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Telly Strong

Awareness

  • Prostate Cancer

    Your risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age, but that doesn’t mean it’s a disease that only affects old men. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. Men who are Black, and men who have a family history (a brother or father with prostate cancer), are 2.5x more likely to get prostate cancer.

  • Not everyone experiences symptoms of prostate cancer. Many times, signs of prostate cancer are first detected by a doctor during a routine check-up. Some men, however, will experience changes in urinary or sexual function that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer.

  • Testicular Cancer

    Anyone who has nuts can get testicular cancer. No one knows exactly what causes it, but there may be some related risk factors. In saying that, many guys who get it don’t have any of these known testicular cancer risk factors.

  • The best thing you can do for your nuts is to get familiar with them on a regular basis. (Go on, have a feel.) The video below will guide you step-by-step on how to give your nuts a rub down, and it‘s pretty easy to do. If you think you’ve found something unusual – like a lump, swelling or pain – make an appointment with your doctor. https://youtu.be/KUtIlwLa_KY

  • Mental Health Issues

    Life can throw us curveballs. Yet even when things seem tough, there’s a lot we can do to look after ourselves and others. That’s why we provide reliable, expert information to help men cope and live happier, healthier, longer lives –no matter what life throws at us.

  • Start by asking how he’s feeling. It’s worth mentioning any changes you’ve picked up on. Maybe he’s spending more time at the bar, has gone quiet in the group chat, or isn’t turning up to social events. Whatever it is, he’s just not himself.

On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, November 2017, I was diagnosed with Stage 3   testicular cancer. Sitting there in disbelief wondering "why me" the room grew silent as the word CANCER rocked my world. Evident that I was about to begin the fight of my life, my mental attitude quickly flipped from "WHY ME" to how can I beat this. 

Starting December 4th, 2017 I began a grueling chemotherapy regiment through March of 2018, with plans of abdominal surgery to remove any remaining dead tumor tissue to take place on April 18th of 2018. After a 14 hour retroperitoneal surgery, the tumors were removed from my body that was deemed dead and I was given the news by my old oncologist I was cancer free. 

A month had gone by and I was eager to move on with my life, but I started to feel a numbing sensation shooting down my right arm to my hand. A CAT Scan revealed a tumor in my brain which required an emergency craniotomy. While recovering from a successful surgery the same tumor returned in June, I again required another craniotomy, only this time the tumor had bled, causing a hemorrhagic stroke, leaving me paralyzed on my entire right side and unable to verbalize. With no time to waste I was admitted into Memorial Rehab Facility and began my road to recovery. 

Making great strides in all 3 phases of therapy, my right side and speech were returning rapidly before being hit with another setback in August. In the same location as the previous two tumors, a 3rd tumor had grown causing a significant seizure which once again required an emergency craniotomy. 

At this time my oncologist felt it was best to undergo more intensive chemotherapy to combat the tumors that repeatedly kept growing in my brain. From September 2018 to January 2019 I received in-patient chemotherapy at Memorial Regional Hospital. The tumors were now becoming resistant to the chemo,  it did not work. At this point, my chances of survival were very low and my team of oncologists drew up a Hail Mary plan to save my life.

My team of oncologists decided that my best chance of survival would require 15 full brain radiation treatments and a tandem Stem Cell Transplant. The Autologous Stem Cell Transplant process consisted of the strongest chemotherapy administered, killing every cell in my body cancerous and non-cancerous. Once it was completed the healthy stems cells were then introduced into the body. With each transplant came a  grueling hospital stay, lasting months, battling an infection, severe dehydration, and weakness.  The first transplant took place in February of 2019 and the second in August of 2019. 

Since the completion of the second transplant, I have been rushed to the ER several times due to seizures and other difficulties in my brain. Battling through several brain surgeries from 2019 - 2024 I continue to this day with therapy to help me with the effects of my stroke. With each and every day comes gratitude to ALL who have helped along this journey.

Telly Strong

“I’ve never witnessed anyone with such fight in my life. You are and continue to be an inspiration little bro! Love you and we shall run routes soon!”

Juan Torrealba Jr

“You are an inspiration to me. I’m so proud of you <3.”

Adriana Orozco

“God is great, keep fighting big bro.”

Justin Rae

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 FAQs

  • The first checks for prostate cancer are usually a blood test and a physical examination. What you have will depend on your doctor’s guidance.

  • Treating prostate cancer may be heavy on your mind, but what will work for each person is different. Fortunately, there's usually time to talk to your doctor and discuss your options before jumping into any decisions.

    Before choosing a treatment option, take time to carefully think about the things that are most important to you. Each treatment comes with some sort of side effect, so understanding each treatment and any risks are critical. Asking some necessary questions and reviewing the options below with your doctor will help you to make the right decisions for yourself.

  • Swelling, pain or a hard lump in your testicle are the most common signs and symptoms of testicular cancer. Testicular cancer usually (but not always) starts in one testicle. Other symptoms of testicular cancer include a feeling of ‘heaviness’ in your scrotum (your nut sack), as well as an uncomfortable feeling, from a dull ache to recurring pain in your testicles, groin, or lower back (even if you don’t notice a lump).

  • Mental health consists of one’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It impacts our thoughts, emotions, and behavior. It also affects how we cope with stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Mental health is a crucial part of our lives.