Noods is a cancer survivor

12 August 2011, 01:40

It’s certainly been quite a year. I may have used the word ‘interesting’ in a post once or twice but well, interesting just does not cover the half of it. In mid May Noods noticed a lump. It wasn’t painful he said but it was uncomfortable enough that even with his intense dislike of doctors he went to a medical center to have it checked out. The doc told him to get some scans. He went, got scans done, got the results and when I rang him to find out, all he would say is “it’s ok, no worries you can read them when you get home from work.”

So I get home and he’s in the shower. I see the results on the table and sneak a peek. What I saw made my heart drop. The word ‘malignant’ jumped off the page and into my mind and etched a hole so deep that I completely freaked. The thought of losing my best friend? It wasn’t pretty. Me in hysterics is pretty accurate. But he was strong. He was calm even though he must’ve had a million thoughts racing around. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer at 27. Edit: Noods just read this paragraph and argued that malignant meant not harmful. As in, he thought benign was the bad one. I thought he was joking. He wasn’t. NO WONDER YOU WERE SO FREAKING CALM NOODS OMG!!! Though I guess in hindsight maybe it was better that you didn’t know… /edit

Surgery was scheduled within the week with more scans and chats with the doctor who told him that testicular cancer was the best cancer to get. He wasn’t joking but stating that testicular cancer has one of the highest cure rates of all cancers. I guess it was comforting in a way.

Leading up to the day of surgery Noods spent his time organising his work load and one day I overheard him telling his mates to not say anything or write anything on facebook in case I saw it because it would upset me. Upset me?! Isn’t that such an incredibly selfless thing to do?! So of course I’m bawling away because that is who he is. He cares for others and knows me better than I know myself. I ♥ you.

Surgery was at the Castle Hill Day Surgery and I remember staring at the ground unable to meet anyone’s eyes because I knew I would crumble into tears and I was trying my goddamn hardest to be positive and strong for Noods. When the nurse came to the waiting room to escort him through, I knew my look of panic was showing and she kindly asked if I wanted to come through to ‘help’ him change into the hospital gown. He didn’t need the help but it was reassuring to listen to the doctors go over the procedure with him and to answer any last minute questions. And then it was time and he was led away. Both sets of our family were here so we did the next logical thing, we went drinking. Ok technically we went to a restaurant for lunch but beer was downed by all of us quick smart.

Time drags in a waiting room- the nagging, gnawing feeling in your gut is not helped by the inane chatter of daytime tv shows. Noods is finally wheeled out on his bed to his recovery room, still groggy but able to smile. And just like that, the relief washes through the room. He’s ok, the surgery went well and further scans and blood tests are scheduled for the week after while he snoozes for a couple more hours and we make the trip home armed with painkillers, gauze and swabs. Our families made sure our fridge was well stocked with foods that weren’t fried heh.

Within 2 days of being at home and lying in bed all day he starts skyping with work. The incision was taking its sweet time in healing but all too soon he was up and about and hobbling around the house. To make sure the cancer didn’t return, a low dose of chemotherapy was required. 2 hours at Westmead Private Hospital was spent watching Ready, Steady, Cook while they pumped Noods full of drugs. The drugs conked him out and he slept for pretty much 2 days straight. And then with buckets and containers close at hand we waited for the nausea stage. And waited. And waited. Incredulous we questioned whether he had indeed been giving the right drugs lol blood tests confirmed a drop in his white cells and with a final scan he was given the all clear! Everything’s pretty much back to normal and yes we can still have kids :P

Not one for sharing his life to the whole wide world I’d not mentioned what’s been happening on the blog or on twitter save for the emo tweets heh but I was given the ok to write and post this. Aaaand bringing us to the end of this post, the awesome boys from Random Blowup are running in the City 2 Surf and if you’ve got a spare coupla bux head over and donate to the Cancer Council NSW where the boys are matching donations up to their target goal. Their bro love for Noods made me go nawww ♥♥♥ This is not meant to be a pity party post but I figure sharing is caring. And guys it’s important to get stuff checked!

So so sorry to hear about everything you and Noods have been through, Suze. So happy for you that he is now hopefully on his way to recovery :) Best wishes to both of you :)
— Cappucino Aug 12, 02:27 AM #
So glad that you both came through this okay :) He is blessed to have someone like you in his life!
— Lina Aug 12, 03:03 AM #
Blessings to both of you. Big hugs, too. I’m so glad he is doing well. Oh so glad.
— Linda at Pink Elephants Aug 12, 03:40 AM #
I was this close to my eyes leaking when I read that. I can’t even imagine what that must have felt like to go through but am glad you seem to have a wonderful family to support you and am even more glad he’s ok! <3
— Laura Aug 12, 05:10 AM #
Reading this brought tears to my eyes. I can’t imagine going through something like this. It’s wonderful to hear that Noods is all clear & that kids are still in the future. Be strong & love one another even more now!
— Suzi Aug 12, 07:09 AM #
That’s just awful, my heart goes out to you both. So glad he’s ok.
— Lau @ Corridorkitchen Aug 12, 07:58 AM #
Oh hun, hope he stays well xx
— FIona Aug 12, 08:11 AM #
Oh my gosh, how scary and stressful for you both. So glad to hear he is on the mend now!
— Swah Aug 12, 08:33 AM #
What a champ. For a) being brave, b) being positive, c) being considerate of others, d) allowing you to talk about his testicles on the internet. hahaha MUCH LOVE TO YOU BOTH! :D
— Lizzi Aug 12, 10:07 AM #
thats very scary but glad that they caught it early! my heart goes out to both of u and am so glad everything is ok with noods!
— gastronomous anonymous Aug 12, 10:24 AM #
Oh Suze, sorry to hear you all had to go through that – but it’s great that he’s all clear x
— Tina@foodboozeshoes Aug 12, 10:25 AM #
Incredible. Not something any man (or his lady) would want to go through. God bless.
— Joseph Aug 12, 10:28 AM #
So glad to hear that Noods is ok now and I’m amazed at how you both managed to stay so strong and positive during the whole thing. Go Random Blowup boys!
— Jacq Aug 12, 10:43 AM #
Suze, I read your post through tears, I can’t imagine how hard it would’ve been for both of you to go through those weeks before Noods was given the all clear.
I’m glad he’s been given the all clear and that you’ll be able to have your own Mini Suze or Noods. xx
— ToniTones Aug 12, 10:47 AM #
Congrats on getting the all clear.. such a great story of survival.
— Gary McCourt Aug 12, 10:47 AM #
Good to hear all is ok. Thanks for sharing this story.
— Renee C Aug 12, 11:04 AM #
Hi guys, Kick in the guts or what? So glad to hear that Noods is A-ok. If you guys can get through cancer you can get through anything. Much love.
— Reemski Aug 12, 11:07 AM #
Suze + Noodz forever <3

It’s really heartwarming to know you guys are doing awesomely and Noods has made his recovery like the bad-ass he is. I know you guys will get through anything life throws at you!!
— Maggie Aug 12, 11:14 AM #
Susan, Thanks so much for sharing the story. Made me really teary, could not begin to imagine what both of you have gone through. So glad that noods is okay and glad we will see in future little noods & suzes running around:). Love those bromance stories that noods friends wrote aawww!
— Julie Aug 12, 11:28 AM #
I can only begin to imagine how difficult this year has been for the both of you, so glad that everything has worked out for the best! I really admire how you were so positive and brave throughout <3
— Steph Aug 12, 11:30 AM #
AWWW HUGS i’m so glad to hear that Noods is ok. You’ve been one strong girl, suze. and what a sensitive caring hubby. <3
much love to you guys!
daph xoxo
— daphne Aug 12, 11:35 AM #
you are so brave and strong! good to hear that he is alright now <3
— Janice Aug 12, 11:41 AM #
Big hug to both you and Noods. Scary scary stuff huh. So glad that Noods has been given the all clear.
— sara @ Belly Rumbles Aug 12, 11:43 AM #
I’m so happy for the both of you that everything has worked out. Both of you have been incredibly strong and brave, and it’s something that is truly inspiring.

YAY for mini Suze and Noods running around in the future :)

PS I can’t believe he got benign and malignant mixed up :S
— Phuoc'n Delicious Aug 12, 11:50 AM #
Man, I don’t even know you guys, but I FEEL like I know you guys, and now I’m crying on the Reference Desk. Sniff. So happy you are both ok!
— Romany Aug 12, 11:51 AM #
Awww, it’s really lovely that Noods and you have such a supportive network around you. All the best to Noods.
— Dumpling Girl Aug 12, 11:54 AM #
I can hardly see the screen with my water-filled eyes after I read this. Thank you Suze for sharing this and I wish all the best for the future for both of you. Big hugs.
— Maria Aug 12, 12:00 PM #
Aww I noticed your emo tweets :( glad you guys pulled through together so bravely <3!!!!
Heh glad to see you can see the good in getting benign and malignant mixed up now…
Yay to Noods for getting the all-clear! Thank you both for sharing the story – hopefully it’ll save more lives too!
— Ayana Aug 12, 12:05 PM #
glad all turned out well! the big C is one nasty beast. race, creed, gender, age… it doesn’t discriminates and just attacks. glad all’s well!
— kewpie Aug 12, 12:23 PM #
I can’t even imagine what it must have been like for you guys to go through this… so very happy that it’s all come good.

..and YAY – you can still make the bebbeh! x
— Emily Aug 12, 12:24 PM #
Glad it all worked out for you guys. :) Wish you guys all the very best. Thanks for sharing the story. Awareness is so important.
— Dressed and Eaten Aug 12, 12:24 PM #
I’m glad to hear that Noods is recovered – what a relief after such a stressful time.
— Miss Piggy Aug 12, 12:25 PM #
Cancer is never stress-free, but it seems you guys really tackled it in the right frame of mind. You must be indescribably relieved that all is reasonably normal now! Fingers crossed this is the last you’ll see of it. Stay well! xo
— veggie mama Aug 12, 12:29 PM #
Oh, I’m glad noods is all better, and despite your words to the contrary, I think you’re both so brave going through that. Thanks for sharing your story!
— Chris Aug 12, 12:44 PM #
<3 u Suze & Noods
— Minh Aug 12, 12:48 PM #
I’m glad to hear all is well and he is very lucky to have you by his side!
— Aimee Aug 12, 12:58 PM #
Cancer is such a scary thing to experience; both my parents are cancer survivors. I’m so glad that all is well with you and Noods! :)
— Jamieanne Aug 12, 01:21 PM #
It must have been such a worrying time for you all. Thank goodness that things are looking up, and well done for raising awareness. Go City2Surfers!
— OohLookBel Aug 12, 01:52 PM #
Oh wow, what a powerful post Suze, thanks for writing this! My father recently passed away from lung cancer and it was a really difficult time – he fought it really hard but these things just happen I guess. It’s definitely important for people to be taking care of themselves and checking up… Glad to see that Noods is all better now!
— Mary Aug 12, 01:58 PM #
What an inspiring post. both of you are so brave to go through this. i am glad Noods is better!
— Anna @ The Littlest Anchovy Aug 12, 02:15 PM #
Suze I’m so glad that Noods has been given the all clear (and you can still have kids!).

Thank you for sharing the story, both of you seem like positive and brave people :)
— Chanel Aug 12, 02:22 PM #
Thank you for sharing your story. You and Noods have been through a lot, and I wish you both well. I wish that young men were more informed about testicular cancer, as it has such a good treatment outcome for young men. We women are told much more about the importance of breast self examination, but men are not really told anything about the importance of testicular self examination. Glad Noods discovered it when he did. Best wishes!
— Amanda Aug 12, 02:30 PM #
I am so glad to hear all is well now. Was thinking of both of you. xoxo.
— Ellie | Gourmand Recipes Aug 12, 02:38 PM #
What a hard time. I can’t believe you’ve been so delightful and cheering us up with every post throughout all this. So good to here that all is well xxxx S
— Shan Aug 12, 03:13 PM #
Wow, this was an epic experience. I’m so glad about the happy ending, but it sounds absolutely horrendous to live through. I’m sending you both hugs. Thanks for sharing your experience xox
— Yas (aboutthefood) Aug 12, 03:19 PM #
So glad everything is back to normal. Hope you have beautiful kids in the future if that’s what you want :)
— Gaby Aug 12, 03:20 PM #
This sounds like a horrible experience, I am so glad to hear that everything is a-ok and that you can still make babies! :D xxx
— Betty @ The Hungry Girl Aug 12, 03:33 PM #
Am so glad to hear that Noods is ok and that you guys pulled through together so well. Thanks for sharing what must have been a tough time, I wish you guys all the best for always :)
— jack Aug 12, 03:38 PM #
Gosh reading that has just given me goosebumps. I am so glad to hear that Noods is ok (and you too!)
— spiceandmore Aug 12, 04:01 PM #
so glad noods is ok! x
— steph Aug 12, 04:07 PM #
so glad that Noods is ok! this post gave me tears.
— sugarpuffi Aug 12, 05:04 PM #
May God bless you both
— Ramen Raff Aug 12, 05:32 PM #
I did tear when I read your post – Noods is so selfless and brave, and I’m glad he went for a checkup despite his dislike! Wishing you two all the best :D
— Janine Aug 12, 05:58 PM #
oh man i can’t imagine anything more terrifying.. sounds like you were both very brave and i’m very glad to hear that Noods pulled through!! its so good that he had the most cured cancer as well.. and the chemo wasn’t too hard on him :) take care u guys!! xoxo
— Christine Aug 12, 06:56 PM #
You two were amazing through this tough time. I wish nothing but happiness for you and Noods. <3 you both.
— Karen | Citrus and Candy Aug 12, 07:09 PM #
I am so glad to hear Noods is OK and that you guys still have a rosy future ahead of you (kids) Thanks so much for sharing with us – it takes guts to tell the real deal – blog world can so often just be a “fantasy world” where all is always rosy.
— CateCanCook Aug 12, 07:38 PM #
what a fantastic outcome im really glad he is okay and pulled through on the positive side of things xx
— betty Aug 12, 07:44 PM #
You two are both amazing. I had tears reading this too as I would hate to be in your situation. My husband is my best friend too.
— Gourmet Getaways Aug 12, 08:27 PM #
So happy that Noods is OK. Just goes to show you’ve got to listen to your body no matter how young healthy you think you are. Well done for getting in early and kicking some serious butt!
— Jackie Aug 12, 08:43 PM #
I can only imagine how nerve-wracking it was for the both of you. So glad everything went well and wishing you both nothing but clear sailing for your lives ahead!
— Katy Aug 12, 08:55 PM #
Thank you so much for sharing! My day job is with Cancer Council and it just makes our day when we hear of people beating cancer and then going above and beyond and raising money for our work. Go Noods! He might like to read a fantastic book written by a young Aussie newly married guy who found out he had testicular cancer Lessons from my left testicle by Ben Peacock.
— Sophie Aug 12, 10:31 PM #
So sorry to hear about Nood’s illness. Cancer is a scary thing to be faced with so it’s very brave of you to share it with everyone. Best wishes for your continuing health.
— gummi baby Aug 12, 11:36 PM #
Very inspiring – all my best to you and Noods! You’ve both been very brave!
— Anon Aug 12, 11:40 PM #
I’m glad to know that he is recovering well. Thanks for sharing an inspiring story… you both are tough cookies…please take good care of yourself and noods. :)
— Emily Aug 13, 12:30 AM #
Glad to hear that all well Suze and here’s wishing a speedy recover to Noods. Take good care and best to you both.
— chopinandmysaucepan Aug 13, 12:58 AM #
Wow Suze! must have been hell for a while and really great of you for sharing the story – thinking of both of you
— Andre Aug 13, 05:30 AM #
omg I’m all teary …. so glad Noods is okay!!! I remember seeing your tweets and not knowing what was going on.

I’ll be donating today., I just need to find my credit card and I’m there. xo
— Iron Chef Shellie Aug 13, 12:22 PM #
So glad to hear he is on the mend! x
— Y Aug 13, 12:31 PM #
I remember your posts earlier in the year saying noods was sick. Your ability to keep quit and support your husband just reinforces was an amazing and strong woman you are. He is so lucky to have a partner like you! I hope all continues to go well, and I look forward to the day that I hear the announcement about a little suze/noods on your blog :)
— Katie Aug 13, 12:39 PM #
Your post made me a bit teary, so pleased to hear everything seems to have turned out well. Must go hug everyone nearby that I love now and try to appreciate them a bit more.
— Linda @ Bubble and Sweet Aug 13, 01:33 PM #
Glad to know he’s ok now. All the best to the both of you!
— Belle Aug 13, 02:28 PM #
So sorry to hear you both had to go through such a horrible episode in your lives but glad all is well now. Thanks for telling the story and making people more aware of how even young people can be impacted by cancer, that’s a public service!
— YaYa Aug 13, 05:54 PM #
It really does take someone special for someone to worry more about the welfare of those around them than themselves, but in true hilarious Suze + Noods style can there be the mix-up of the meaning of benign vs malignant!

And what is even more special is the fact that he allowed you to discuss his testicular cancer in public – props to u both <3
— mademoiselle délicieuse Aug 13, 06:06 PM #
I’ve been reading for a while but I’ve never left a comment till now.

I’m so sorry to hear about what both of you have gone through over the past few months, but I’m relieved to hear that Noods is doing well. Much love sent your way.
— Gutterflower Aug 13, 07:02 PM #
Such a sad story! Great that it has a happy ending! Not an easy thing for anyone to go through…
— Joseph Aug 13, 07:29 PM #
Yours was a blog I followed to keep me sane during my son’s fight with cancer. After 2 tough years, he passed away in May. I am bereft. I miss him so much. His name was Josh. He was a beautiful child. God bless you and Noods.
— Jenny Aug 13, 07:57 PM #
I didn’t realise I already used several tissues while reading your posts. sniff I’m glad Noods’ okay. Love your photos, too. You two look so good together.
— Estelle Aug 13, 08:42 PM #
So glad that Noods made a full recovery! Big hugs to both of you. What a scary time this must have been.
— Su-Lin Aug 13, 09:06 PM #
oh Suze that’s so scary… so glad that Noods is okay now and that you can still have chocolatenoods babies :p xxx
— Rah Aug 13, 10:01 PM #
Oh Suze that is so awful for you both to go through. Thank goodness he got medical advice straight away. all my love <3
— muppy Aug 13, 10:45 PM #
Oh Suze! So glad to hear Noods is alright now. I read some of your “emo” posts and tweets but didn’t realise what they were about or how serious the situation really was. What a weight on your shoulders and you still cheerily blogged away. Good luck to both of you (and any future children ;P)
— shaz Aug 13, 11:27 PM #
that’s so much to go through in just a few months time. good to know that noods is okay now. take care.
— Melissa Aug 13, 11:39 PM #
Oh Suz what a nightmare :( I am so happy he is ok xxx I had some chemo a coupla months back and I didn’t get nausea either!
— Lulu Aug 14, 11:49 AM #
I’m so glad to hear that Noods is better now! I could not imagine what you all have been through. But it’s beautiful to see how loving you guys are to each other. Thank you for sharing and all the best for the future : )
— Brenda Aug 14, 04:02 PM #
What a horribly frightening time, I am so pleased that everything worked out. Hopefully similarly lumpy boys can read this and be brave enough to to have their “doods” (as we call them in our household) checked out.
— fdw Aug 14, 04:14 PM #
Amazing story and message. You are both sweet and strong!
— Lil Aug 14, 04:33 PM #
Suze you are awesome. It’s not until the rough times come that the strength of a relationship is really tested. Kudos to both of you for surviving something so monumental, and to the Random Blowup boys for so much man love. Much <3
— Helen (grabyourfork) Aug 14, 05:04 PM #
amazing post Suze, and I’m so glad that he is well now and both of you are in such high spirits.
— jenny (minibites) Aug 14, 11:11 PM #
I’m so glad he’s better :) I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been touched by cancer in some way, and I’m so happy you guys had a happy ending. And can I just say you wrote your story really well? I totally felt what it was like waiting for him to come out of surgery.
— JasmyneTea Aug 15, 12:22 AM #
omgawd! Firstly i’d like to say your post made me run to my bf and tell him i love him more than food! Secondly, im so glad your hubby is recovering well. You guys are such a great loving couple!
— Ditzy Aug 15, 12:29 AM #
WOW – what a post, and I read it with a few tears in my eyes. Congratulations on getting through it and being their to support each other. Cancer is definately a disease that does not discriminate, my mother has had breast cancer twice and leukemia also but cancer free now finally after 4 years. Amazing post to read and very touching honesty.
— Emma Lomu Aug 15, 12:17 PM #
Thanks so much for sharing – so many people are too uncomfortable to talk about things like this and, as a result, there isn’t a lot of awareness about it. I’m so glad everything turned out okay. It’s funny, you read these blogs and sometimes you forget its a real person writing it who has a real life which doesn’t always go to plan. I think you guys are awesome :)
— Sarah Aug 15, 02:56 PM #
Chocolatesuze, you’re usually a bright and bubbly girl so it broke my heart to see you write this post…but just letting you know that I am so SO proud of you and Noods for kicking cancer in the butt! My boyfriend of 5 years had stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma and went through more than half a year of chemotherapy and radiation. It is absolutely devastating, but once the uglies are over there is a whole life time of love and joy to look forward to.
Wish you and your hubby all the best. You are a wonderful person..stay strong! Can’t wait for a little chocolate suze/noods to pop out :P
— Maria Aug 15, 05:13 PM #
there is nothing that prepares you for any devastating news. The best news is he is ok. thank you for sharing your experience.
— Amy @ tinytearoom Aug 15, 06:13 PM #
Hi Suze. Sorry to hear about this terrible ordeal that you and Noods had to go through. Glad he’s on the mend now. Best wishes to both of you.
— Peter G @ Souvlaki For The Soul Aug 15, 07:51 PM #
i was reading this post and asked mum, “is malignant the bad one?” then i continued reading and saw noods was confused too. we’re silly.

i remember reading twitter as all of this was going on and it was really horrible to watch even though you were cryptic and didn’t really go into any details. i am so glad noods is okay now. he’s lucky to have such a strong family around him.
— natterly Aug 15, 08:19 PM #
Sending such good thoughts through to both of you. Can’t imagine that you’re ever going to face something tougher than that.
— Tori @eat-tori Aug 16, 07:51 AM #
It’s fantastic to hear that Noods is recovering!

I know from when my aunt had cancer that it is a very traumatic time, but you meet some amazing doctors and nurses along the way. It was a real privalege to run the marathon in her memory last year and raise some money for the Cancer Council then too.

Pleased to see you’ve smashed your fundraising target!
— Richard Elliot Aug 16, 02:34 PM #
Hey Suze, just read this beautiful and touching post. Glad your hubby is recovering. I wish you both well.
— MJ - @muchamunch Aug 17, 01:55 PM #
I’m sorry I’m a little behind and have just read this. WOW. I can’t imagine even going through this. Big hugs for you and Noods (probably especially you cos you’re the more freaked out one) and what a challenge to overcome together. Love each other LOTS ok? xx
— catty Aug 17, 02:08 PM #
i’ve been awol on the blogging scene so i’ve only just seen this now.
i’m so glad noods is okay!! as cheesey as it sounds, your love kinda jumps off the page. you can actually tell you guys are love and that you actuallY LIKE each other. i know that sounds obvious – but you can kinda feel it!
so hoping everything is a-okay from here on for you two!
— emma Sep 1, 05:19 PM #
Hey Suze,
I just read this blog post. It must have been such an awful, terrible ordeal- but I’m glad to hear that everything is A-OK, and that he has you to look after him! (And vice versa!)
— Crystal aka spottedpufferfish Sep 4, 03:40 PM #
Hi Suze, just read this post and my thoughts are with you both!! Sorry to hear about what you both had to go through but I am happy to hear of the positive outcome! My mother is very much into her herbs and alternative medicines and our family now drinks an anti-cancer herbal tea to strengthen the blood! I can direct you to it if you are interested. xox
— Tammy Sep 7, 01:48 PM #

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