The Yin and Yang of Breast Cancer
By Val Lucier
Sobering research reveals: Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests
until they have multiplied to a few billion times. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in
their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the
detectable size. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime. When the person's immune system
is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors. When a person has cancer
it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle
factors.
These sobering facts should serve as a warning to all of us. We should take good care of our body, be forever vigilant for
telltale signs and seek medical help early. We are all in cancer’s crosshairs, but for the grace of God anyone can be its victim
at any time. I became one of the chosen ones at 72 years old.
My name is Val, it doesn’t stand for Valerie (YIN), it stands for Valmore, (YANG). I am now a 74-year-old male breast cancer
survivor. It is estimated that each year 200,000 women and 2000 men get breast cancer in the United States alone. Women
have a better survival rate than men because women tend to detect their cancers very early (stage I and II) when the cancer
is very small usually the size of a grain of rice (5mm). My cancer was 4 cm (1.5 inches) in size and I already was at stage III
b. You want to avoid stage IV at all cost.
In April of 2007 I discovered that I had breast cancer. I know. Men don’t get breast cancer. Wrong! We do. The good news
is that few of us do. The bad news according to American Cancer Society is that it’s on the increase. Annually, men account
for less than 1% of all breast cancers in the U.S. 10 men in a million get the more rare form of Paget’s Breast Nipple cancer.
The projection is the disease will kill 450 or more than 20% of them.
A University Of Cincinnati study reveals that there has been improvement over the last 30 years in female breast cancer
survival rates, but male survival rates have remained the same. So it appears that it’s up to men to detect their cancers
early to improve their survival rate. Men may have to insist on having tests like mammograms when they suspect an
irregularity.
Women usually detect their cancers thru self and regular exams and detect them within 3 months when the tumors are
usually very small. On the other hand men tend to go a year to 18 months before detection of theirs and their tumors are
usually much larger. Again pointing out the importance of early detection.
Since there are so few male breast cancer patients it is very hard to conduct meaningful male breast cancer studies and
there is little data to go on for specific male breast cancer treatment. Some oncologists have never treated male breast
cancer and many more have treated only one male. As a result male breast cancer is treated very much like female breast
cancer. The American Cancer Society concedes that we need to learn much more about male breast cancer and how men
respond to various treatments in order to improve the diagnosis and the therapy for men who have this disease. For now
men are subjected to the same treatment protocol as women, namely surgery followed by chemotherapy and then
radiation. Following radiation they then receive target treatment followed by hormonal treatment and the usual follow-up
monitoring. In some instances radiation needs to precede chemotherapy.
Little did I know back in April 2007 what I was in for when I discovered my cancer. My journey began in June when I had a
right breast mastectomy and 22 lymph nodes removed by an outstanding surgeon, Dr David Bimston. By August I had
embarked on my long cancer treatment under the direction of my oncologist Dr. Francisco Belette and his Chemo Café Staff,
a journey that would last some 18 months consisting of four cycles of Adriamycin and Cytoxin chemo cocktails. That was
followed by 30 consecutive radiation treatments under the supervision of Dr. Abdon Modina followed up with another 12
months of Herceptin target treatment again with Dr. Belette and is now being wrapped up with 5 years of Femara hormone
treatment.
They say cancer is not for sissies and couch potatoes. I can attest to that. During my 18 months of treatment I had 135
medical appointments. I spent more time in my car than I did in bed. I think that’s a medical community’s strategy to help
keep us busy and our mind off our troubles. Sissy or not I assure you one cannot get through this affliction without support
of family, friends and the whole medical support community. I was blessed to be carried through this illness by my wife
Doris and my son Ron. Many are not so fortunate as I was. For that I am grateful.
I am now cancer free. After putting my life on hold for 2 years I’ve picked up where I left off. Last month I went up on my
roof and power washed it. It felt real good to put a check mark on my old “to do list”.
Buddha said, “don’t worry about the future because you will never live in it. All you have is the present and you should
make good use of it.” I think that’s good advice so I’m moving ahead and I’m not bothering to look back at the past. I’m not
wasting my time worrying about something I have no control over. What will be will be. In the mean time I’m going to
make the best of the rest of my life one moment at a time. You should do the same whether or not you dodged the cancer
bullet.
I would be delighted to support you in having the 3rd week in October declared Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week. I am
very proud to say that Buddy Check 9 has reported several stories on Male Breast Cancer since we began 16-years ago.
Our first story was tied to a segment of the CBS sitcom “Love & War” in which actor Jay Thomas thought his character had
breast cancer. That was in 1993. I’ve profiled at least 5-more stories featuring area male survivors including former Senator
Edward Brooke and Walt Smith. In May of this year, I featured Walt’s story. He’s a local actor who appeared in the John
Adams mini series.
In 2008, I told you about Eric Hansen. Eric’s profile can also be found on the Buddy Check 9 webpage. In fact, Eric is
fighting a recurrence of the cancer we first told viewers about last year. I know Eric, who has been very active with the
American Cancer Society in Poolesville, MD, would be on board with your effort as well.
I have made it my business to make men aware of their breast cancer risks, but we know this is a message to men and women
that must be repeated over and over and over again. Count on me in helping you making a difference for men and women at
risk for breast cancer.
Andrea Roane, 11-03-09
I had MBC back in Aug 2007, a full mastectomy followed by 6 months chemo then 3 weeks radiotherapy. I'm now on
Tamoxifen, where I have been experiencing mood swings and depression. I wondered If anyone else on the same Med's are
experiencing the same affects. I would be more than happy to lend my support for the awareness week, especially if it was a
global event,ie. this side of the pond too. I live on the east coast of England. There are only 200 -300 cases of MBC in the UK
each year, whereas 40,000 women are affected.
Sean, 10-24-09
I just wanted to thank you and tell you that I am very sorry about the loss of your husband. I read about you and your
mission in the Gazette Newspaper, and totally agree with you and the message you are getting out there. I'm a 5 year breast
cancer survivor, with a very large family history from both sides, but one thing that made that made the doctor's stand up
and comment upon was the fact that my mother's uncle had breast cancer (my mother also). He found a lump when he was
drying off after swimming, and got it checked right away. Because of my family being so vocal about their diagnosis', I was
prepared for mine, but most people aren't aware that something like 90% of breast cancer are not genetically caused. So go
ahead and let the world know that anyone can get it, and they need to do the self exams, it can save your life, it did mine.
Connie, 10-24-09
My Journey by Tim Connelly
In the early summer of 2006 I was awakened in the middle of the night with a burning sensation on the left
side of my chest. My first thought was that I had been bitten by a spider or tick while playing golf, so I went
back to sleep. A few weeks went by and my left breast was still sore. I tried not using deodorant to see if it
would go away. I thought maybe I had picked up an allergy—one of the many nuisances that come with age.
I didn't have any luck with that treatment plan. In June while on a short trip to Harper’s Ferry with my wife,
I can remember my seat belt hitting my breast and sending pain up and down my entire left side while
undoing it. At that time I made a decision to see my doctor. A week or so later I made an appointment with my doctor for
my yearly physical. I was told I would not be able to have an appointment until August because he was on vacation.
Because of my relationship with him over the years and the fact that I really didn’t see this as an emergency, I didn’t feel the
need to schedule with another doctor. (You know us guys can tough things out and there was no constant pain—just a little
discomfort) So, I waited until August and that’s when my life became very intense.
Alas, my journey begins as I’m sitting on the exam room table with my doctor looking at his blackberry trying to determine
if any of the medications I was currently taking could have been responsible for the lump in my breast. He looked up and
said, “I’m going to send you for a mammogram just to be sure.” I laughed and asked if guys can get a mammogram. He
handed me my referral and wished me good luck. That night I showed the referral to my wife and she asked me what this
was for, so I explained the whole story to her. I was very happy when she agreed to go with me to have the mammogram
done. I really would have felt uncomfortable about the possibility of being the only man having one done on the day of my
appointment. When we got there, I filled out the necessary paperwork and sat down in the waiting area thinking this would
be the end and that nothing would become of the test. Anyway, I had the mammogram and was told to return to the waiting
area. Shortly afterwards the doctor came out and said something looked suspicious and I would need to have a sonogram. I
had the sonogram two days later and the word I’ve grown to hate came up for the first time: “biopsy.” Two days after the
biopsy the results came back that I’d tested positive for cancer.
With the results of the biopsy, the doctor began to talk about surgery which sparked lots of questions. Where would I go and
who would perform the procedure? Should I stay in Annapolis or go to a major hospital like Johns Hopkins in Baltimore?
My wife and I decided to go to Johns Hopkins. I really leaned on my wife, DeDe, to help me make these decisions. I didn’t
want to think about having breast cancer let alone deal with the many important factors that came into play. Surgery was
something I had never experienced before and I was a little paranoid about having my body cut open. We went to Hopkins
and consulted with the surgeon. She wanted to do the surgery in a week and at first I said yes and explained to her I would
be traveling to Las Vegas the week following the surgery. She vehemently discouraged this idea and thought it best to
reschedule the week we returned. I’m sure glad I took her advice because I didn’t have a clue what I was in for.
After surgery I spent two weeks at home in my chair trying not to move much. Did you know they glue and tape you back
together these days?!! I was afraid the tape was going to come undone and my inner would leak out. Two weeks after the
surgery I was back at the hospital to see my surgeon. She looked at the incision and asked how far I could move my arm, so
I lifted it to about the nine o’clock position. She frowned and asked me to do it again and as I did, she grabbed my hand and
physically moved it to about the twelve o’clock position. Tears came to my eyes as the doctor and I stood eye-to-eye and she
exclaimed, “Hurts doesn’t it.” I asked for my arm back and promised to exercise it everyday and I have kept my promise.
My wife was great through the whole process. When I would sit in my chair at night she would open the mail and read me all
the greeting cards friends sent. She taped them to the book shelves around the TV so I could see all the people who cared and
were praying for me. Father Joe, our pastor, came to visit before my surgery. I remember him explaining how delicate and
precious life is and that you don’t really know and understand this until life is in peril. I think about his words often. Many
friends and family members would come to visit while I lay in my chair recovering. Oftentimes I would fall asleep during
their visits; yet, it was a genuine comfort to have them there. I could still feel their presence while I slept, which would
sometimes make me smile.
Several weeks after the surgery my chemotherapy sessions began. I had started back to work by then, so the office manger
put a sleeping cot in my office to ensure I could take a nap every afternoon. The effect of chemo limited the hours I could
work; so I would come as early as I could then leave once I ran out of energy. My food changed flavors too. Steaks had a flat
taste and vegetables, such as asparagus and baked potatoes with butter, had a wonderful flavor. I acquired a taste for
chocolate brownies with ice cream and chocolate fudge on top.
Chemo was really hard for me. Treatments were scheduled every two weeks, so just when I thought I was returning to my
normal self it was time for another session. The constant drain on my strength really wore me out. I really needed all the
help I could get at this time. DeDe and I would pray together every night. My friends at work would pray with me. I was
reminded of the picture of foot prints in the sand. I never felt like I was walking this path alone. Jesus was there with me
picking me up and carrying me as I needed. My wife, daughters, family and co-workers were constantly with me to do what
was needed for me to finish my journey. Also The Mid Atlantic Support Center and all the doctors and nurses at Johns
Hopkins aided in my comfort for His journey. This is a rough road to travel and not an easy path—nearly impossible—to
walk alone.
I thank God today for my journey, for it is in times of stress and pain that we grow. I am a two-year survivor and I look at
life with a new pair of eyes. My message to everyone is to take one day at a time, take time to hear the birds sing, the
children play, and smell the flowers. Life is beautiful; enjoy the good with the bad. It truly is in hard times that we grow. I
wish you all good health in mind, body and soul.
Tim Connelly, 10-07-09
I have been waiting for this moment for more than three years. I did my Master's thesis on Male Breast Cancer and made
awareness to a great deal of people. I've spoken with some health care workers and also interviewed a survivor (who is also
a good friend of mine). I would love to give as much help as i can to support the Male Breast Cancer Awareness cause.
Reginald, 10-07-09
We are happy to be a part of your effort. My Mom battled breast cancer last year and I am happy to report she is cancer
free. This is mainly due to awareness and the fact that it was caught early. I am confident that your hard work and effort
will afford many males this opportunity in the future.
Heath, 10-05-09
Cathy - I'm sorry to hear about your husband and would be pleased if you included a link to my site on yours. It was
actually slapped up rather quickly and was cannibalized from a site I was using to track my fitness goals before I was
diagnosed with my own cancer. It became a way to update family and friends about my diagnosis, treatment, and
progress. It also will eventually be the basis for a book or a series of articles (I'm a writer by profession).
D Allen Crowley (Dr Zombie), 07-31-09 Follow Dr Z's ongoing story of life with Male Breast Cancer
I was so sorry to read of your husbands passing. The last I'd heard his prognosis was good so it came as quite a surprise to
me. Somehow his courage has given me strength despite never having actually met him. I think that perhaps in this way he
lives on.
I thought I should mention that you have an advocate on the radio here in the San Francisco Bay Area named Dr. Dean
Edell. It was he who first made me aware of male breast cancer through his daily talk show at least 15 years ago on KGO AM
810. He also pointed out regularly the horrible disparity between how women and men are treated regarding this disease. I
remember one time he pointed out the endless parade of walks, events, research funding and so on all lavishly draped in
pink and featuring women, ignoring the fact that men get breast cancer too. You can listen live by going to the KGO 810
website and stream it from there between 1 and 2 pm Pacific time.
Well, thanks for the pin's and remember, we're all in this together
Matthew, 05-05-09
I just read your page and wanted to extend my condolences to you on the passing of your husband. One of my husband's
brothers passed away from brain cancer when he was 32 and since then many others have passed from cancer.
Right now my friends that I grew up with and I are waiting to hear of the passing of our best friend from breast cancer,
which is now everywhere, including her brain.
I'm sorry to be dumping on you, we haven't even met, but the tears I am shedding are for all the ones we have loved and lost.
Thank you for continuing to work with the men and women so that this awful disease may be stopped in its tracks.
God bless you and keep you strong.
Patti, 04-01-09
"I am a cancer survivor.
My story is about Attitude.
To me, live strong means To make every minute of life count. It is a gift from God!
I've worn the yellow wristband because There is great strength knowing you're not alone!
"My name is Arthur Watkins and I am a 43 year old male that was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer in April of 2005. I
felt the lump in my right breast, adjacent to the nipple, on April Fool's Day. The first doctor I went to see told me not to
worry about it, that nothing about it disturbed him. I then went to my primary care physician. His response was that any
lump belonged in a bottle and he immediately sent me for a diagnostic mammogram and biopsy. The results came back
positive for cancer and it showed two tumors in my breast. Then came the CT Scans, the Bone Scans, and endless blood
work. I had the surgery to remove my right breast just 20 days after finding the lump. They also removed 29 lymph nodes of
which two had cancer. Since then I have had 6 months of chemotherapy and 6 weeks of radiation treatments. I recently
had the left breast removed as a precaution. I will have to be on hormone therapy for the next five years. My original CT
Scan showed two nodules on my thyroid. So despite having to deal with Breast Cancer, I now had the possibility of Thyroid
Cancer. I had scans of that and underwent a biopsy of the thyroid. The biopsy came back inconclusive. The doctors are
keeping an eye on it and I may have to have it removed at a later date. My sister, who is a Thyroid Cancer Survivor herself,
told me early on to take things one step at a time. If I tried to deal with everything at once it would overwhelm me. And a
lot is thrown at you at once. My sister also has always had a survivors attitude that I tried to live by. I grew up in an age
where a diagnosis of cancer was a death sentence. Thank God that is not the case anymore. Both my wife and sister are
nurses. So I am lucky in that respect. My surgeon himself was a cancer survivor of Lymphoma and was a great help and
inspiration to me because he knew what I was going through. I had world class doctors and nurses. As important as that is
the main thing for me is an unshakable faith in God. Doubt will come into your mind. There are days when a battle is
waging in your mind. You just can't let doubt take root in your heart! I was a Christian before my cancer. I am a stronger
one now! Hear this. Cancer is not a gift from God. It is evil! It is straight from the bowels of hell itself! Imagine a murderer
trying to get into your home at night to kill you. That is what cancer is! And that's the attitude you have to take with it.
I am doing well. So far, all tests keep coming back normal. I did have genetic testing for the BRCA1 & BRCA2 genes. I don't
have the first but I do have the second."
Arthur Watkins, 11-08-08
"In a month filled with charity walks, pink-ribboned merchandise and public awareness campaigns, I want to remind
people of a commonly overlooked fact -- men get breast cancer, too. In March 2007 I learned what it meant to have the 'C-
bomb.' But being told the knot in my chest was early-stage breast cancer tapped into more than just my fears. I was
ashamed to tell anybody. It made you feel less than masculine, I guess, most men think they're going to get prostate
cancer. As of today (11-05-08) I'm feeling well. I'm down to once every 6 months for my checkups and my oncologist says I
am doing great. I finished my chemo in August 2007 and I'm finally starting to feel better. I still have problems with
lymphedema in my right arm and receive weekly treatments for it. The hair on top of my head barely came back and my
mustache, which used to be nice, refuses to grow at all but that's OK. I'm getting ready to start taking Tamoxifen again and
hoping that I won't have problems with it this time. I continue to credit my wife for getting me through this, I couldn't have
done it without her. I am so sorry for your loss. Your website is great and I'm glad you have chosen to continue this project.
Please keep me informed about your awareness and fund raising events."
Charles "Doc" B. 11-05-08
"My FATHER had breast cancer back in the late 1960's and had a radical mastectomy (this is what they did back then!) He
never had another bout with breast cancer but died in 2002 (age 90) from metastatic colon cancer. My mother then had
colon cancer in 2003 and had a complete resection of her colon at the age of 90. She had a difficult recovery but she did
come back from it only to die of a fall and broken hip in 2007. (Age 95). I know my parents lived a long life but that doesn't
mean I miss them any less. My aunt (mother's sister) died from breast cancer in the mid 1960's. Anyway, to make a short
story long.....I would love to have one of these MALE buttons in remembrance of my dad."
Thanks and best wishes, Diane
"I had a double mastectomy last year. It is awful what men go through. We are definitely not treated the same as females."
Thomas
"My sister began with a rare form of breast cancer called Inflammatory Breast Cancer and she battled it well for 3 1/2 years,
but the cancer has spread to her spine, head, shoulders and so on. She is only 50 and has been through heck and back. We
do need to find a cure now!!"
Marlene
"I am so glad someone else is trying to get the word out to the men of this world to examine themselves and not be afraid or
too manly to go to the Doctor."
Thank you again and God Bless. George (George's story on YouTube)
"I was surprised to learn that men also get breast cancer. It's a great idea to spread the word."
"I just wanted to say thanks for posting your husband's story. My dad (51 y.o.) had a modified radical mastectomy on 10-8-
07. The surgeon says he is stage 3, but we haven't gone to the oncologist yet. He has had 15 lymph nodes removed so far, all
were malignant. He has Invasive Ductal Carcinoma."
Jan
"I was diagnosed Oct 11th, 2006. Male Breast Cancer, lost everything I had fighting this and a year later still paying in one
form or another. Lost my house could barely feed my family. So I'm going to pray for you and your family."
Joe's Story, A Work in Progress...
If you would like to leave a comment or share your story please click here or send us an email
By Val Lucier
Sobering research reveals: Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests
until they have multiplied to a few billion times. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in
their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the
detectable size. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime. When the person's immune system
is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors. When a person has cancer
it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle
factors.
These sobering facts should serve as a warning to all of us. We should take good care of our body, be forever vigilant for
telltale signs and seek medical help early. We are all in cancer’s crosshairs, but for the grace of God anyone can be its victim
at any time. I became one of the chosen ones at 72 years old.
My name is Val, it doesn’t stand for Valerie (YIN), it stands for Valmore, (YANG). I am now a 74-year-old male breast cancer
survivor. It is estimated that each year 200,000 women and 2000 men get breast cancer in the United States alone. Women
have a better survival rate than men because women tend to detect their cancers very early (stage I and II) when the cancer
is very small usually the size of a grain of rice (5mm). My cancer was 4 cm (1.5 inches) in size and I already was at stage III
b. You want to avoid stage IV at all cost.
In April of 2007 I discovered that I had breast cancer. I know. Men don’t get breast cancer. Wrong! We do. The good news
is that few of us do. The bad news according to American Cancer Society is that it’s on the increase. Annually, men account
for less than 1% of all breast cancers in the U.S. 10 men in a million get the more rare form of Paget’s Breast Nipple cancer.
The projection is the disease will kill 450 or more than 20% of them.
A University Of Cincinnati study reveals that there has been improvement over the last 30 years in female breast cancer
survival rates, but male survival rates have remained the same. So it appears that it’s up to men to detect their cancers
early to improve their survival rate. Men may have to insist on having tests like mammograms when they suspect an
irregularity.
Women usually detect their cancers thru self and regular exams and detect them within 3 months when the tumors are
usually very small. On the other hand men tend to go a year to 18 months before detection of theirs and their tumors are
usually much larger. Again pointing out the importance of early detection.
Since there are so few male breast cancer patients it is very hard to conduct meaningful male breast cancer studies and
there is little data to go on for specific male breast cancer treatment. Some oncologists have never treated male breast
cancer and many more have treated only one male. As a result male breast cancer is treated very much like female breast
cancer. The American Cancer Society concedes that we need to learn much more about male breast cancer and how men
respond to various treatments in order to improve the diagnosis and the therapy for men who have this disease. For now
men are subjected to the same treatment protocol as women, namely surgery followed by chemotherapy and then
radiation. Following radiation they then receive target treatment followed by hormonal treatment and the usual follow-up
monitoring. In some instances radiation needs to precede chemotherapy.
Little did I know back in April 2007 what I was in for when I discovered my cancer. My journey began in June when I had a
right breast mastectomy and 22 lymph nodes removed by an outstanding surgeon, Dr David Bimston. By August I had
embarked on my long cancer treatment under the direction of my oncologist Dr. Francisco Belette and his Chemo Café Staff,
a journey that would last some 18 months consisting of four cycles of Adriamycin and Cytoxin chemo cocktails. That was
followed by 30 consecutive radiation treatments under the supervision of Dr. Abdon Modina followed up with another 12
months of Herceptin target treatment again with Dr. Belette and is now being wrapped up with 5 years of Femara hormone
treatment.
They say cancer is not for sissies and couch potatoes. I can attest to that. During my 18 months of treatment I had 135
medical appointments. I spent more time in my car than I did in bed. I think that’s a medical community’s strategy to help
keep us busy and our mind off our troubles. Sissy or not I assure you one cannot get through this affliction without support
of family, friends and the whole medical support community. I was blessed to be carried through this illness by my wife
Doris and my son Ron. Many are not so fortunate as I was. For that I am grateful.
I am now cancer free. After putting my life on hold for 2 years I’ve picked up where I left off. Last month I went up on my
roof and power washed it. It felt real good to put a check mark on my old “to do list”.
Buddha said, “don’t worry about the future because you will never live in it. All you have is the present and you should
make good use of it.” I think that’s good advice so I’m moving ahead and I’m not bothering to look back at the past. I’m not
wasting my time worrying about something I have no control over. What will be will be. In the mean time I’m going to
make the best of the rest of my life one moment at a time. You should do the same whether or not you dodged the cancer
bullet.
I would be delighted to support you in having the 3rd week in October declared Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week. I am
very proud to say that Buddy Check 9 has reported several stories on Male Breast Cancer since we began 16-years ago.
Our first story was tied to a segment of the CBS sitcom “Love & War” in which actor Jay Thomas thought his character had
breast cancer. That was in 1993. I’ve profiled at least 5-more stories featuring area male survivors including former Senator
Edward Brooke and Walt Smith. In May of this year, I featured Walt’s story. He’s a local actor who appeared in the John
Adams mini series.
In 2008, I told you about Eric Hansen. Eric’s profile can also be found on the Buddy Check 9 webpage. In fact, Eric is
fighting a recurrence of the cancer we first told viewers about last year. I know Eric, who has been very active with the
American Cancer Society in Poolesville, MD, would be on board with your effort as well.
I have made it my business to make men aware of their breast cancer risks, but we know this is a message to men and women
that must be repeated over and over and over again. Count on me in helping you making a difference for men and women at
risk for breast cancer.
Andrea Roane, 11-03-09
I had MBC back in Aug 2007, a full mastectomy followed by 6 months chemo then 3 weeks radiotherapy. I'm now on
Tamoxifen, where I have been experiencing mood swings and depression. I wondered If anyone else on the same Med's are
experiencing the same affects. I would be more than happy to lend my support for the awareness week, especially if it was a
global event,ie. this side of the pond too. I live on the east coast of England. There are only 200 -300 cases of MBC in the UK
each year, whereas 40,000 women are affected.
Sean, 10-24-09
I just wanted to thank you and tell you that I am very sorry about the loss of your husband. I read about you and your
mission in the Gazette Newspaper, and totally agree with you and the message you are getting out there. I'm a 5 year breast
cancer survivor, with a very large family history from both sides, but one thing that made that made the doctor's stand up
and comment upon was the fact that my mother's uncle had breast cancer (my mother also). He found a lump when he was
drying off after swimming, and got it checked right away. Because of my family being so vocal about their diagnosis', I was
prepared for mine, but most people aren't aware that something like 90% of breast cancer are not genetically caused. So go
ahead and let the world know that anyone can get it, and they need to do the self exams, it can save your life, it did mine.
Connie, 10-24-09
My Journey by Tim Connelly
In the early summer of 2006 I was awakened in the middle of the night with a burning sensation on the left
side of my chest. My first thought was that I had been bitten by a spider or tick while playing golf, so I went
back to sleep. A few weeks went by and my left breast was still sore. I tried not using deodorant to see if it
would go away. I thought maybe I had picked up an allergy—one of the many nuisances that come with age.
I didn't have any luck with that treatment plan. In June while on a short trip to Harper’s Ferry with my wife,
I can remember my seat belt hitting my breast and sending pain up and down my entire left side while
undoing it. At that time I made a decision to see my doctor. A week or so later I made an appointment with my doctor for
my yearly physical. I was told I would not be able to have an appointment until August because he was on vacation.
Because of my relationship with him over the years and the fact that I really didn’t see this as an emergency, I didn’t feel the
need to schedule with another doctor. (You know us guys can tough things out and there was no constant pain—just a little
discomfort) So, I waited until August and that’s when my life became very intense.
Alas, my journey begins as I’m sitting on the exam room table with my doctor looking at his blackberry trying to determine
if any of the medications I was currently taking could have been responsible for the lump in my breast. He looked up and
said, “I’m going to send you for a mammogram just to be sure.” I laughed and asked if guys can get a mammogram. He
handed me my referral and wished me good luck. That night I showed the referral to my wife and she asked me what this
was for, so I explained the whole story to her. I was very happy when she agreed to go with me to have the mammogram
done. I really would have felt uncomfortable about the possibility of being the only man having one done on the day of my
appointment. When we got there, I filled out the necessary paperwork and sat down in the waiting area thinking this would
be the end and that nothing would become of the test. Anyway, I had the mammogram and was told to return to the waiting
area. Shortly afterwards the doctor came out and said something looked suspicious and I would need to have a sonogram. I
had the sonogram two days later and the word I’ve grown to hate came up for the first time: “biopsy.” Two days after the
biopsy the results came back that I’d tested positive for cancer.
With the results of the biopsy, the doctor began to talk about surgery which sparked lots of questions. Where would I go and
who would perform the procedure? Should I stay in Annapolis or go to a major hospital like Johns Hopkins in Baltimore?
My wife and I decided to go to Johns Hopkins. I really leaned on my wife, DeDe, to help me make these decisions. I didn’t
want to think about having breast cancer let alone deal with the many important factors that came into play. Surgery was
something I had never experienced before and I was a little paranoid about having my body cut open. We went to Hopkins
and consulted with the surgeon. She wanted to do the surgery in a week and at first I said yes and explained to her I would
be traveling to Las Vegas the week following the surgery. She vehemently discouraged this idea and thought it best to
reschedule the week we returned. I’m sure glad I took her advice because I didn’t have a clue what I was in for.
After surgery I spent two weeks at home in my chair trying not to move much. Did you know they glue and tape you back
together these days?!! I was afraid the tape was going to come undone and my inner would leak out. Two weeks after the
surgery I was back at the hospital to see my surgeon. She looked at the incision and asked how far I could move my arm, so
I lifted it to about the nine o’clock position. She frowned and asked me to do it again and as I did, she grabbed my hand and
physically moved it to about the twelve o’clock position. Tears came to my eyes as the doctor and I stood eye-to-eye and she
exclaimed, “Hurts doesn’t it.” I asked for my arm back and promised to exercise it everyday and I have kept my promise.
My wife was great through the whole process. When I would sit in my chair at night she would open the mail and read me all
the greeting cards friends sent. She taped them to the book shelves around the TV so I could see all the people who cared and
were praying for me. Father Joe, our pastor, came to visit before my surgery. I remember him explaining how delicate and
precious life is and that you don’t really know and understand this until life is in peril. I think about his words often. Many
friends and family members would come to visit while I lay in my chair recovering. Oftentimes I would fall asleep during
their visits; yet, it was a genuine comfort to have them there. I could still feel their presence while I slept, which would
sometimes make me smile.
Several weeks after the surgery my chemotherapy sessions began. I had started back to work by then, so the office manger
put a sleeping cot in my office to ensure I could take a nap every afternoon. The effect of chemo limited the hours I could
work; so I would come as early as I could then leave once I ran out of energy. My food changed flavors too. Steaks had a flat
taste and vegetables, such as asparagus and baked potatoes with butter, had a wonderful flavor. I acquired a taste for
chocolate brownies with ice cream and chocolate fudge on top.
Chemo was really hard for me. Treatments were scheduled every two weeks, so just when I thought I was returning to my
normal self it was time for another session. The constant drain on my strength really wore me out. I really needed all the
help I could get at this time. DeDe and I would pray together every night. My friends at work would pray with me. I was
reminded of the picture of foot prints in the sand. I never felt like I was walking this path alone. Jesus was there with me
picking me up and carrying me as I needed. My wife, daughters, family and co-workers were constantly with me to do what
was needed for me to finish my journey. Also The Mid Atlantic Support Center and all the doctors and nurses at Johns
Hopkins aided in my comfort for His journey. This is a rough road to travel and not an easy path—nearly impossible—to
walk alone.
I thank God today for my journey, for it is in times of stress and pain that we grow. I am a two-year survivor and I look at
life with a new pair of eyes. My message to everyone is to take one day at a time, take time to hear the birds sing, the
children play, and smell the flowers. Life is beautiful; enjoy the good with the bad. It truly is in hard times that we grow. I
wish you all good health in mind, body and soul.
Tim Connelly, 10-07-09
I have been waiting for this moment for more than three years. I did my Master's thesis on Male Breast Cancer and made
awareness to a great deal of people. I've spoken with some health care workers and also interviewed a survivor (who is also
a good friend of mine). I would love to give as much help as i can to support the Male Breast Cancer Awareness cause.
Reginald, 10-07-09
We are happy to be a part of your effort. My Mom battled breast cancer last year and I am happy to report she is cancer
free. This is mainly due to awareness and the fact that it was caught early. I am confident that your hard work and effort
will afford many males this opportunity in the future.
Heath, 10-05-09
Cathy - I'm sorry to hear about your husband and would be pleased if you included a link to my site on yours. It was
actually slapped up rather quickly and was cannibalized from a site I was using to track my fitness goals before I was
diagnosed with my own cancer. It became a way to update family and friends about my diagnosis, treatment, and
progress. It also will eventually be the basis for a book or a series of articles (I'm a writer by profession).
D Allen Crowley (Dr Zombie), 07-31-09 Follow Dr Z's ongoing story of life with Male Breast Cancer
I was so sorry to read of your husbands passing. The last I'd heard his prognosis was good so it came as quite a surprise to
me. Somehow his courage has given me strength despite never having actually met him. I think that perhaps in this way he
lives on.
I thought I should mention that you have an advocate on the radio here in the San Francisco Bay Area named Dr. Dean
Edell. It was he who first made me aware of male breast cancer through his daily talk show at least 15 years ago on KGO AM
810. He also pointed out regularly the horrible disparity between how women and men are treated regarding this disease. I
remember one time he pointed out the endless parade of walks, events, research funding and so on all lavishly draped in
pink and featuring women, ignoring the fact that men get breast cancer too. You can listen live by going to the KGO 810
website and stream it from there between 1 and 2 pm Pacific time.
Well, thanks for the pin's and remember, we're all in this together
Matthew, 05-05-09
I just read your page and wanted to extend my condolences to you on the passing of your husband. One of my husband's
brothers passed away from brain cancer when he was 32 and since then many others have passed from cancer.
Right now my friends that I grew up with and I are waiting to hear of the passing of our best friend from breast cancer,
which is now everywhere, including her brain.
I'm sorry to be dumping on you, we haven't even met, but the tears I am shedding are for all the ones we have loved and lost.
Thank you for continuing to work with the men and women so that this awful disease may be stopped in its tracks.
God bless you and keep you strong.
Patti, 04-01-09
"I am a cancer survivor.
My story is about Attitude.
To me, live strong means To make every minute of life count. It is a gift from God!
I've worn the yellow wristband because There is great strength knowing you're not alone!
"My name is Arthur Watkins and I am a 43 year old male that was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer in April of 2005. I
felt the lump in my right breast, adjacent to the nipple, on April Fool's Day. The first doctor I went to see told me not to
worry about it, that nothing about it disturbed him. I then went to my primary care physician. His response was that any
lump belonged in a bottle and he immediately sent me for a diagnostic mammogram and biopsy. The results came back
positive for cancer and it showed two tumors in my breast. Then came the CT Scans, the Bone Scans, and endless blood
work. I had the surgery to remove my right breast just 20 days after finding the lump. They also removed 29 lymph nodes of
which two had cancer. Since then I have had 6 months of chemotherapy and 6 weeks of radiation treatments. I recently
had the left breast removed as a precaution. I will have to be on hormone therapy for the next five years. My original CT
Scan showed two nodules on my thyroid. So despite having to deal with Breast Cancer, I now had the possibility of Thyroid
Cancer. I had scans of that and underwent a biopsy of the thyroid. The biopsy came back inconclusive. The doctors are
keeping an eye on it and I may have to have it removed at a later date. My sister, who is a Thyroid Cancer Survivor herself,
told me early on to take things one step at a time. If I tried to deal with everything at once it would overwhelm me. And a
lot is thrown at you at once. My sister also has always had a survivors attitude that I tried to live by. I grew up in an age
where a diagnosis of cancer was a death sentence. Thank God that is not the case anymore. Both my wife and sister are
nurses. So I am lucky in that respect. My surgeon himself was a cancer survivor of Lymphoma and was a great help and
inspiration to me because he knew what I was going through. I had world class doctors and nurses. As important as that is
the main thing for me is an unshakable faith in God. Doubt will come into your mind. There are days when a battle is
waging in your mind. You just can't let doubt take root in your heart! I was a Christian before my cancer. I am a stronger
one now! Hear this. Cancer is not a gift from God. It is evil! It is straight from the bowels of hell itself! Imagine a murderer
trying to get into your home at night to kill you. That is what cancer is! And that's the attitude you have to take with it.
I am doing well. So far, all tests keep coming back normal. I did have genetic testing for the BRCA1 & BRCA2 genes. I don't
have the first but I do have the second."
Arthur Watkins, 11-08-08
"In a month filled with charity walks, pink-ribboned merchandise and public awareness campaigns, I want to remind
people of a commonly overlooked fact -- men get breast cancer, too. In March 2007 I learned what it meant to have the 'C-
bomb.' But being told the knot in my chest was early-stage breast cancer tapped into more than just my fears. I was
ashamed to tell anybody. It made you feel less than masculine, I guess, most men think they're going to get prostate
cancer. As of today (11-05-08) I'm feeling well. I'm down to once every 6 months for my checkups and my oncologist says I
am doing great. I finished my chemo in August 2007 and I'm finally starting to feel better. I still have problems with
lymphedema in my right arm and receive weekly treatments for it. The hair on top of my head barely came back and my
mustache, which used to be nice, refuses to grow at all but that's OK. I'm getting ready to start taking Tamoxifen again and
hoping that I won't have problems with it this time. I continue to credit my wife for getting me through this, I couldn't have
done it without her. I am so sorry for your loss. Your website is great and I'm glad you have chosen to continue this project.
Please keep me informed about your awareness and fund raising events."
Charles "Doc" B. 11-05-08
"My FATHER had breast cancer back in the late 1960's and had a radical mastectomy (this is what they did back then!) He
never had another bout with breast cancer but died in 2002 (age 90) from metastatic colon cancer. My mother then had
colon cancer in 2003 and had a complete resection of her colon at the age of 90. She had a difficult recovery but she did
come back from it only to die of a fall and broken hip in 2007. (Age 95). I know my parents lived a long life but that doesn't
mean I miss them any less. My aunt (mother's sister) died from breast cancer in the mid 1960's. Anyway, to make a short
story long.....I would love to have one of these MALE buttons in remembrance of my dad."
Thanks and best wishes, Diane
"I had a double mastectomy last year. It is awful what men go through. We are definitely not treated the same as females."
Thomas
"My sister began with a rare form of breast cancer called Inflammatory Breast Cancer and she battled it well for 3 1/2 years,
but the cancer has spread to her spine, head, shoulders and so on. She is only 50 and has been through heck and back. We
do need to find a cure now!!"
Marlene
"I am so glad someone else is trying to get the word out to the men of this world to examine themselves and not be afraid or
too manly to go to the Doctor."
Thank you again and God Bless. George (George's story on YouTube)
"I was surprised to learn that men also get breast cancer. It's a great idea to spread the word."
"I just wanted to say thanks for posting your husband's story. My dad (51 y.o.) had a modified radical mastectomy on 10-8-
07. The surgeon says he is stage 3, but we haven't gone to the oncologist yet. He has had 15 lymph nodes removed so far, all
were malignant. He has Invasive Ductal Carcinoma."
Jan
"I was diagnosed Oct 11th, 2006. Male Breast Cancer, lost everything I had fighting this and a year later still paying in one
form or another. Lost my house could barely feed my family. So I'm going to pray for you and your family."
Joe's Story, A Work in Progress...
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