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Nathan Ladd thought he had sprained a groin muscle during his work with the Currituck Golf Club in Corolla, NC in May of 2006. Ice and Ibuprofen didn’t relieve the pain, and the 28-year-old noticed that his testicle was swollen and hard, so he went to a doctor.

The doctor examined him, told him he had testicular cancer and that he needed immediate surgery. A complication following his surgery was remedied, and Ladd was referred to Dr. Paul Godley at UNC Lineberger to determine the stage of disease and the best therapy. The biopsy revealed early stage disease, and Ladd decided to take the most aggressive chemotherapy regimen.

Trips to Chapel Hill for chemotherapy were the norm for the nine-week period. Like most patients receiving chemotherapy, Nathan was closely monitored for treatment side effects, especially about one possible side effect causing pulmonary problems from the drug bleomycin. Fortunately, his pulmonary function remained very good. The treatment, though rigorous, was successful.

Ladd, now in remission, attends the new UNC survivorship clinic for testicular cancer patients.

Ladd explains, “Attending the survivorship clinic is the right thing to do for me. I beat the cancer, so I want to stay on top of it. This clinic is the way to do that. I am monitored and tested and followed for any possible late effects from treatment. Not taking action is the worst thing you could do.”

Ladd credits strong support from his family, his girlfriend, Sarah, and his UNC care team, as key to his current health and outlook. Of Liz Sherwood, one of the patient counselors and now coordinator of cancer survivorship programs, he said, “Liz really helped me out. She’s a saint. If all patients get as great treatment as I did, they shouldn’t have a problem.”

Ladd, now working for RBC Centura and living in Kill Devil Hills, maintains a healthy lifestyle, and “doesn’t take anything for granted.” He advises other cancer patients to “stay positive, be strong, surround yourself with positive strong people and pray.”