Cancer survivor: Jeff Sneller

A member of Manchester, CT Local 1579, Jeff Sneller’s journey through three cancer diagnoses underscores the importance of early detection, strong support from colleagues, and raising awareness about occupational cancer risks in the fire service.

January 16 • 2025

Well, I was a very healthy (or so I thought) 29-year-old with two kids and a wonderful wife who was attending college. I began having some intense pain in one of my testicles.  

At first, of course, I thought it was just because I was running too much or riding a bicycle. I exercised regularly and had no medical history other than broken bones and stitches. My family had no history of cancer up until now. The pain remained and was getting worse. I also started getting some swelling and pain in both of my breasts.  

Typical fire fighter, though, right? “I will take some ibuprofen, have a few beers, and lay off the exercise for a bit.” This went on for a few months. Luckily, I was to have my annual physical.  

My doc examined me, he said (I think he knew, he just didn’t want to tell me), “I think you should see a urologist.” Of course, what fire fighter doesn’t have a crazy schedule and a few excuses? I said I would try to make an appointment, but I am a busy guy.  

Now, this should have been a sign; he said he would be right back. He came in five minutes later and said I have an appointment this afternoon. I said, “I work tonight,” but it was in town and they fit me in before work.  

I told the urologist my story of the pain and swelling in my testicles and breasts. He goes, “Oh, you have cancer. I will be right back.” (Talk about bedside manners; he had no problems telling me). And with that began my first journey.  

I was alone in the room with my thoughts racing. I didn’t bring anyone because maybe I did know something was wrong, and I didn’t want anyone, especially my wife, to know.  

At this point, I had no idea about the prognosis, the road my family and I were about to face. Also, I didn’t know about my job, seeing I was fairly new. I was the sole breadwinner in my family, working multiple jobs. How was I going to pay the mortgage? 

This was my beginning. I would end up with a battery of tests and exams. Surgery would follow, along with chemotherapy. I was out of work for six months with my first cancer. I was lucky to have that cancer too. That was 2005, after only five years on the job.  

In 2011, I began having intense testicular pain that radiated up into my chest with swelling. This pain was very different, but I immediately sought out an MD. My wife also helped with the pushing to be evaluated a bit.  

Again, more tests, but it came back as cancer again. Surgery again. Luckily, you can only have radical orchiectomy twice (that removes the two bushes from the tree, so to speak).  

The pathology came back interesting and concerning. The tumor was made up of totally different cancer cells. This was not a recurrence; this cancer was brand new.  

In 2011, the only treatment modality for this aggressive malignant cancer was surgery. Had this type of cancer struck me first, I may not have been here typing right now. I was out of work again for a prolonged period of time. Thanks not only to having the best job in the world, but we also work with the best people in the world. They covered my shifts both times and even held a benefit the first time around.  

My last cancer was in 2016 (third time is the charm, right?). My incredible wife could not make her dermatologist appointment. Me, being mildly frugal, also knew that they would charge us for a “no show.”

I was alone in the room with my thoughts racing. I didn’t bring anyone because maybe I did know something was wrong, and I didn’t want anyone, especially my wife, to know.  

Jeff sneller

I never go out in the sun with my shirt off or even lounge in the sun like a lizard.  Just not for this fella. I went anyway to the appointment to save money. Wouldn’t you know, they found skin cancer right where my SCBA strap rests? Definitely within the “farmer’s tan” safe zone. They lasered and melon-balled my skin until they were happy. 

All along, I was afraid of many things: stress on my family, especially my lovely wife, work, bills, recurrence, and maybe dying. But in the end, it all worked out great.  

The Firefighter Cancer Support Network is an incredible organization that has helped me heal even now, almost 20 years later. The mentorship program I cannot say enough about. The toolbox is a fabulous way to keep everything organized and gather information. Presenting to other fire fighters about cancer awareness has also helped me greatly.  

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These IAFF member survivor stories were collected by the Firefighter Cancer Support Network for Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month in January.