My husband has just been diagnosed

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sammy0345
sammy0345 Member Posts: 10
edited June 2014 in Male Breast Cancer
My husband has just been diagnosed

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  • sammy0345
    sammy0345 Member Posts: 10
    edited June 2012

    I posted this under newly diagnosed but am posting here as well,

     Found a lump in March, by April it had grown so he went to the doctor right away. Had a lumpectomy in the middle of May, a mastectomy at the end of May. Stage 2 tumor, 3 cm and grade 3, HER2+. Lymph nodes and ct scan were clear. He starts chemo and herceptin on July 11th, would be sooner but his incision hasn't healed yet. Goes for heart test and bone scan next week.

  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 16,882
    edited June 2012

    We don't hear about this much--so it seems to be how is he taking it--I mean is he emotionally upset --just by the disease alone it's upsetting, but I realy don't know how a man would take it all in.

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited June 2012

    Hi Sammy,

    We're so sorry you and your husband are dealing with this. You may find it helpful to check out the main Breastcancer.org site and the extensive Male Breast Cancer section where you can find pathology information, treatment options, and new research on breast cancer in men.

    Hope this helps!

    --The Mods

  • 1NippledBandit
    1NippledBandit Member Posts: 78
    edited June 2012
    Any cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming but a breast cancer diagnosis in a man can also be confusing.  I was in shock for a few weeks after being diagnosed.  I was only 37 and had no idea that men could get this "womans" disease.  It felt very de-masculating!  I have since embraced my new chest (named winkey) and have tried to raise awareness in men.  I was surprised at how many of my friends had lumps in different parts of their bodies and had no intention of having them checked.

    Give him a time and I'm sure he will come around.  This site is a great place for him to vent as well.
     
    Best of luck! 
  • steelrose
    steelrose Member Posts: 3,798
    edited June 2012

    Hi Sammy...



    My Dad had male bc, and although it's rare it certainly can and does occur! The men on here are small in number but large in impact. They also have great senses of humor, which is by far the best medicine. Give your husband time to wrap his brain around this... he's not alone and neither are you!!



    All the best,



    Rose.

  • chemoangel
    chemoangel Member Posts: 27
    edited July 2012

    My father was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Stage 3, 15 Years ago, he is still alive today. I hope all goes well and that he will be OK. :) 

  • sammy0345
    sammy0345 Member Posts: 10
    edited May 2013

    Wow, I can't believe it has been almost a year and though I haven't posted much, I come here often. Chemo is finished and it was rough, much worse than we expected but he made it through. I guess the only positive was losing some excess weight he had been trying to lose for years. He had a portacath put into his chest which helped as the nurses struggled each time with his IV's. Drew has two more rounds of Herceptin, which has a whole set of side effects of its own yet nothing compared to chemo and three weeks ago he started Tamoxifen and will be on it for 5 yrs. His hair has grown about an inch now, he went for physio for about 2-3 mths to build his strength up again and as of last week, he is back at work full time. He is feeling good but sometimes tires easily but he is very open about his cancer to everyone and never misses the chance to show the men at work his missing breast, men need to know and understand this isn't just a womens disease and nothing to be ashamed of. I have to say this though, I am so very greatful for our medical system. We had no out of pocket expenses between chemo, meds, neupogen, scans, wages etc....

  • steelrose
    steelrose Member Posts: 3,798
    edited May 2013

    Hi again, Sammy!

    So happy to see your update. It sounds like Drew is doing very well, and I hope you are too. No, it isn't just a woman's disease, and the men who speak out are the key to this awareness. I wish you and Drew happy, healthy days ahead...



    Rose.

  • sammy0345
    sammy0345 Member Posts: 10
    edited May 2013
  • oconnelljc
    oconnelljc Member Posts: 6
    edited May 2013

    I'm a male with breast cancer (a rare genetic profile on top of that, of which only three others are known to have) Please see my profile for more info! thanks (new to this)

    Jim

  • steelrose
    steelrose Member Posts: 3,798
    edited May 2013

    Hi Jim,

    You should start a new thread! I know some of the other guys here would like to read about your experience. Just push "start a new topic" when you come to the male breast cancer forum.



    I hope you are doing well!



    Rose.

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