than my testicle that day, it turns out I lost my fertility, my hormones, brain functionality and any drive that I had had.
Within the last two years, I started looking for answers and began experimenting with testosterone supplementation — it appears the drastic change in my hormone levels were causing my symptoms. This period has been one of the most difficult times of my life (even more challenging than Marine Corps boot camp) but I was able to claw my way out of a deep, dark place because of my resiliency and tenacity. And now at this very moment I’m finally close to being whole again.
In the midst of it all, I decided to make a difference and therefore made a significant financial investment to help the medical community finally start making better decisions—decisions driven by facts and statistics.With the formation of CACTI, my hope is that every new testicular cancer patient will not have to walk in my shoes. They will have access to more qualified healthcare personnel who can make a quick and accurate diagnosis and better treatment options thereby minimizing the severity of their treatment and reducing any long-term side effects to ultimately allow them to live better lives.
Scott Petinga
Founder
Center for Advocacy for Cancer of the Testes International (CACTI)
