September 15th 2024.
My first mammogram experience was definitely an interesting one. I went to the hospital with my mum, Glenda, and as we walked in, I couldn't help but notice the curious looks from the people around us. It almost felt like they were thinking, "What is a man doing here?" One of the nurses even had a puzzled expression on her face, as if she was silently questioning my presence there.
To make matters more awkward, in one of the letters I received from the hospital, I was referred to as "her". It wasn't the first time something like this had happened - whenever I mentioned my cancer to people, some of them would express disbelief. It was clear to me that not only is breast cancer uncommon in men, but many people are also not aware of it. And so, I took it upon myself to share my story with those who were curious, hoping to spread awareness.
It all started in November 2022, while I was working on a building site. I remember squeezing past a pack of blocks and suddenly feeling a sharp pain. I instinctively touched my chest, wondering if I had bruised myself. But the pain persisted, and about a week later, I noticed a lump in the same spot.
At first, I thought I would just wait and see if it went away on its own, but as time went on, the lump only seemed to be getting bigger. The possibility of breast cancer crossed my mind, especially since my aunt had it and my grandmother's sister had passed away from it in the 1980s. I wasn't sure if men could get it too, but a quick internet search confirmed that they can.
I went to my local health center to get it checked out, but the doctor dismissed my concerns and told me to come back in two weeks. I did as he said, but the lump was still there. On my next visit, the doctor finally admitted that breast cancer was a possibility and referred me for a mammogram.
On December 19, a further ultrasound and needle biopsy confirmed my worst fears - I had breast cancer. It all felt like a nightmare. At 52 years old and in relatively good health, I couldn't believe this was happening to me. But the worst was yet to come - a second biopsy revealed that the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes under my right arm. My scheduled mastectomy in January was canceled as I now needed chemotherapy first.
The oncologist I met with was kind and understanding, but I'll never forget the moment she told me that if my cancer had spread further and was in stage four, it would only be manageable. The thought of that was heavy and it brought my mother to tears. The biopsy itself was unpleasant, and knowing I would need chemo was anxiety-inducing. I couldn't help but wonder, "How the hell did I have breast cancer?"
In February, a CT scan revealed a dark shadow on my lung, so I underwent another biopsy and anxiously waited for the results for 10 days. To my relief, the results came back negative. My oncologist attributed the shadow to my years of smoking and advised me to quit if I didn't want to see her again. Wise words that I immediately took to heart.
I was prescribed six rounds of chemo, three weeks apart, starting in March 2023. This meant I would be out of work for a longer period than I had anticipated. As a self-employed individual, this meant no income, and I started to worry about how I would keep up with my rent.
My parents kindly offered for me to stay with them until my treatment was over, but it was hard to give up my home of 14 years. They are both in their seventies and set in their ways, but their large house meant I had my own space. My son, Freddie, who was 23 at the time, jokingly referred to it as the "cancer hostel" and even stayed with us for a bit.
My first round of chemo was brutal. I was bedridden for a week and my appearance was pale and sickly. I lost a lot of weight and looked like I was on death's doorstep. The second round was slightly better, and by the third, I couldn't help but ask the nurse if she had changed my medication. She kindly explained that my body was getting used to the drugs and the smaller doses were not as traumatic.
In June, my chemo finally came to an end, and my mastectomy was rescheduled for August. The surgery went well, but a few weeks later, the scar became infected and burst. I had to go in for a few sessions to have the fluid drained from my chest. It was definitely not a pleasant experience, but it was a small price to pay for the chance to beat cancer.
Reflecting on my journey, I feel grateful for the support of my family and the medical professionals who helped me along the way. Breast cancer is not just a woman's disease, and it's important for everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms. Breast Cancer Now recommends the "TLC" approach - Touch, Look, Check - to regularly check for any changes in your chest. It's better to be safe than sorry.
My first mammogram experience was quite strange. Upon arrival at the hospital, I couldn't help but notice the curious looks from the people around me. It almost felt like they were wondering why I was there. One of the nurses even seemed to question my presence with her facial expression, as if saying, "Are you sure you're in the right place?"
To add to the discomfort, one of my letters from the hospital referred to me as 'her'. This wasn't the first time someone had doubted my cancer diagnosis. People have often expressed disbelief when I've mentioned my battle with breast cancer. It's disheartening to realize that not only is breast cancer uncommon in men, but also that there is a lack of awareness about it. However, I always take the opportunity to share my story and educate others about this often overlooked issue.
It all started back in November of 2022 when I was working on a building site. I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my chest while squeezing past a pack of blocks. At first, I thought I had just bruised myself, but the pain persisted for about a week. Upon further inspection, I noticed a lump. The thought of breast cancer did cross my mind, as I had a family history of it. However, I wasn't sure if men could even get breast cancer. A quick internet search confirmed that they can.
Despite my concerns, the doctor at my local health centre dismissed me and advised me to keep an eye on the lump and come back in two weeks. I followed his advice, but the lump only grew bigger. Finally, at my next appointment, he acknowledged the possibility of breast cancer and referred me for a mammogram. On December 19th, a further ultrasound and needle biopsy confirmed my diagnosis. It was like a nightmare - I was only 52 and had always been in good health. How could I have breast cancer?
But the worst was yet to come. A second biopsy revealed that the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes under my right arm. My scheduled mastectomy was cancelled, and I was told I would need chemotherapy first. The oncologist was understanding, but her words about my cancer possibly being stage four and only being manageable were heavy to hear. My mother couldn't hold back her tears. The thought of chemo was daunting, and now I was even more worried.
A CT scan in February revealed a dark shadow on my lung, causing even more anxiety. But after a further biopsy, the results came back negative. My oncologist attributed the shadow to my history of smoking and advised me to quit if I didn't want to see her again. I took her wise words to heart and immediately quit.
I began my first round of chemo in March of 2023, with treatments three weeks apart. This meant I would be off work for much longer than I had anticipated, which was a financial strain as a self-employed individual. My parents kindly offered for me to stay with them until my treatment was over, but it was hard to give up my home of 14 years.
Living with my parents, who were stuck in their ways, was an adjustment. My 23-year-old son even referred to it as the "cancer hostel" and stayed with us for a while. The chemo treatments were rough, with the first one leaving me feeling weak and barely able to eat. But as I went through more rounds, I started to get used to the drugs and the side effects were not as traumatic.
After completing chemo in June, my mastectomy was rescheduled for August. The operation went smoothly, but a few weeks later, the scar became infected and burst, requiring me to have my chest drained of fluid. This was the worst part of my cancer journey, even more so than being told I had cancer.
In light of my experience, I want to encourage others to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Now suggests the "TLC" approach: Touch your breasts or pecs to feel for anything new or unusual, Look for changes in size or shape, and Check for any symptoms such as lumps, swelling, rashes, or crusting around the nipple. Early detection can save lives, so it's important to stay informed and regularly check for any changes in your body.
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