We want you to never feel alone or ashamed with a diagnosis
of Male Breast Cancer. HIS Breast Cancer Awareness is here
to help and hopefully make changes. Read Jamie’s story as our Guest Blogger.
We welcome others to share their story regarding Breast Cancer in Men as well.
We welcome others to share their story regarding Breast Cancer in Men as well.
Modah Ani-I Am Thankful
Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf Co-Founder
Spreading the awareness of breast cancer is near and dear to
my heart. In May of 2009, while showering, I noticed a lump next to my
left nipple and did not think much about it. I thought that whatever it
was would go away, sort of like a bruise. The following week, I had a routine
medical exam by my primary physician. At the conclusion of the
examination, my primary asked if their was anything else that was of
concern. I told her about the lump that had not gone away. After
she examined the area, the physician said: “If you were a woman I would
say you had breast cancer” At this time I advised her of my long family
history with breast cancer on my mother’s side of the family.
The primary referred me and within a week I had completed all of test and was scheduled for a radical mastectomy. The surgery went very well as did the healing and after treatment with one exception; working with the insurance company.
Two days after being discharged from the hospital, I received a call from my insurance company informing me that their were 27 criteria that had to be met for them to approve payment and that I had met 26 of the criteria, all but being a female. After many phone calls back and forth, they finally approved payment to cover my expenses. I have two years remaining on my hormone therapy and at that point I should be clear.
I am still surprised as to the reaction of many who learn that I am a breastcancer survivor. Many are still unaware that men do and can develop breast cancer. I firmly believe that education and awareness are the most important thing we can do as survivors.
The primary referred me and within a week I had completed all of test and was scheduled for a radical mastectomy. The surgery went very well as did the healing and after treatment with one exception; working with the insurance company.
Two days after being discharged from the hospital, I received a call from my insurance company informing me that their were 27 criteria that had to be met for them to approve payment and that I had met 26 of the criteria, all but being a female. After many phone calls back and forth, they finally approved payment to cover my expenses. I have two years remaining on my hormone therapy and at that point I should be clear.
I am still surprised as to the reaction of many who learn that I am a breastcancer survivor. Many are still unaware that men do and can develop breast cancer. I firmly believe that education and awareness are the most important thing we can do as survivors.
Thank You,
Jamie
Update by Jamie on 9/6/12
Follow up on my experiences with Male Breast Cancer.
This past June, My Oncologist requested a three year mammogram. After the mammogram, which did go well, I received a bill from the imaging company. I contacted the company and explained that this was the first time I had received a bill in the three years I have been going through the exams. They advised me to call my insurance company, BC/BS of MA. I contacted them and explained my situation. Her reaction was: “What would make a man think he needed a mammogram?” (Laughing as she made the statement). I responded by informing that male breast cancer is a reality in men and that I was appalled that she would even ask when she had all of my medical records and should have known better. I than asked to speak to her supervisor at which time the incident was resolved and the bill did eventually get paid to the imaging company. It is unfortunate that we still have to go through all of this when our cancer is a reality and increasing in numbers.
