Brian Sluga

Brian Sluga is now a testicular cancer survivor after receiving the diagnosis when he was 20 years old. Catch up on

If you are anything like me, your heart from time to time has been a little unsteady. I find myself worrying, letting noise in and am sometimes not grounded. I have been trying to avoid these feeling, the bad vibes and the static, though. In order to do this, I carry a notebook with me to jot down real moments and small wonders. It helps to remember that there are a great number of things to be thankful for in my life.

The little things like a smile from a stranger remind me that there are big rewards if we just try to find them. We are all on this planet together. Our journey is different from others. Some are fighting cancer, leukemia, mental health issues or other health matters. Well, writing about cancer has been rewarding and hopefully helping a few people on their own journey. There is so much in the world that I appreciate right now. I am glad I am here, and you are here reading this. I am glad we get to share this space, even in this small way.

My moods changed daily, sometimes hourly, as I listened to the news in those early days and felt deep anguish about my cancer diagnosis. Why and how did this happen? One’s mood is very connected to their thoughts and actions. A depressing thought can trigger a bad mood.

My mood most days after my cancer discovery was very erratic and caused unrecognizable behavior at times. What I learned is that just because something bad happens does not mean I am bad or need to behave similarly. My cancer is a prime example of focusing on my future healthy self to keep me from being a total ogre to live with.

I have learned to examine my life by listening to my thoughts and then act in a way that drives me closer to the person I want to be. So, as we grow and approach springtime, think about how winter frost is thawing, and your senses awaken. All your emotions unfold in the new season. They paint a landscape with vibrant hues of spring.

With the arrival of spring brings feelings of hope. A renewal in a way that both challenges and exhilarates us. Your mood may mirror this new beginning. Will it be a mood of nerves, an anticipating mood, or a “wait for the blooms,” sort of mood? How will your mood dictate your behavior? Is that behavior cohesive with the future you want?

Consider the weather and how much it will affect your overall mood. Rainy, overcast days can evoke feelings of sadness and depression. Sunny spring days may bring neighbors outside. We will be able to see flowers bloom, trees budding and hear birds chirping, which launches us into a better mood.

It took me decades to overcome the effects of cancer on my scholastic and emotional development. Make the next few months about your own personal renewal. With each passing week, we can shed those dark moods and continue to grow as a person.

After my cancer, I had my mental limits. Often my mental limits were within my comfort zone. With my life now in a healthier state, I do not let fear rule my days. I lead, and my dreams follow. I have learned not to let my mood push me off course. A bad or sour mood can easily grow into your entire disposition and corrupt your life.

In every aspect of my life, mood plays a major role. When I start something new, my “go-to” mood is my energetic mood. Those are days when I just let my mind wander with delight. The great thing about life is that you can self-reflect on yourself.

Years after my cancer, I felt constant anguish of always being on and needing to perform. As ideas grew like weeds in my head, everything felt like I was drowning in quicksand.

My only regrets are the many late-night parties, hangovers and bad dating experiences. What cancer did take away from me was those early college years. Because of so many routine follow-up tests and doctors’ appointments, my mind was preoccupied and not ready to go back to school after the surgery.

It took me several years to get back and focus on studies and what was profoundly important. I regret not pushing forward more quickly. Changing my major five times was something I did. I am happy about that now. It opened my mind to what I really wanted to do as a young person with many interests and aspirations.

I decided to give in and take God’s hand for a moment. I did not know what to expect, but I desperately wanted to live. My mood was a persistent emotional state during those cancer years. It influenced my life as my story progressed. One must not let an erratic or bad mood in as it will change the atmosphere of your well-being.

Do not let bad emotional moods get in the way of your life. Just live in the moment. The challenges of both our personal and professional lives can be overwhelming, but you can invite peace into your life and positivity into your heart. God’s blessings for spring and healing in the new year await us all. Here is to a healthy and happy spring, 2025.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education,

don’t forget to subscribe to CURE®’s newsletters here.

Articles

The narrative reflects on the emotional journey of a cancer survivor, emphasizing the impact of mood on personal well-being and behavior. It highlights the importance of self-reflection, gratitude, and embracing life's small wonders to maintain a positive outlook. The author shares personal experiences of overcoming cancer's emotional and academic challenges, advocating for personal renewal and growth. The arrival of spring symbolizes hope and new beginnings, encouraging readers to align their moods and actions with their desired future selves, while not allowing negative emotions to dominate their lives.

I often reflect on my emotional changes following a testicular cancer diagnosis and how I learned to manage them and grow. 

Navigating Time and Emotions After Testicular Cancer

The New Year's resolution is a tradition most of us know. At the beginning of each calendar year, a person undertakes a new activity, sets a personal goal, or takes on something that is not in their wheelhouse. Under Julius Caesar, the Romans had a tradition of setting goals for the new year. To them, January was a time for individuals to reflect on their past and look toward their future. The Romans would strive for spiritual growth through personal self-reflection. They were the early-day goal setters.

I, too, prefer to start my resolutions on January 1st. A clean slate for a new calendar. After my cancer diagnosis, I was not focusing on any resolutions except getting healthy and cancer-free. Now, I focus on something I want to do which will challenge me and set me apart from where I was last year.

Although the future is not certain, being a survivor is unquestionably important and takes resolution. Therefore, resolutions which involve my daily life which express how thankful I am to live each day are what I need to survive in this ever-changing world. A simple example of this is a resolution of mending past relationships with old friends. Indeed, my past is in the rearview mirror, and anyone can improve and reinvent who they are.

I advise to resolve “choosing you” and believing that good things are ahead. It is important to live in the moment. With no more tests or medications that tire you, now is the time to concentrate and focus on a new year and a new you.

Never cry over not being good enough, not being the cool kid or not taking the right risks at the right time. The new year is a wonderful time to reflect on your past successes and what was once your biggest challenge. Remind yourself that life is not over yet. This is the year of “You.” Shoot for the stars.

In the past, I often tried to make the new year more enjoyable and capture the essence to explore the new. Sometimes, the “festive” season comes and goes too quickly. It is always a more reflective time of year. After my cancer surgery, it was just 110 days until the new year. I had a short time to think about how I wanted to improve.

I was young and lacked courage and confidence to understand what was happening. There I was at the steering wheel, wondering where the road would lead me. But the mystery of who I was as a person and friend had shapeshifted to become real. Things did not remain the same in that new year.

There was struggle; however, in life, it is a given that one will suffer pain. I have suffered in life after cancer but learned to accept that suffering as it helped me focus on a life that reflects my character. That is a life of love, teaching and giving of myself when people need me the most.

Just because you have uncertainties in life does not mean that you are wrong or that you do not know how to live. Make your resolutions to point you in a direction. That direction can always be course corrected. The important thing is to start. Sense the thrill of the challenge and do the right thing; bet on yourself.

Once again, in a new year, I find myself retreating to the trusted treasures of the past. Often thinking of that weathered time and the passing winds. This year is waiting to be set free like a butterfly. Life is at times confusing but can be changeable. Why shouldn’t this year work out better than last?

Happy New Year to all, and may your resolutions be great.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to 

subscribe to CURE®’s newsletters here.

New Year's resolutions have historical roots, dating back to Roman times when individuals set goals for spiritual growth. For cancer survivors, resolutions can be a means of embracing life post-diagnosis, focusing on personal growth and mending relationships. Emphasizing self-belief and living in the moment, resolutions can guide individuals through life's uncertainties, offering a chance to reflect on past challenges and successes. The new year symbolizes a fresh start, encouraging individuals to embrace change, pursue personal goals, and bet on themselves for a better future.

My New Year's resolutions have evolved from seeking external goals to embracing personal growth and appreciating each day.

My New Year’s Resolution After A Testicular Cancer Diagnosis 

My family celebrated each Christmas Eve with midnight Mass. Although a bit sleep deprived, I would awake before anyone else early Christmas morning for a run to clear my mind. Running helped reduce stress and increase my brain function to set the tone for a calm new year. We had not had any snow until that Christmas morning, when a generous supply of glistening powder covered the roads.

Brian Sluga is now a testicular cancer survivor after receiving the diagnosis when he was 20 years old. Catch up on 

It was so peaceful and tranquil. Oh, I so recall: My radio awakens me with “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins at 5 a.m. I splash water on my face, dress in running tights, layers of shirts and finally my Nike Waffle running shoes. Out the door I go! I see nothing but white-dusted roads and admire the way the streetlights glow in the distance.

Inside my head, I hear “Do They Know It’s Christmas” by Band Aid. I was on top of the world. It is serene and quiet as I sprint lightly across the snow. All the youngsters, I assume, are snuggled in their beds, waiting for the arrival of the grand elf. It was the most amazing run, as my endorphins kicked in after three miles. That euphoric feeling made me experience what felt like running on air.

Well, it was 14 months since my initial cancer diagnosis. The white powder, at 6:30 a.m. and the wood-burning scent in the air reminded me of my childhood. I began thinking of the reason why I am alive. As I run through my hometown park, I remember what a young guy said to me during my senior year in high school. He looked at me one sunny spring day in the cafeteria and said, “Hey, I know you are, the guy that is the track and cross-country captain.” I said, “Yes, I am that guy.” He said, “I watched you run all high school and wanted to be like you. Always admired your persistence and how fast you run.”

I often think about that classmate as I run every early Christmas morning. It was that Christmas run, a kick of endorphins to clear my head before the big day. I invested considerable time in my own training. My classmate had been watching me from a distance and I never knew. I took for granted what talent I had been given.

That first Christmas after my diagnosis made me think about my high school track and cross-country coach, Mac. One conversation after a devastating high school district final loss, Mac said, “All that is real is what is happening right now, at this moment.” I did not understand at that time in my life what Mac meant. He very slowly continued, “The past is a memory, a sense we can only hold on to.” For instance, just now, as I write this essay, a memory is created.

Since my cancer diagnosis, I have seen things very differently each Christmas. So thankful now to have a loving wife, great family and friends who are loyal as a lapdog. I observe our world and think what if I was not in it? It seems so simple to say, I love life and living. Over time, I have been led to my true passions: international travel and writing. They taught me to reach out and go for that brass ring. It is there for all to grab.

That morning run gave me perspective on my life. It was a time in which I had found true peace. I wish I could replay that place in more than just my memory. The gift of that high school Christmas morning run, helped me appreciate I could slow down a little, accept who I was and feel good about my path in life. I like remembering that time and a chance to rid my mind of all its clutter and sin for a day. Just stopping and smelling the coffee. After getting the all-clear from my urologist, I felt the load on my shoulders lifted. A gift of love deep and profound, it left me humble.

With all the world’s distractions, there was no double mirror to see future existence. But being human does not make you blind. Every day, one can visualize and define their destiny. We do not have all the answers to everything, but we can set a path forward. I have come to understand that life is a skilled adventure, and I am an unskilled apprentice. Life is a gift to be appreciated.

Merry Christmas, and remember all that you are thankful for, including health, happiness and hope.

A reflective Christmas morning run becomes a metaphor for life, offering perspective and gratitude following a cancer diagnosis. The author reminisces about past experiences, including high school track memories and a coach's wisdom, which now resonate deeply. The run symbolizes a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and appreciation for life's simple joys. The narrative emphasizes the importance of living in the moment, cherishing relationships, and pursuing passions. Ultimately, it conveys a message of hope, gratitude, and the realization that life is a precious gift.

A reflective Christmas morning run, following a cancer diagnosis, inspires profound gratitude for life and a renewed commitment to living a meaningful life.

Reflecting on Cancer During a Christmas Morning Run 

Discipline, I have discovered, is one of the most elusive attributes required for success. I never had discipline in high school, college or immediately after my testicular cancer surgery. I only discovered discipline in the last 10 years or so. In fact, discipline is what you need to achieve the results most people desire. It is an important quality to transform your life and to live it on your own terms.

Although I did not undergo chemotherapy or radiation, I often faced pain and emotional distress. My family felt neglected at times as I struggled to understand what and why cancer happened to me. I have learned many lessons over the years. Lately, I have been thinking about achieving mental health. In my 20s I knew zilch about mental health.

Mental health used to be only discussed with certain people, if at all. One uses discipline to get out of bed even when life wants to force you in a different direction. Early in my cancer journey, I chose to do the best for the day even if it felt exhausting. My experiences after cancer only scratched the surface of ways in which my body felt painful and drained. A whirlpool of emotions that seemed too much at a tender, barely drinking age.

During the most difficult times, like waiting for test results, the pain of uncertainty often made it hard to concentrate. Sometimes all I could manage was to jot down random thoughts of obscure things. I wanted to someday follow through with them but never did.

Deep down, there was something wrong. But what is it? I set some goals for myself but did not know how to achieve them. Friends and family showed me discipline. My high school buddy Joe said something I will never forget.

“Competition is what makes you who you are,” he told me.“It is that thing that you have that I only wish I could achieve.”

Joe who was talking about discipline. “You have it now, go use it the best way you know.”

That short conversation had a profound effect on my life.

Many people live their lives accepting whatever comes. I needed to accomplish a great pursuit. I needed to get back to school and complete that degree. I must admit, after more than 10 years of tests and being poked and prodded every month, I lost hope of graduating college.

One night at a hometown bar, I ran into our high school baseball coach. Coach Fred said, “Well, Brian, you have an associate degree that is like having two butt holes.” I thought to myself, “Well, I cannot settle for that.”

Many sacrifices must be made. I needed to be awake during this time. The world was not asleep. I needed to get down to business study, crack the books and be what I always thought I could be.

Discipline will make one hungrier than an Olympic champion. Maybe my own thoughts about cancer were abstract in a kind of way. Like laughing in a crowded mall while watching the world go by so you do not feel alone.

If I can suggest anything to help, it’s that tomorrow cannot harm you. It is today that you spend energy and should concentrate. Today is here, in front of you, like a bad habit.

Sometimes it takes but one plan to fail for another to succeed. I learned to expand my reality and be disciplined. Discipline is the only habit that will not disappoint.

Have you ever felt like you cannot say no to anyone? Maybe you are constantly doing things so you do not let others down. But it is a fallacy that people think less of you. Discipline yourself to say “No” to something that will stress you out this month.

Never regret the time you spend caring for yourself. You will regret most of the times that you did not. Problems and challenges will come for sure. After my cancer diagnosis, I thought everything was a setback. Your future has resources that will surprise you. A few disciplined habits to use: Practice balanced time and schedule of work, self-care and fun. Get enough sleep and eat daily nutritious food. Discipline will help establish boundaries that contribute to your better overall well-being.

Another action requiring discipline is to let silence in your life enable reflection. It is hard not to reach for the phone, computer or another distraction, but allow silence each day to calm your thoughts. Learn from silence and it will help you achieve a disciplined existence. My physical struggles I have realized do not exist anymore. However, it turns out there is no escape from thinking about my cancer diagnosis, as I have tried. I am grateful to be where I am with help from others and a bit of discipline of my own.

Discipline is a crucial attribute for achieving success and transforming one's life. The author, a testicular cancer survivor, discovered discipline later in life, which helped him navigate emotional distress and uncertainty. Mental health, once a taboo topic, became a focus, with discipline aiding in daily challenges. Encouragement from friends and mentors reinforced the importance of discipline in pursuing goals, such as completing a degree. Emphasizing self-care, setting boundaries, and embracing silence are key disciplined habits. Ultimately, discipline fosters resilience and well-being, enabling individuals to overcome setbacks and achieve personal growth.

For many years, I have trained my mind to have more discipline, especially after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in my 20s.  

Brian Sluga

Navigating Time and Emotions After Testicular Cancer

My New Year’s Resolution After A Testicular Cancer Diagnosis

Reflecting on Cancer During a Christmas Morning Run

My Need for A Disciplined Mind as a Cancer Survivor

Latest News