New York City – ABC News correspondent Will Reeve opened up about his personal battle with testicular cancer, a disease that affects the tissues of one or both testicles. Reeve, 34, was diagnosed in April after noticing a lump in his left testicle and seeking medical evaluation at the urging of his wife, Amanda, whom he married in January.
Diagnosis and initial surgery
An ultrasound revealed a mass, leading to an orchiectomy in early May to remove the affected testicle. Pathology confirmed embryonal carcinoma, an aggressive form of testicular cancer commonly found in young to middle‑aged individuals.
Further treatment to prevent spread
In June, Reeve underwent a retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, a six‑hour operation that removed dozens of lymph nodes to reduce the risk of metastasis. Because several of the removed nodes contained cancer, he elected to complete two cycles of chemotherapy, aiming to lower the chance of recurrence to nearly 1%.
Chemotherapy experience
Reeve began his first chemotherapy round in early July at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, accompanied throughout by his wife. Each treatment day lasted nine hours: two hours of chemotherapy infusion followed by seven hours of cold capping, a method used to help preserve hair during treatment. Between cycles, he experienced side effects such as bone pain, ringing in the ears, night sweats, blood clots and headaches.
Celebrating the end of treatment
At the end of July, Reeve rang the iconic bell at Sloan Kettering, marking the successful completion of his therapy. He dedicated the moment to his late mother, Dana Reeve, who also underwent chemotherapy at the same institution before passing away from lung cancer in 2006.
Why he’s speaking out
Reeve said he wants to raise awareness about testicular cancer, noting that “this is a thing that can happen. It’s shocking, it’s weird, and it’s slightly awkward to talk about, but you end up okay, almost always.” He will discuss his experience further on “Good Morning America” later this week, alongside medical experts and other cancer survivors.
What readers can do
Health professionals recommend that men perform regular self‑exams and seek prompt medical attention for any unusual lumps or changes. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes, and Reeve’s story underscores the importance of vigilance and timely care.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.