My Healing Journey

In January, 2021, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

I underwent a successful mass-removal surgery right away, and was back to work a couple of weeks later, thinking I was in the clear. Then, in June, excruciating back pain led me to the local emergency room, where a CT scan showed that the cancer had metastasized into my abdominal lymph nodes.

That month, as I began chemotherapy and endured the most difficult summer of my life, I also began blogging on my experience and sending out weekly posts to my loved ones. Below, in reverse chronological order, are those posts. Enjoy!

If you’re not already receiving my email updates, you can sign up at https://tinyurl.com/nilsupdates.

Thanks for joining me on this journey!

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Photos from the Path



Other Threads

Go Back & Fetch It

My main project right now (and a big part of my healing journey) is writing a book telling the whole messy story of my life leading up to this wake-up call. You can read more about my memoir here.

Campaign Story

In 2016 and 2018, I ran for United States House of Representatives in California’s 5th District, on a platform of social, racial, environmental and economic justice for all. This is my story.

Valley Fire Story

In September of 2015, I evacuated from my home in Northern California’s rural Lake County, as a record-breaking wildfire decimated my community. Read more about my Valley Fire experience here.


Photos by @nilspalsson on Instagram