Cancer survivor Sam Docherty has opened up on his shock health scare last December that sent the former Carlton skipper back in for surgery.
A little over 12 months on from his second cancer battle, the inspirational Blue revealed doctors found a benign tumour that they acted on immediately.
“April is testicular cancer awareness month,” he shared on social media.
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“I think it’s important to continue to tell my story as a part of that.
“Part of my journey consists of a routine check up with my doctors which include regular scans and blood tests.
“In December last year my routine check up showed a benign tumour that needed to be removed surgically.
“It’s a timely reminder that if you are due to see your doctor or if anything doesn’t feel right with your health, please go get checked.”
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Remarkably only days after Docherty’s surgery, his wife welcomed the couple’s first child Ruby.
The tumour is another obstacle Docherty has had to overcome in his lifetime.
The Blues defender’s health battle began in November 2020 when he was diagnosed with stage 2 testicular cancer.
After surgery, Docherty made a remarkable return to the field in 2021 before a second cancer blow was revealed a short time later in August.
He was diagnosed then with stage 3 cancer that had spread to his lymph nodes, lungs and stomach.
“It’s 18 hours a day sitting in a hospital by yourself, feeling too sick to look at your phone or watch TV,” he revealed to the Herald Sun in a heartbreaking interview.
Docherty endured a brutal 12-week chemotherapy course before becoming the inspirational tale of 2022.
The star Blue made a fairytale Round 1 return to the game and kicked a goal – after fearing he’d never play the sport again.
Docherty and fellow cancer survivor Ben Cunnington joined together for a visit to the Royal Children’s Hospital ahead of their Good Friday charity clash.
“I’m in a good space, still in remission,” Cunnington said on Monday.
“I passed my last test. Feeling grateful and appreciative.”
