Before he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, Tim Harrold thought he could get through anything on his own. He was wrong and he’s glad about it.

The 33-year-old paramedic found out he had cancer in 1999, at the age of 26, after he complained to his family doctor about trouble urinating and an ache in his groin. A testicular exam and two ultrasounds showed that he had cancer. He had surgery to remove two tumours, followed by several cycles of chemotherapy.

In the process, he discovered lots of things about himself, including “the fact that I’m a terrible patient”.

At first, Tim reacted to the news of his cancer, and the unpleasant side effects of his treatment, by withdrawing. But his strong support system family and friends, coworkers and hospital staff, the Canadian Cancer Society helped him pull through.

There were the “way too many” cookie bouquets. The nurses who knew how to encourage him even during nausea from chemotherapy. The more than 20 fellow paramedics, including one woman, who shaved their heads in order to show their support. The wealth of good information he found at the Canadian Cancer Society. The vacation plans he made with his wife for when his treatment was over.

“On my down days, when I was feeling blue, sometimes I didn’t even want to answer the phone. But then I’d listen to all the messages on the answering machine. And just the idea that somebody was thinking about me that was huge.”

Today, Tim is back at work and cancer free. He’s the father of two young children, and an active volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society. He does the Relay For Life each year, volunteers with the peer support program, and speaks to groups about his experiences. In particular, he wants young men to know that they can do a testicular self-exam. “I don’t know if it would have made any difference, but I wish I had known about self-exams before I was diagnosed.”

As difficult as he found chemotherapy, he’s also found something positive from the experience.

“It’s focused my energies in a more positive light. It’s given me a lot more insight into my patients’ experiences. I have a lot more empathy for the people I treat.”

“I don’t think I could have got through cancer treatment on my own. I learned I’m not completely self-reliant, and I learned that that’s okay.”