Meet Brian Vesall | Testicular Cancer Survivor
Brian Vesall: Finding Purpose Through the Fight (Testicular Cancer Survivor)
For Brian Vesall, being diagnosed with testicular cancer was an unexpected turn that reshaped his life in ways he never imagined. Now, as an advocate and leader in the testicular cancer community, Brian uses his journey to inspire, educate, and support others. Here, he shares his story and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Can you share a bit about your journey with testicular cancer?
I was diagnosed at age 46, a bit late for what is considered the most common cancer among men aged 15-44. The irony of my diagnosis? I’d just started working for a nut company, Flagstone Foods, a month earlier.
When I noticed the lump and pain, I did something most guys wouldn’t—I called my doctor the next day. A month later, I had an orchiectomy (testicle removal). I thought I was in the clear, but the cancer had already spread to my abdomen. That meant three rounds of BEP chemotherapy—21 days of Bleomycin, Etoposide, and Cisplatin.
When chemo didn’t fully work, I underwent Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection (RPLND), a major surgery that involved cutting from my chest to below my belly button to remove the stubborn teratoma and 30 nearby lymph nodes. Now, I live life between 3- to 6-month checkups, monitoring blood tumor markers and scans.
What was the most challenging part of your experience, and what helped you overcome it?
Cancer changes you forever—physically and mentally. Chemo brain is real, and my body will never be the same. The mental side was just as tough, especially during recovery. I wanted to give 100%, but I had to learn to give myself grace. If I only had 25% to give on certain days, that had to be enough.
Finding purpose in my journey has been a huge part of overcoming the challenges. Helping other men navigate the worst news of their lives has become a calling. Whether it’s answering questions in support groups or sharing my story, I’ve found healing in helping others.
How has your outlook on life changed since your diagnosis and treatment?
Simply put, cancer gave my life a purpose I never had before. I’ve become heavily involved with the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation (TCAF), which has been a game-changer. My wife and I attended our first TCAF conference last year, meeting urological oncology specialists, fellow survivors, and their loved ones. It was life-changing, and we’ve committed to never missing another one.
Through my connections in the nut industry and hockey, I’ve organized awareness and fundraising efforts, like Flovember Mullets and Mustaches Goons4Good hockey tournaments. Flagstone Foods/Emerald Nuts sponsored our podcast, It Takes Balls, and sent products for conference attendees.
This year’s TCAF conference in San Diego was another milestone for me. I was honored to be an inspirational speaker and received the Jordan Jones Memorial Award—an unexpected and humbling moment. The feedback from my speech was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. I can’t wait to see what’s next in 2025!
What advice would you give to others who may be hesitant about getting checked or talking openly about this topic?
If something doesn’t feel right, GET CHECKED. Untreated cancer is not a fine wine—it doesn’t get better with age. You have to be your own best advocate. One man in our testicular cancer group went to 12 doctors before finally getting treated. Don’t let that happen to you.
What do you wish people understood more about testicular cancer and men’s health?
Guys don’t like going to the doctor or talking about health issues—especially “south of the border” ones. It’s my mission to change that. Testicular cancer has a high survival rate if caught early, but it’s still cancer, and men still die from it.
By talking about it, we break the stigma and create connections. Over 9,000 men are diagnosed every year, and the more we share, the more we help others realize they’re not alone in this fight.
How has the Man Up to Cancer community helped your journey?
Unless you’ve lived it, you can’t fully understand what it’s like to have cancer. Some men face shrinking support circles during their journey, but I’ve experienced the opposite.
The Man Up to Cancer brotherhood has been a lifeline. Through our North Star chapter (Minnesota/Western Wisconsin), we’ve built a space where men can share their experiences, support one another, and find humor in the darkest of times. Whether it’s through meetups, Facebook messages, or darkly comedic memes, we’re always there for each other.
On my toughest days, the wolfpack has been my sounding board and my rock. In this brotherhood, no man fights alone.
