Mum’s heartbreaking plea after 22-year-old son’s death from testicular cancer
Dylan Butler should be here today, going to work, hanging out with friends and enjoying life like every other 22-year-old. Tragically, however, Dylan lost his battle with testicular cancer last week, just over a year after he was diagnosed with the disease.
Now, his mother Jackie is taking a stand, making an emotional plea to men around the country to ensure the same doesn’t happen to them.
Dylan had already found a lump in his testicles, but it wasn’t until he began experiencing back pain that he finally went to the doctor, believing it to be related to his work as a tradie. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in November 2016.
“Dylan went from testicular cancer to stage four so quickly, he really didn’t have a chance,” Jackie told the Manly Daily. “Part of his personality was not to be a whinger.”
The cancer had spread around his body, including to his liver and lungs, and he was admitted for treatment at Chris O’Brien’s Lifehouse centre at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Sadly, last week, after months of chemo, stem cell treatments and surgery, Dylan lost his battle.
Jackie is now urging all men – no matter what age – to get checked if they find any lumps.
“I’d say to young men not to be afraid to speak out if they feel there is something wrong and to be persistent as early as possible … Take the time to go to the doctor.”