EPISODE 43 - TC Month Special - Todd Whiteford and Joe Docherty

Life After the Diagnosis: Fertility, Mental Health & Testicular Cancer Survivorship

In this deeply personal and unflinchingly honest episode of Check One Two – The Lowdown on Testicular Cancer, host Paul McCaffery sits down with testicular cancer survivors Todd Whiteford and Joe Docherty for a powerful conversation about what comes after the diagnosis. While much of the spotlight is often on testicular cancer symptoms, surgery, and treatment, this episode explores the longer journey of survivorship — from navigating the NHS fertility system to the emotional toll of infertility, anxiety, and life-altering decisions.

Joe shares his difficult experience with sperm banking through the NHS, revealing how hidden costs, poor communication, and strict IVF eligibility criteria left him and his wife feeling misled, unsupported, and heartbroken. His story is a stark reminder that cancer support for men must extend far beyond treatment. Meanwhile, Todd reflects on his own fertility journey — contrasting a smooth cancer treatment experience with the frustration and emotional fallout of cancelled IVF cycles, inconsistent communication, and a lack of psychological aftercare.

Together, Todd and Joe shine a light on the often unspoken emotional weight carried by male cancer survivors: guilt, grief, anger, and the fear of recurrence. From dodging "ring the bell" rituals to avoiding celebratory milestones, their stories show that even after remission, many men are still silently coping. The conversation doesn’t shy away from the dark moments — but it’s also filled with warmth, humour, and the power of connection. The trio talk openly about the value of support networks, self-advocacy within the NHS, and the need to normalise conversations about men’s health and fertility after cancer.

If you're searching for real testicular cancer stories, insight into fertility after cancer, or what it means to rebuild life post-diagnosis, this episode is a must-listen. It offers empathy, education, and real-world guidance for anyone affected by a testicular cancer diagnosis — or supporting someone who is.