Life After Cancer
- HGTV star Tarek El Moussa, 39, got engaged to Selling Sunset‘s Heather Rae Young this past summer, and she just sealed the deal by tattooing her man’s name on herself, refers to him as “Mr. El Moussa” on her fresh ink.
- El Moussa, who beat both testicular cancer and thyroid cancer, has been able to start fresh with his new fiancée after his divorce from ex-wife, Flip or Flop co-star, Christina Anstead.
- It is common for some men to feel shame after a cancer diagnosis. Seeking support from a mental health professional or social worker can be extremely beneficial. Advocates are great resources for men who are feeling alone.
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The couple got engaged last July with El Moussa down on one knee on the beach of Descanso Beach Club on Catalina Island, which is a 45-minute boat ride from Orange County, Calif. where the media personalities live in a Newport Beach rental while they wait for their first home together to be finished.
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A Two-Time Survivor
El Moussa was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2013 (cancer of the thyroid gland in the neck). Incredibly, a fan who was a registered nurse messaged show producers after spotting a lump on the HGTV host’s neck while watching the show and that’s how he found it. El Moussa was diagnosed with testicular cancer that same year, just a month after his first diagnosis, and had to have emergency surgery followed by radiation. "It took a big toll on me," he had said. "It kicked my butt." In another interview with People magazine, he had said “I was at one building doing my thyroid stuff, and mentioned I was going across the street to get an ultrasound done. I’ll never forget the doctor joking, ‘I hope you don’t have cancer!'”
Related: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Was Diagnosed With Testicular Cancer
The cancer survivor had initially kept his testicular cancer private. “A lot of people said they got tested because I shared my [thyroid cancer] story,” he said. “I thought this was the time to come forward, because it could save some lives.”
'Flip or Flop's' Tarek El Moussa's Honesty About Two Cancer Battles Have Inadvertently Helped Others
Six years later after his initial diagnosis, in April 2019, he had told TMZ of his clean bill of health, "I just found out a few weeks ago that with my thyroid cancer I'm officially cancer-free.” The dad to Taylor, 10, and Brayden, 5, with ex Christinawhom he was married to for nine yearscould finally move on with his life, after his divorce had gone through in 2018. The former couple went through a rocky divorce battle that played out in the media, but fortunately are back to getting along and co-parenting their children, who now have “bonus mom,” as Young referred to herself on Instagram. “I love being a bonus mom, future stepmama!!" she said in August in a photo with the kids on boat on Big Bear Lake, Calif. "Watching them grow up in front of my eyes. So loving and so curious about life." Then signed her caption, "Future Mrs. El Moussa."
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Talking About Testicular Cancer
El Moussa had told the world about his thyroid cancer, but had initially stayed quiet about his testicular cancer diagnosis, and thankfully he changed his mind after recognizing how helpful he could be to other men battling the disease. Testicular cancer survivor Mark Borja went through the same exact emotional response after his diagnosis. “Losing that part of your manhood is extremely devastating,” Borja told SurvivorNet in a previous interview. “I almost didn’t want to talk about it because it just felt so devastating and it made me feel weak.” So he created an organization with a humorous name, Save A Nut, to help spread awareness, and relieve some of the tension surrounding testicular cancer. “I wanted to make sure that other guys knew that they’re not alone for this, and also create a support group where guys can actually talk about their feelings.”
Save A Nut!: Testicular Cancer Survivor Mark Borja Makes It His Mission To Spread Awareness
Don’t Be Cocky
Testicular cancer survivor Todd Rosenbluth told SurvivorNet about his own experience, and how thankful he is that his wife urged him to go to the doctor. “My wife definitely saved my life,” Rosenbluth said, saying that he had been “cocky” but luckily, he caught his cancer early. “The only way to catch it is self exam or go to the doctor. If you’re worried don’t be ashamed, guys. Go to the doctor.” Bottom line, it’s important to talk to someone, and get checked. If you’ve been diagnosed with testicular cancer, there are many resources out there through your doctor, and talking to a social worker may benefit you if you aren’t comfortable talking to a friend or family member.
If You're Worried Go to the Doctor
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