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What I Learned from Having Breast Cancer...

Imagine my shock upon going in for a cholesterol check and coming out with breast cancer! I am one of the twenty-five or so men each year who have had a bi-lateral mastectomy.

When I was diagnosed, the first thing I did was “google” breast cancer. Ever try finding out information on men’s breast cancer? About the only thing ever mentioned is that men can get it also. While I did find websites that support men, the support was for men with spouses who have cancer. I was amazed at the lack of real data on men’s breast cancer. After my chemo, I started on Tamoxifen. The information on side effects was limited to a case study of 24 men in stage 2 or 3! This did not even apply to me. I learned that drug companies pay very little attention to men. I also learned that I have a wonderful spouse, kids, family and friends who supported me.

I was treated wonderfully through my surgery and chemo. I certainly can understand some of the emotions a woman must go through, but not all. No one looks or cares about my breasts any more. I certainly had several humorous moments being a man with breast cancer. For instance, there is no men’s rest room in the breast center. The day of my surgery, my doctor told me he had never done a bi-lateral on a man before. He had only been practicing for 43 years! I also learned that humor helped me through.

A lot of people do not even know that men can get breast cancer. While 99% of breast cancer occurs in women, men are not immune from the disease. I hope men will start to do self exams and get checked if they feel something. Just to prove my point, I play cards with 7 other guys. A second of our group was just diagnosed with breast cancer. I like to think if it weren’t for me, he may not have checked himself. He and I have our own support group of two.

Ron Roseman