I’m not on a crusade here or anything, but I read a horrible story this evening while browsing around the internet. I’m sharing it below:
A teenager waited an agonising eight months before finding the courage to mention he had found a lump – and died of testicular cancer just two weeks later.
Now the heartbroken of family of Michael Rushby, known as Mikey, has urged young men to check themselves after the death of the much-loved 16-year-old.
His mother Patricia, 52, said today: ‘He was my baby. I loved him to pieces. I want other young people to know what we have gone through. I wouldn’t want any family to go through what we have.’
Mikey, the youngest of six brothers and sisters, was having a drink with older brother John, 22, at the family home on April 17 when he finally spoke up.
‘He said he had a problem and showed me one of his testicles,’ said John.
‘The lump was obvious so I took him straight to A&E. The doctor said just by looking at it there was an 80 per cent chance it was cancer.’
Mikey, of Grangetown, Teesside, went home for the night and went back to Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital the next day for tests.
Testicular cancer was diagnosed and it was also found the cancer had spread to his abdomen and chest. He was then transferred to Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary for treatment.
Despite the eight-month delay in diagnosis, Mikey was still given a 75 per cent chance of beating the disease.
He had a week of chemotherapy and was allowed to go home on Friday, April 26 at his own request
He was due back at the hospital on Monday April 29 and had got himself up, had a bath, and was heading down the stairs when he lost his strength and collapsed four steps from the bottom.
He was taken by ambulance to James Cook hospital, where he died later that day, it is believed from an infection.
His mother said: ‘I think he knew himself he was dying. He was adamant about coming home and he never complained.
‘I want to say to anyone who ever thinks they might have a problem, go to your mam, go to your dad, go to someone. Mikey could have come to his mum – I wouldn’t have been embarrassed.’
Mikey is survived by his father Michael Rushby, 61, his sisters Lisa, 30, Jacqueline, 27, Michelle, 26, and Leanne, 21, and his six nieces and nephews.
They described him as a ‘little charmer’ who would always play jokes on people and had nicknames for everyone.
Jacqueline said: ‘Words can’t describe how much he will be missed. The house is so different, so quiet.’
His brother John said: ‘He will never be replaced. He wasn’t just a brother, he was a mate as well. A best mate.’
An inquest into his death has been opened and adjourned at Teesside Coroner’s Court.
Please make sure you check your testicles regularly.
[Via The Daily Mai]
