In January 2024, S. returned home from his service in the Gaza Strip after completing his first round of reserves. Although he considered continuing to serve elsewhere, he decided to be with his wife and children, as well as focus on work. However, when he tried to resume his routine, he postponed a visit to the family doctor.
A month and a half later, S.’s family doctor urgently sent him for an examination due to severe pains in his testicles. The pain became so unbearable that S. struggled to function normally, even falling asleep for ten hours in the middle of the day. He eventually went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with stage 3 testicular cancer, on the brink of stage 4, with a metastasis in his large intestine.
S.’s oncologist, Dr. Raz Motei, stressed the importance of early testing for testicular cancer to prevent complications and increase chances of recovery. Despite his focus on treatment and recovery, one of the biggest challenges for S. was missing out on reserve rounds with his team, especially after giving up time in Gaza due to the pain.
S.’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of paying attention to warning signs of cancer, even during times of conflict when medical matters may be overlooked. Early detection is critical in improving outcomes and saving lives.
S.’s treatments were successful in reducing the size of the metastasis and improving his chances of recovery at Davidoff Center under Dr Victoria Neiman’s direction.
As a result of this experience, S has become more vigilant about getting regular check-ups and encouraging others to do the same. He also hopes that by sharing his story, it will inspire others to take their health seriously and not overlook warning signs or put off seeking medical attention when needed.
In conclusion, S’s story highlights how important it is to prioritize healthcare even during challenging times such as war or conflict. Early detection can make all the difference in improving outcomes and saving lives
