S3E20 - Will discusses how he is processing his sudden cancer diagnosis

In late November 2025, Will was told that what was thought to be a lingering infection was in fact advanced testicular cancer.

Within about 36 hours of being rediagnosed he had been admitted to hospital and was starting an intensive 12-week BEP chemotherapy regimen.

Will describes shock, dream-like dissociation, fear of death, and the balance between trying to feel positive, hopeful and grateful for the support he was receiving on the one hand, with space to feel gloom, hopelessness and fear on the other.

Will and Ellie discuss uncertainty, loss of agency in healthcare, the pros and cons of researching your condition and treatment, upcoming RPLND open surgery, lack of in-house NHS mental health support, communication problems with appointments, and how returning to everyday life can feel disorientating.

Lively Minds is still following an irregular schedule but we hope to get back to our monthly show soon.

UK cancer charities mentioned in this conversation include:
Maggies - https://www.maggies.org/
MacMillian - https://www.macmillan.org.uk/

Please note that this show does not constitute medical advice and is not a replacement for seeking professional help. You can find out more about the show and get signposting to support on our website livelymindspod.com

Follow @livelymindspod on social media, or see our links at  https://www.bio.link/livelyminds 

00:00 Welcome Back Intro
00:52 Cancer Diagnosis Shock
05:45 Dreamlike Hospital Week
06:47 Facing Mortality Numbers
08:58 Coping Mindsets Shift
13:15 Agency And Research
19:09 Information Staging Debate
22:36 NHS Pride And Problems
26:56 Mental Health Support Gap
31:40 Communication Breakdown
35:00 Surgery Fears And Trauma
40:01 Returning Temporarily To Normal Life
42:22 Closing And Resources