No one demonstrates better how far we have come in treating testicular cancer than Lance Armstrong. In 1996, this internationally-recognized bicycle racer began feeling a lowered energy level, started coughing blood, and had a painful testicle. He was found to have testicular cancer that had spread throughout his body to his lungs and brain.
After his testicle was removed, he received chemotherapy with cisplatin, etoposide, and ifosfamide (ifosfamide was used instead of bleomycin to avoid any damage to his lungs that would impair his bicycling). He also had surgery to remove 2 brain metastases (no radiation was given because of the concern that it also would affect his balance or coordination).
Lance completed his treatment by the end of that year, and by 1998, he was competing again. In 1999, he won the Tour de France, which some consider the most grueling athletic event in the world. He went on to win this event a record 7 consecutive times between 1999 and 2005. He also initiated LIVESTRONG (formerly the Lance Armstrong Foundation), a charitable organization dedicated to cure of cancer and coping with its consequences. You can read more information on the Lance Armstrong Foundation's Web site at www.livestrong.org.
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