Male...yes MALE breast cancer!

superdave69; I think this site is more heavy laden with how BC affects women because the % of women diagnosed with BC far out numbers that of men diagnosed. Also, the affects of BC to a woman's body is far more invasive to that of a man. NOT to diminish what you are going through. I am sorry you weren't given the sympathy you needed for your hair loss. What outcomes are you referring to that are "much worse" for men? With women we have our breasts amputated, lose our hair, lose feeling in our chest and arms, have lifelong sexual dysfunction from the treatment, night sweats, and more. I don't think it's a matter of "who suffers more." We ALL suffer from the cancer. Just curious what hormone treatment you go through as a man with hormone receptive cancer? 

SuperDave,

You are right. When people think of breast cancer, they usually think of it as a woman's disease. That leaves men out in the cold in many conversations and even research projects. Women who are stage IV think we are often overlooked by "the pinks" and during breast cancer awareness month because the focus seems to be on survivors of early stage disease and prevention. There never seems to be much money targeted to MBC. The reality is, men are ignored more than women with MBC.

Where is the research for male breast cancer? Is it really the same as disease as breast cancer in females? Are there any documented differences that should drive treatment options? Even if you look to awareness and education programs, how often is male bc mentioned? Doesn't this leave men more vulnerable to missing early warning signs? Do physicians know enough about make bc to treat it effectively? Do PCPs look for signs of MBC during routine physicals?

I don't know if I agree that the disease is less traumatic for a man. I have read that some men are embarrassed to even tell people that they have bc because people think it is a woman's disease. Men still get surgery that causes scars. Men are subjected to harsh chemo and radiation, just like women. If they have early stage disease, they still worry about a recurrence. If their bc has a genetic link, they worry about their siblings, children and grandchildren, just like women do. If the have MBC, they face a lifetime of treatment, just like a woman, with the fear of what the next scan will show, just like a woman. They experience pain, just like women. Men die of MBC, just like women.

In some ways, social norms cause specific issues for men because people are unaware that male breast cancer even exists. Women are more likely to find another woman with bc to talk to, either online or in a local support group. How easy has it been for you to find another man who knows what it is like to be a male with MBC? Have you found someone to share your fears, your symptoms, your SEs, your concerns with? I think it is much easier for a woman to do that, if for no other reason because there are more of us.

Do you know how we can help this site bring make bc into more conversations? I know that I, for one, am guilty of aiming my conversations here towards women. I do think there is a thread for male breast cancer, but I don't know how active it is.

How are you doing? Is your disease stable? I noticed that you are triple+, is your treatment helping? Other than hair loss, what SEs are you having. Are they manageable? Does your oncologist treat many men with MBC? Forgive my complete lack of knowledge here, but do any oncologists specialize in male breast cancer? It seems like a good idea to me.

Thank you for pointing out something that we should all be aware of. I hope some men will post on this thread.

Hugs and prayers from, Lynne

When I was sitting in the breast cancer clinic for the first time I have to admit I was surprised to see a solitary man waiting among 20 women. I was only vaguely aware of men's breast cancer before that point, so seeing him brought home the fact that cancer doesn't discriminate. Sure, BC hits the ladies in enormously higher percentages, but at the end of the day the impact physically & mentally can have different but equal challenges on an individual basis....ergo, it simply sucks for anyone no matter how big or small the impact is.

Superdave, were you aware there is a forum here specifically for men? If not here is the link: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/51

Feel free to post anywhere on the boards however, it's good to see a mix, and we're all on the same team after all. Hope you're doing well!

Superdave69, male bc should definitely get more attention then it has, I for one didn’t think much of before my own diagnosis either but I do now. My mother and her sister both had/have bc, stage 1 and 4. In a recent conversation with my brother about that he remarked that it’s a good thing he had boys, he was very surprised to hear that he/they could get it too. I’m sure the other men here will comment but keep spreading the word. Best of luck to you 🙂

Got tired of looking at the scars and did something about it. Allen

You rock, Topdubu!!

topdubu, wow! I admire your attitude and energy!

Hello Super guy . Just came across yout thread here. Prior to dx, I was mildly aware that men could get bc because many years ago, my husband felt something in his breast area and was sent for a mammo, which turned out to be nothing apparently. I must tell you, we sat in the waiting room with others, a few men with their wives, and when dh's name was called, the other men reacted as if they were offended. Naturally they assumed I was the patient, and they got a rude awakening that they didn't want!

I definitely know that even this website is mostly geared towards women's issues. I do feel we are receptive to the men who come here looking for support and are willing to offer whatever insight and information we can share. I also hope you can glean some useful things from our womanly conversations about living with mbc, not dying from it. You have my best wishes for longevity and quality of life and good response to treatment.

topdub, great tattoo!

Hi Dave, The tat was liberating--I can now run without a shirt! I highly recommend it but take a dog chew--there is some pain. That took took 20 hours over 6 sessions--you have to mean it and have a top-notch artist.

Speaking of pain, does anyone have any thoughts of joint pain from letrozole? It is primarily in my hands but may be progressing. I've been on it for 17 months.

topdubu, regarding the joint pain from letrozole, my wife has been taking glucosamine and chondroitin since the beginning and that seem to have helped a lot. It took about a month to kick in but so far so good. I know several other ladies have had positive results with the combo.

I have now tried glucosamine and chondroitin, unfortunately I have noticed no difference. I have just traveled to Mongolia and because of compressing time zones, I ended up with about 3 doses of the Letrozole in 2 days. This is a really bad idea--normally the stiffness and pain is merely annoyong--this was severe. I was scrambling for my Advil which was burred deep in my bags. I was almost frantic to find a chemist in Irkutsk, Russia and get my message across on what I needed. It took a full day and skipping a dose to get back to normal.

Got a little help from a new friend in western Mongolia last week. These golden eagles are used to kill predators that raid the livestock of the local nomadic herders. I think she liked my tat.

wow Topdubu! Amazing photo and amazing experience! Did you drink any yak milk while there?

Regarding joint pain and letrozole- yes, definitely a thing. I have been on it for about 17 months now and after about 3 or 4 months started developing major joint pain in right thumb to the point I can no longer use thumb for much of anything (and I’m an acupuncturist and massage therapist so this stinks!).

I think that the joints that are more prominently used have the highest risk for becoming arthritic. I believe it has something to do with the lack of estrogen in the joints/connective tissues. Estrogen is “plumping, moisturizing and nourishing” to our tissues and without it, the joints, which are so often moving, become inflamed hot and irritated.

Hope this helps! Glad you were able to find Advil and medical advice in Russia!

When I travel, I always make a travel/medication plan with my MO team. Maybe something to check into for next time so you don’t find yourself in the same discomfort!

SuperDave69: thank you so much for sharing your post! I honestly never knew about male BC until about 2 years ago and I focused my studies on oncology in grad school! I’m so sorry there is not more info and advocacy. I will definitely be spreading this information. I may write about it on my next website blogpost if any men with BC would like to contribute - please send me a pm