Gene's Cancer Journey Inspired by His Daughter...

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 Gene's story as our 'Guest Writer'.  

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

It was sometime in August, 2011 just before our trip to Italy with close friends when I felt the lump in my right breast. Since our trip was so close, I made a mental note to check myself again when we returned. I forgot about the lump and we started on our bathroom remodeling. When I finally remembered about the lump, it was already early November. I felt again and it was larger than before.

 

I told my wife of 45 years that I felt a lump and that I needed to find a doctor familiar with Breast Cancer in men to examine me and determine if what I suspected was true. I did some research, found my Doctor and called his office to make an appointment. I was scheduled for a Mammogram and/or a Sonogram at St. Joseph’s Hospital Cancer Center on Monday, November 14. 

How did I know to examine my breasts? Most men, if they notice something at all would mostly ignore the lump assuming it was a cyst or something very benign. Fortunately for me, my daughter had found a lump three years earlier and as part of her journey she did a Genetic Test to see if she was a carrier of one of the Cancer Genes. As it turned out, she had the BRCA2 genetic marker. My wife had the same test done and she found out she was negative for the marker which left me as the original carrier. Once I knew, I read everything I could and while taking my daughter’s journey with her realized that I needed to continually examine myself for breast lumps.

On November 14, I had my Mammogram. The nurse came back in to take more images. Then I was sent to have a Sonogram also. I then saw the Doctor who immediately did a Biopsy of the lump. He told me that he was pretty sure that I had breast cancer but he would call to confirm by the end of the next day, Tuesday. He called around 6 pm and asked if I could come in with my wife the next day to meet with him? I said yes and the next day, we saw my Doctor and received the news about my Cancer.

I had Breast Cancer: Ductal Carcinoma – Invasive and Infiltrating; 0.9 cm, T1, 

Stage 1, Grade II Biology was Estrogen Receptor Positive (ER +) > 90% and Progesterone Receptor Positive (PR +) > 50%. My Ki67 Proliferation Index was 25 – 35% and the tumor had a doubling rate of 90 days (which meant that the first cell mutated about 7.5 years before I discovered it). For men with BRCA2, having Breast Cancer means a Mastectomy.

So, fortunately, my Doctor had an opening the day before Thanksgiving, November 23rd and I said do it! I was in and out on Thanksgiving Day and able to join my family at my son’s home for Thanksgiving Dinner and my youngest granddaughter’s Birthday. Chemo followed after some discussion and many second/third Oncologist opinions and now I am on a 20 mg Tamoxifen regimen for the next five years.

Thanks to my daughter, I did not ignore my symptom and am doing well today. Her taking her journey saved my life. She is MY HERO!

"My daughter just told me about your web site and after browsing it, I wanted to tell you that I think it is great that 'HIS' created this site for men to educate them about male breast cancer. The above is my brief story and I am willing to share my Cancer Journey so that others may know what they will go through. In my case, education eliminated any fear because I was already so well read on the subject. I am currently 67 and am back to living my life normally. This is my \"brief version\" of my journey."

Gene Taylor -Guest Writer

The Power of We!

"WE” are both Breast Cancer survivors! “WE” are a brother and sister and

YES, Men can get breast cancer and the Power of WE will help spread awareness and education…

October 15^th is Blog Action Day, and HIS Breast Cancer Awareness blog is proud to participate in an event to unify one important global topic on the same day; The Power of We!

My first Breast Cancer diagnosis came when I was 37 years old, just one month after our mother had received a breast cancer diagnosis. She was in her 70’s as was our aunt when she had a mastectomy so I thought I had lots of time to concern myself with breast cancer but I was wrong.

Between the ages of 37-47 I had received four diagnoses and had seven surgeries along with the treatment of Radiation and Tamoxifen. After my fourth diagnosis I decided with our family history, I needed to do some genetic testing to gain more information. I tested positive for the BRCA genetic mutation, which stems from the European Jewish decent.

Once diagnosed, I informed my sons (I have 3) along with my brothers of their risk for developing Breast and Prostate cancers. My brother Harvey pretty much “pooh-poohed” it thinking, he’s a guy, this doesn’t really concern him (or his sons), he was wrong!

In 2008 my brother Harvey called me on his way to his doctor. He had discovered a lump along with pain in the nipple area of his left breast. His doctor then sent him on for a mammogram as he tried to comprehend how he (a man) could get a mammogram. From there, he received his diagnosis of male breast cancer and his life was no longer as he knew it.

I could offer my brother a great deal of knowledge and support however what I could not assist him with was a man with a “woman’s” disease. The humiliation he experienced, the stigmatism that goes along with a male being treated for breast cancer was far more than I could begin to understand. If it wasn’t difficult enough to deal with a cancer diagnosis and all the emotional and physical challenges that it presents, being a male with breast cancer was the biggest challenge.

“WE” decided to help make a change in the world of Breast Cancer. “WE” developed a non-profit organization called HIS (my brother’s initials) Breast Cancer Awareness to provide Education and Awareness for Male Breast Cancer. Between the two of us we have 5 sons, so it was also important to us to pave the way for them as they have a 50/50% chance of developing Breast Cancer too.

Our organization has grown quickly in just a few years and “WE” have been able to provide many men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer an outlet to speak about their diagnosis and a place to discover they are not alone with this disease. In addition, “WE’ know that bringing awareness and educating others “WE” have and will continue to save lives. Often for men, because no one is checking, they receive a diagnosis far too late and so it is fatal. Whether it’s a son, a boyfriend, a father, a relative or friend, women can help men learn about breast cancer for themselves, in addition to their female counterpart. On our web site “WE” offer a How to do a self-breast exam for men. “WE” offer information for healthy lifestyles and prevention along with links for more detailed information but most of importantly, “WE” offer awareness!

Of course, it would be great if we could eradicate all cancers, but in the meantime, “WE” need to help educate. Yes, pink is all around us, but it’s time “WE” add a little blue! For more information, visit HIS Breast Cancer Awareness at www.hisbreastcancer.org.

 “WE” can work together for Male and Female Breast Cancer because the Power of We is much stronger combined.

Modah Ani – I/We are thankful

Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-founder

CELEBRITY? WE'RE CALLING FOR YOU

Are you a professional athlete, celebrity, or anyone with a large reach of an audience? Do you or someone in your family have a history of Breast Cancer? Then we’re calling on you for some help!

Maybe you don’t know a man directly who has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer, however if you have a family history of this disease, then you may be the next one to be on the receiving end. Don’t think you only have to concern yourself for your mother, sister, cousin, girlfriend, wife or daughter. Male Breast Cancer does exist and is often fatal because no one is looking.

HIS Breast Cancer Awareness, a non-profit organization co-founded by Harvey I Singer and Vicki Singer Wolf, a brother and sister who are both Breast Cancer Survivors was formed to help educate and bring awareness of Male Breast Cancer. Male Breast Cancer is 1% of all breast cancer diagnosis but is often fatal. Over 2200 cases were diagnosed in 2012 with over 400 deaths. Isn’t one too many?

We need you, your voice, your face to help speak out and educate others about Male Breast Cancer. You need to know if you’re a guy, you too can receive this diagnosis or your brother or father! During the month of October, the NFL has done a great job bringing awareness of breast cancer with all “the pink”, however we want to see some blue added. We need to help any man diagnosed with breastcancer to know they are not alone and should not be embarrassed by this disease and we need to help men be aware; this is not just a woman’s disease! Mammograms and mastectomy become part of their vocabulary just like it does for a woman.

So if you’re someone who wants to help men…and you know you can make a difference, then PLEASE, contact us. Together we can make a difference and save lives, just by being that “popular” person that you are.

We’re waiting to hear from you…

HIS Breast Cancer Awareness

Modah Ani- I am Thankful

Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-founder

MALE BREAST CANCER-ARE YOU AWARE?

“Sir- You have BreastCancer”! You don’t hear these words very often and most people don’t even know that men can be diagnosed with breast cancer. Most men don’t even think they have breast- they’re pecks aren’t they!?

Breast tissue and ducts in a male begins to form during puberty with the on set of hormones including estrogen important for bones; another surprise to men, yes, they do have estrogen. It’s not just women who have to deal with this hormone and hot flashes! The growth of breast tissue shortly subsides as testosterone suppresses the tissue growth leaving predominantly small, undeveloped ducts and a small amount of fat and tissue. However if breast tissue continues to develop medical attention may be needed for a diagnosis of Gynecomastia.

So why doesn’t a man at his yearly check up (hopefully you are having one!) while being checked for prostate cancer, or recommended for a colonoscopy, receive a breast exam? Or be taught how to perform a male self-breast examination? The same reason I suppose that many people in the health fields don’t even know that men can be diagnosed with this “woman’s” disease. The sad part is that because no one is looking, often men receive a diagnosis that is too far progressed and is often fatal. Most doctors’ offices take a medical history, so they know if there is a family history of breast cancer. Men need to be informed of their risk factors just like a sister or daughter would be. In 2012 there were over 2200 cases of male breast cancer and over 400 deaths. Most cases of male breast cancer are detected between the ages of 60-70 although the condition can develop in men of any age. The risk of a man developing breast cancer is approximately 1/10 of 1%, or one in 1,000.  The numbers may be small in comparison to women, but this should not make them any less important!  The statistics may actually be skewed as it is likely cancer found elsewhere in men may have begun in the breast however it had already spread to another area before being diagnosed.

Symptoms in men can include an onset of a mass; Skin dimpling or puckering, Nipple retraction, Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin or Nipple discharge. Most men might ignore some of these symptoms not even thinking they could have breast cancer. It’s important to be aware of any changes in your body and consult your physician should you have any concerns. A Mammogram, Breast MRI, Ultrasound or Biopsy would be the next steps to determine if you have Male breast cancer.

My brother, a Male BreastCancer Survivor, received this diagnosis and could not believe how little information there was available for him. Even his oncologist and the medical staff he came in contact with were not sure of the best ways to treat him, so they treated him like a woman. The technologist was shocked when he arrived for his mammogram, a man? !! And most people in the doctor’s offices thought he was there for his wife, instead of his wife being there to support him! Between us we have 5 sons and knew we had to do something to make a change.

HIS Breast Cancer Awareness was founded to help bring education and awareness of Male Breast Cancer. HIS has been an outlet for men to discuss their diagnosis, share their journey and to learn they are not alone with this disease.  Most importantly, we have brought awareness to men, wives, sisters, girlfriends and some of the medical world to watch, perform breast examinations, make choices in their lifestyle knowing their risk, and hopefully save some lives.

Modah Ani- I am Thankful

Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-founder

DO YOU OWN YOUR ILLNESS?

Do you own your illness? Does it define who you are or what you are about? Do you think about the diagnosis you received, battle and hopefully have won as part of your daily life?
I hope there is more to a person than a diagnosis received.  Yes, it is a part of our life, but it is not who or what we are.  Speaking (writing) as a person who received a diagnosis of breast cancer 4 times, I know this is not ‘who’ I am or ‘what’ I am! It was a diagnosis! It was something in my body that I have removed, destroyed and will live my life everyday to the best of my ability to make sure it does not return. Do I think about it? Of course, often! Do I worry about it? I choose not to, what good will it do anyway? Thinking and worrying are two very different things.

We can put much of our energy into worrying but this is only negative energy and is not healthy, and will not change anything for the better. It has been proven that negative energy can have a negative effect on your health by lowering the immune system.  If we look into the future with positive thoughts, live for today and make plans for the future, then we are telling our bodies we will not accept disease- go find somewhere else to live! You are not welcome here!

This is how I choose to live my life. I take my health seriously. I do what is needed to be pro-active by getting checked twice a year (with Mammogram and MRI) along with self checks. I do my best to make healthy choices in the foods that I eat (organic when possible), the supplements  I take (many) to support a healthy environment and healthy cells. I exercise, I meditate as needed, surround myself with like minded-positive thinking people, take time for myself and I plan. I plan for the future because I ‘expect’ to be here, to do things and live my life the best that I can with my friends and of course, my wonderful family.  I find it difficult to be around people who focus on the negative, the “woe is me” person.  We all at some point in our life have or will experience difficult times. No one goes through life unscathed. Some maybe more than others  feel like they have more crap, but maybe that is just what is needed to appreciate the high times in life.  Whatever the reason is, we cannot question.  I believe no matter how much we may not understand when it happens, things do happen for a reason and something good will come from something bad. This is just how life works. One of my favorite books is When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Rabbi Harold S. Kushner.

The past couple of weeks I was surrounded by a great deal of illness of people who I care about. A girlfriend diagnosed with Stage 2-3 Breast Cancer, my brother hospitalized for a week, and a high school girlfriend who passed away. My girlfriend with breast cancer, 37 years ago I watched her battle Ovarian Cancer and today has a beautiful husband and adopted son who will be there along with her friends to support her through this and she has remained strong and steadfast.I am very proud of her!  Our high school girlfriend who has dealt with illness for many years, spent her days, enjoying life with her family, and hopefully it will be those wonderful memories that her daughter will hold on to now.   And my brother, who will rise again and find his strength, because that is what we do. Illness is all around us, there is no escape from it and there is way too much of it. It is a part of our life, but it does not have to define our life.

I believe it is ‘a choice’ one makes to live this way. Others who worry, will my disease return or what will be the next illness, they are not living life. They are living death; waiting for the next bad thing to happen.  I knew people who lived like this, and in the end, what they thought would be their demise, ended up to be something completely different, sometimes not even illness related but an accident.  The hours, days and energy spent worrying, is wasted, useless time and would be better off spent being put to positive use such as planning your next day off or vacation, or out for a fine dinner or shopping day, or spending time with someone you care about, anything that brings pleasure.

So how does one bring them-self to take away those negative thoughts and not become or own their disease, to take charge of their body and mind? There are so many options to list; Support Groups, Personal Therapist, Inspirational Reading or Audio Books, Humor Books, Friends, Family, a Pet, a Hobby, Exercise, Meditation, Travel, etc. Each person must find what works for them, sometimes a combination of the above, with trial and error and keep on trying. It takes great strength to control our minds, but you are strong, you have fought your disease, now you can fight for your life and your happiness.
You choose-your choice! I am not my disease. I am me, a positive, fun loving person with much more to offer to myself, my family, this world.  I am alive and so I am going to live. I invite you to join me.

Modah Ani-I Am Thankful
Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-Founder
In memory of Michelle (Shelli) 

Jamie shares his story on Male Breast Cancer with HIS

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. 

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.

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. 

Bob shares his story with HIS

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 Bob's story as our Guest Blogger.
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

TO:   HIS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS 

For at least a year before I was diagnosed with breast cancer, every time I would put something in my left shirt pocket, e.g., glasses, business cards, etc. my left nipple would hurt.  There wasn’t any discharge nor did I feel any lumps.

There is no history ofbreast cancer in my family.  However, my son died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 46 a few years earlier.

Finally, in December 2008, I went to my doctor who immediately ordered a mammogram.  The experience in the office waiting room described by Harvey was almost exactly as I experienced.  The embarrassment of patients looking at me thinking this old guy is in the wrong doctor’s office.

The next step was a pet scan at which time the doctor said things did not look good.  He then recommended a Surgeon and an Oncologist.  The Surgeon scheduled a biopsy.  The biopsy came back positive for breast cancer.   The surgeon scheduled the surgery for a mastectomy of my left breast.

This all happened in a very short time frame.  My wife and I were just plain numb, then fear started to set in.  I was 76 years old and definitely was not ready to pack it in!

The Surgeon performed a mastectomy on my left breast and also removed 17 lymph nodes of which 9 where malignant.  I had stage 3A cancer.

My Oncologist explained to us that I had done nothing to cause this cancer, as smokers can cause lung cancer, etc.  However, he felt I waited too long after noticing the nipple discomfort before seeing a Doctor.  After this visit he started me on chemo treatment.  The day after my first treatment, I was so weak that I went back to his office.  At which time he ordered some blood work, which showed my white cell count, was very low (so no immunity).  He immediately called for an ambulance to take me to the hospital where I was placed in isolation.  They gave me an injection of Neupogen and ordered an injection for the next 4 days.

I had 8 chemo treatments each followed with 5 days of Neupogen injections.  It completely sapped all of my strength.  My wife set up chairs to the bathroom to help me walk.  Was I scared of course!  However, I was determined to fight this disease, but more importantly fight mentally.  Thinking positively and fighting despair are two very powerful weapons as well as keeping your since of humor.

As Vice President and Dock Master of a 318 unit condominium with 53 dock slips I had significant responsibilities.  I made myself go to the office everyday.  Just walking the 100 or so yards was extremely exhausting and painful. Driving would have been easier, but so would sitting in my easy chair or lying in bed been easier.

I lost all of my hair, eyebrows and mustache.  However, living in a 55 year or older community bald was the norm.  At an owners Board of Directors meeting I announced that I was being treated for male breast cancer, but I was not ready to resign and would do everything in my power to fulfill my duties, which I did.  This was educational to most because they believed men do not get breast cancer; just like men don’t cry.

After the chemo treatments I had 33 radiation treatments.  The Oncologist put me on the drug Tamoxifen (a female hormone), which I need to take daily for at least 5 years because the doctors know so little about male breast cancer.

I have a daughter and two granddaughters so felt it very important to have the BRCA analysis test to make sure I had not passed on any bad genes to them.  Thankfully it was negative, but we did send the results to her doctor as a precaution.

My greatest weapon was the love and support of my wife, Deanna, friends and family.  I am a lousy patient as well as short tempered, you guessed it she was an easy target and deserves Sainthood.

I have a pet scan every year and have been cancer free for 4 years and pray that I stay that way.

Thank you for allowing me to tell my story.  If you can use all or part to help educate others I would feel I contributed something to this very worthwhile project.

Thank you,

Robert (Bob) Rae