In August of 2021, Justin Budde was welding in the back of a trailer when he suddenly slipped and landed on his feet. After he fell out of the trailer he started to feel pain in his right testicle. Little did Budde know that he would soon find out that the pain wasn’t from the fall, it was from testicular cancer.
“I wasn't sure if I was hurt or what was hurt, if anything. I walked it off and monitored it and went back to work. I somewhat took it easy for the day. And it seemed to have just gone away. But something was definitely off. A couple of weeks after that is when I noticed the swelling. That was the initial point where I knew something was wrong,” said Budde.
If caught early, testicular cancer is highly curable. Luckily, Budde caught it just in time.
“I was very grateful that I fell out of that trailer. I don't know if it was luck or a blessing, but whatever it was I am so thankful. I just kept that positive attitude because I knew I was going to be okay. It just seemed as though there's no point in being negative when it could have been much worse for me,” said Budde.
Through this whole process, Budde always reminded himself to look on the bright side.
“I am very lucky and I have a lot to be thankful for, and that feeling has not left since; it stayed with me throughout this entire process. Because, to me, being grateful in life could be the most important thing in life. It was a big attitude changer for me not only to get through my cancer, or to get through the process of chemo and to keep positive, but I took it as an opportunity to change my perspective in general,” said Budde.
Budde also has amazing friends and family to help him keep his head up along the way.
“I'm just really, really lucky because I have a very strong support group. I'm very close with my family. My mom and dad, my brother, who has always been my support group. I'm also very close with my brother's fiancee as well as my cousins. And then I have friends who have been there for me through all types of ways, no matter what I needed. A lot of people have reached out to me, the amount of love and support that was shown to me throughout this entire process is amazing,” said Budde.
Budde has learned a lot through the process of having cancer and he is proud to share his story to inspire others to stay positive no matter what.
“Attitude is everything. To be grateful is the first step and then everything starts to sort itself out. Always remember to be grateful for what you have and where you are. Because when you feel bitter or if you let negativity creep in, it's going to stop you from moving forward. That's the only thing that you have to worry about. You'll just continue to move forward. Pieces will fall into place, and you'll keep a positive attitude, no matter what happens,” said Budde.
As of now, Budde continues to keep his positive mindset as he reaches what is hopefully the end of this long journey. Budde is expected to have his final test results in soon.