The late- Mr. John W. Nick died from breast cancer June 11,  1991, at the age of 58.                            
Copyright ©​ 1998- 2014 John W. Nick Foundation Inc. All Rights Reserved 
Kandyce Saez  
 Oct 17, 2009 at 09:07 AMAre you a survivor of breast cancer? no, we are fighting his cancer since October 2007Has our site helped you? If so, how? yes and no yes cause i know my dad is not alone but no cause alot of people have died and it makes me really upsetComments:…     My father yes my father was diagnosised with stage 4 inflamatory breast cancer, he had had it 2 years prior to that though. It all started as what looked like a pimple on his chest above his breast, it shortly went away and then returned. his breast started to get harder and bigger and his nipple slowly inverted its self so he no longer had a normal nipple. Then shortly after that his chest started to produce heat and then after that pain thats when he decided to go to see a doctor. He went to the ER at the Boca Community Hospital in Boca Raton Fl and the doctor on call pretty much told him that he is 99% positive that it is cancer but there is nothing that they can do for him because he did not have health insurance. Of course that made my mother furious, the next day they went to the ER at North Broward Medical Center in Pompano Beach Fl. and there they told him that yes it looks like cancer and they sent him for a biospy and from there on he started getting care from the cancer center at the hospital. He started Chemo treatments soon there after and when he got his 1st chemo treatment he had an allergic reaction to the drug taxotere and blew up like a balloon, from this reaction he ended up paralized in the hospital for 14 days, while in the hospital he contracted MRSA in November 2007 (so now we deal with that everyday just our luck huh?). 

His cancer went into remission in June 2008 but then he started developing new growth in August or September 2008. So now we have been fighting that growth, then soon after he developed a diabetic alcer on the bottom of his foot and we have been dealing with those since December 08. I can say on that note he can not put a shoe on his foot as of May 2009. He was recieving treatment up until April of this year because we then moved an hour north of where he haspreviously gotten his treatment. As of today he has had 4 or 5 doses and is currently in the hospital with celliuti. He had just gotten out of the hospital at the beginning of October and is there again now. So please everyone do your monthly checks it is important


__________________Bill James    Oct 15, 2009 at 04:28 PMAre you a survivor of breast cancer? yesComments:October 16, 2009 Bill JamesSurvivorPart time male model (retired)I had just come out of the shower when my ever inquisitive wife asked about the “bump” on my chest.  I told her “oh that thing”, I believed it was the results of a wrestling session I had with our 15 year old son.  We were always playing around when he was younger but now he was maturing and gaining too much strength and wearing me out. I told her it was nothing but my wife suggested that I get it looked at by my primary physician.  I said not to worry it will probably go away in time.  A few weeks later the lump was slightly bigger and my right nipple had inverted.I paid a visit to Dr. Jennings and he referred me to Dr. Torres- Solich for a biopsy.  The results of the biopsy showed some “irregular cells” and he scheduled a lumpectomy to confirm that there was cancer present.  This was devastating to me.  To think, that an ex-athlete/football player full of testosterone could possibly have a “woman’s disease.”  Parish the thought it must be a mistake.  

Well, the lumpectomy was scheduled in October 2003.  The results were not encouraging.  It seems the lump was cancerous and the cancer may have spread outside the exterior wall of the lump putting me in stage two cancer.  During the prep work prior to the operation a concern was expressed regarding my EKG and I would be required to visit a cardiologist before anything else could be done.The cardiologist ran me through a series of tests on and off the treadmill.  At the end he said that they could not determine if there was a problem and that the only way to know for sure was an angiogram.  Thus, I was sent to another office for this final procedure.  It turns out that the process involves inserting a tiny camera in my aorta located in my groin area.  Everything starts with a localized anesthetic prior to the insertion of the camera and connecting wire. 

I guess the localization was out of my zip-code because the next thing I know I am screaming in agony and my fingernails had left marks in the ceiling.  After only a few minutes the Doctor leaned over me to say he could find nothing wrong.November 11, 2003 was my “mastectomy day”.  A date that also happens to be Veteran’s Day and the same date I returned from overseas in the military in 1964.  Dr Torres-Solich had thoroughly explained the procedure to me outlining that my nipple would go away and I would become a one nipple man from here on out.  I toyed with the idea of a tattoo but thought that too vain.  The good doctor suggested an implant and reconstruction surgery but that did not appeal because it was like taking a 1954 Ford and trying to making it look like a 2009 Bentley.  The good Dr removed the affected area along with 23 lymph nodes.  Only one was cancerous and it was very small. The surgery was successful but I knew it would be because Dr Torres-Solich is of Puerto Rican descent. Who could be more skilled with a scalpel than a young man that has played with knives his entire life?  His skill saved my life.Following surgery and the embarrassment of telling family and friends that I had a “woman’s” disease it was time to meet my assigned oncologist Dr. Sara Garido.   Dr Sara is a petit lady with a thoroughness that NASA could use. 

 After checking me out and putting me on the obligatory 5 year Tamoxifen plan.  I was put through test after test.  I then realized how fortunate I was to be assigned to such a perfectionist from Columbia.  Who is more capable or knowledgeable about dispensing the right drugs than a Columbian. I upset the apple cart a bit by stopping my chemotherapy after 12 weeks instead of the 16 weeks scheduled.  My wife and Dr. Sara were both very upset with me but I was ready to pursue my work life and put this cancer issue behind me.Six years later I am doing fine except for a touch of prostate cancer that was cured by Dr. Maria Rodriquez from Brazil, haven’t figured that connection out yet.

​The 3 months of chemo for breast cancer and 43 weeks of radiation for prostate cancer have rewarded me with a recent diagnosis of leukemia.   Just another little bump in the road. Actually, I feel very good and would continue that trend if the Drs would stop giving me cancer findingsMen do get breast cancer and early detection is the best medicine..



Mike McCready   
 Oct 15, 2009 at 03:40 PMAre you a survivor of breast cancer? YesHas our site helped you? If so, how? YesComments:I had already had cancer in the lymph nodes in my neck, had it removed and underwent 28 radiation treatments.  When I felt a lump behind my left nipple, my wife immediately said I should get to the doctor and have it checked.  My doctor immediately referred me to a surgeon who upon examining me said we needed to get it out.  He told me a needle biopsy wasn't always an accurate way to diagnose cancer.I ended up going in for surgery and having a total mastectomy of my left breast and the removal of 13 lymph nodes; all of which checked out negative for cancer meaning that it hadn't metastasized to somewhere else.  I luckily didn't have to have chemotherapy nor radiation treatments.  I am in my third year of taking a daily dose of tamoxafin and seeing my Oncologist every 6 months.  I have to take the pills for two more years, but at this time am cancer free.I didn't know there was a site for men with breast cancer and just went onto one about breast cancer and joined in with the discussions; (I was told in no uncertain words to get off and go somewhere else)  I currently have a pink ribbon on the tailgate of my truck and when I find where I can get a pink and blue ribbon, I'll replace it.  Doctors need to be informed that there is an internet site for men with breast cancer where they can encourage their patients to visit.


__________________Frank Holley    
 EmailOct 15, 2009 at 02:32 PMAre you a survivor of breast cancer? YesHas our site helped you? If so, how? I haven't looked at the sight much yet. but willComments:I was diagnosed last may with breast cancer. I had surgery in June to remove my right breast and had 14 lymph nodes removed. 10 turned out to be positive. My scans showed no sign of cancer anywhere else. I am currently undergoing chemo treatments now with two left.Then I have 30 radiation treatments.I am 59 yrs. young.Although cancer runs in my family I never thought I would end up with breast cancer. I thought that I had an infected hair on my right breast.Boy was I wrong. I am trying my damnedest to have a positive attitude about this but at times it is real hard.I have been going to a support group the last few months. It has been really helpfull. Oh by the way I'm the only male in it.I am currently having trouble with infedema in my right arm. Wondering if I will make it back to work

__________________Christa Friedman  
  Oct 14, 2009 at 11:20 AMComments:My husband Ted was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2000.  We were shocked even though his mother and sister died of breast cancer, the doctor was also surprised.  He had never seen a case of male breast cancer.Ted underwent a radical mastectomy in January 2001 on his right breast.  After the surgery healed in March he went through six months of chemo and 30 radiation treatments.  His hair grew back and we were happy that the next cat scan showed nothing.In 2004 another lump appeared under his left arm.  The lump was removed and turned out to be cancerous.  The decision was made for more chemo instead of surgery.  Things went well until December 2007 when the cancer spread to the bones.  He lost his appetite completely and had extreme pain in his back and two broken ribs.  He was in the hospital for six weeks and we thought this was the end.  But we were expecting our first grandchild and my son made Ted promise to hang in there until she was born.He made it out of the hospital after rehab and had a fairly good summer.  Our granddaughter was born in June 2008.  He was so happy and held her as much as he could.In October he was back in the hospital this time he was slipping fast and died the day before he was to go into hospice.  we were all ther and he slipped away quietly.  Ted was in the Korean war and knew what hardships were; he fought this disease with the same spirit, never complaining, never saying why me?Both my sons are aware that this is an inherited tendency and check themselves and will be even more vigilant after age 50.The treatment for male breast cancer is the same as for women but the doctors don't know if this is the right treatment because there are no studies on male breat cancer.  All men should be aware of the possibility and be more vigilant and demand more research focused on the male patient.


__________________Kim Boger   
 Sept 25, 2009 at 04:48 PMAre you a survivor of breast cancer? YesHas our site helped you? If so, how? Knowing I'm not alone with Male Breast CancerComments:I'm a 53 year old male diagnosed with breast cancer in Feb of 2009.I had my right breast removed along with 15 lymph nodes.I was treated with 4 sessions of adriamycin and cytoxin followed by 12 treatments of taxol.I have been done with chemo for 2 months,everyday feeling better and trying to get back to my old self.I recently had the BRAC1 and BRAC2 genetics test which came back negative,so pretty much tells me I got the cancer from something else.Thats alot,Kim Boger,Survivor__________________


Renee Milburn  
  Sept 14, 2009 at 10:27 AMAre you a survivor of breast cancer? NO, My dad died of Breast CancerHas our site helped you? If so, how? yes, it is good to know the awareness is out there.Comments:My Dad was diagnosed back in 2001 with Breast cancer.  It had not moved into the lympnodes and he was told he would have a good prognosis.  In 2008 the cancer was back and moved to his bones.  He fought this long and hard.  In May of this year the cancer had spread to his liver and lungs.  He passed away 9/7/09.  It is so important to get the awareness out there.  In my Dad's family there are 7 of them that have had breast cancer.  3 on my Grandpa's side, 1 dead and 2 alive (all women) 3 on my Grandma's side 1 dead and 2 alive.  Then there is my dad the only male in the family to have it thus far and he has passed away.  We are trying to track how herditary it is for us.


__________________Dorothy   
Sept 03, 2009 at 02:57 PMAre you a survivor of breast cancer? yesHas our site helped you? If so, how? I work with breast cancer patients every day, and I do have male patients and so I am thrilled to find a site that is specifically for them, not an afterthought at the end of a web site.Comments:This is a wonderful website and resource for me and my male breast cancer patients. By the way have you ever launched a campaign to have doctors check men for lumps when they have their physcials? Most of the men I've asked told me that's never done.William Lepper    Sept 01, 2009 at 02:57 PMAre you a survivor of breast cancer? YesHas our site helped you? If so, how? Just started lookingComments:I was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma in October of 2008. On December 17th of 2008, I had a masectomy on my right breast with 22 lymph nodes removed. I was very fortunate that the tumor was small and the metastesis on one sentinal node was also small. All other nodes were clear.My dilema now is whether to take Tamoxifin which my oncologist recommends. I am looking for others who have taken it and to hear what side effects they have encountered.


____R.I. P.________Edward J. Wilson   
 Aug 26, 2009 at 01:05 PMAre you a survivor of breast cancer? YesHas our site helped you? If so, how? Yes
Comments:As a male breast cancer survivor and board member of the John W. Nick Foundation, I get frustrated when I am prescribed a new drug by my Oncologist without the benefit of knowing if other men are taking it, and what kind of responses they are having.  I have always advocated for a central data base that would allow men to get first hand knowledge from others who are taking various drugs, or have had any state of the art treatments.  If there are any men currently taking Femara (Letrozole), please contact the Nick Foundation.Sincerely,Edward J. 
Wilson   

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Amy Clements 
   April 09, 2009 at 04:40 PMAre you a survivor of breast cancer? NoHas our site helped you? If so, how? Yes. I've read the stories of survivors of Male Breast Cancer and has really made me more aware.Comments:I participate in Relay for Life every year for the last 4 yrs.  Last year I was on a new Relay team and met a survivor of male breast cancer.  That was the first I had ever heard of a man being diagnosed with breast cancer.  This year for Relay my team has decided to make our Mission delivery for our campsite about Male Breast Cancer.  I'm thankful to have come across this site and to have read your stories.  To all Thank you for sharing.Also, just wanted to put it out that the American Cancer Society can help you will getting to your chemo/radiation treatments, and even help you with cost.  Give them a call 1 800 227 2345.


__________________Myron Kurtzman  
  March 28, 2009 at 09:24 PMAre you a survivor of breast cancer? yesHas our site helped you? If so, how? not yetComments:I went to an annual with a certain Dr.  I complained about having twitches in my left breast area.  He said  not worry it is just muscle spasms.  I did not have a lump. Four months later I went to my internist for an annual exam.  I told her that I had these twitches and she immediately ordered an mammogram.  I turned out to have stage 2-3 breast cancer.  I had a mastectomy with 23 lymph nodes removed.  I underwent 3 months of taxol, 3 months of FAC (red devil) and 30 days of radiation.  I am now a three year survivor taking tomoxifin every day.I wish that I could get on the radio or TV or speaking tour to spread the word about male breast cancer.


__________________GENE   
 March 13, 2009 at 03:54 AMAre you a survivor of breast cancer? yesHas our site helped you? If so, how? yes . it gave me the wiil to keeptringComments:my breast cancer is gone . know i have lung cancer from the breast cancer. my dr's wont let  me go back to work and my bills just keep coming in . god please help


__________________George Castle  
​  March 04, 2009 at 01:33 PMAre you a survivor of breast cancer? yesHas our site helped you? If so, how? yes, always read or talking to othe Breast cancer survivors helpsComments:On Jan. 3rd, 2007 I was told I had prostate cancer, I decided to have my prostate removed, a few weeks before the surgery I noticed a small lump on my right breast, it continued to grow, I went to my regular doctor and he thought we should have a biopsy and mammogram done be for the prostate surgery, that was done and the biopsy came back negative, I had surgery and 2 weeks late the lump was back, I went back to the surgeon that did the biopsy and he drained it again and said if it grew back we should remove it, 3 weeks later it was back so we set up a date to remove that watery cyst. It was 2 months to the day from my prostate surgery and 4 hours of surgery, a radical mastectomy, 9 lymph nodes removed, 7 of which were cancerous, chemo, radiation, hormone therapy, but I am still going.MEN check your self, just as women do.


__________________George E Castle  
  Feb 01, 2009 at 02:53 PMAre you a survivor of breast cancer? yesHas our site helped you? If so, how? just found this site with the help of a TV stationComments:I was told on Jan 3 2007 that I had Prostate cancer and decided to have it removed, about 3 week before that surgery I found a lump by my right nipple, I went to the doctor and had a biopsy the next day, the biopsy came back negative, they said just a watery cyst. had my prostate remove on Feb. 12 2007, 2 weeks later I went back to the surgeon that did the biopsy because the lump had grown back, He drained the lump and said if it grew back they would remove it. Three weeks later it was back, so it was set up to be removed on April 12, 2007. Thinking that it was just an outpatient surgery, just my wife and I went to the hospital, about 4 hours after going into surgery I awoke in recovery to find out they had removed my right breast and 9 lymph nodes 7 of which were cancerous. Now almost 2 years later and have been through chemo and radiation i still do not feel as good as I did before all this. If ti had not been for all the help and prayers of my family and church family i don't think I would be here today.


__________________Robert F. Thomas   
  Jan 11, 2009 at 01:51 PMAre you a survivor of breast cancer? YesHas our site helped you? If so, how? Unknown-Why haven't I heard of this site?Comments:      I was diagnosed with Stage III  A Breast Cancer in August of 2007,but I have had a lump in my left chest since I was a teenager. It started out as a ring around the nipple. Later, I noticed a small lump about the size of a pea to the right of my left nipple. At the time I thought it was a "knot" in the muscle or that I had "bumped" it in rough play. As I grew over the years, so did "the lump". From a small marble size in my Twenties,to a grape size in my Thirties, to a ping-pong ball size in my Fourties and to the golf ball size in my early Fifties. There is a benign breast condition in young teens called,"Gynecomastia". Could this condition have caused my cancer? I don't know and Researchers probably don't know either. Obesity may also be a cause due to elevated estrogens in men.             My tumor was 5cm,estrogen positive and 6 of 23 lymph nodes were positive. I had a left breast Radical Mascetomy in September of 2007. Chemo in November of 2007 Thur January of 2008(Taxotere and Cytoxin for 4 sessions 3 weeks apart due to a heart condition)and 7 weeks of Radiation in February of 2008. I started taking Tamoxifen in April of 2008 to inhibit my estrogen levels for the next 5 years. For Stage III A :T-3,N-2,M-0 5-year survival rate is 60%. Whoa, for a minute there I thought I was a goner! LOL! I just turned 56 in Oct. 2008. I have been overweight(by more than 100lbs) half my life. There is no history of Breast cancer in my family,as I know of yet. My grandparents on my Father's side died from cancer, but before 1950 Doctors didn't "categorize" cancers.


__________________Beth Ashby Mitchell    
​Jan 06, 2009 at 09:49 PMAre you a survivor of breast cancer? YesComments:My father, the Rev. Hugh Ashby, died of breast cancer on July 7, 2007. He was 85 years old.He had three mammograms before anyone decided to do a biopsy. It was too late.Male breast cancer should not be ignored.





Guestbook 2009 


​​Tom Ramsey    

Oct 27, 2009 at 12:29 AMAre you a survivor of breast cancer? Yes, 9+ yearsHas our site helped you? If so, how? Yes. Let me know I was not the only guy who had a rare disease and could survive.Comments:I was diagnosed with MBC in Mar, 2000.  I had a modified radical mastectomy, received 4 AC chemo treatments, and was not offered radiation.  In Sept, 2000 I began taking Arimidex (anostrozole) an aromatase inhibitor, and am still taking it.  I am now 62, in generally good health, and cancer free.I am overweight, but that began long before the Arimidex, although I believe Arimidex does not make it easier to lose weight.  I have some Arthritis, but stay quite active, both at work and my hobbies, and occasionally need ibuprofen, or acetaminophen for short periods, but that also began before the drug.  Like most people I have had various other listed conditions, but nothing that I could trace to the Arimidex.  I have had no reason to stop the Arimidex in the belief that that might eliminate one or another condition.Like E.J. Wilson, I am still concerned that there is so little data specifically about aromatase inhibitors and men.   My oncologist's constant answer is that there are no, or few, studies, not sufficient for general application. I have met several men over the years who have, or are taking Arimidex (I believe there are 4 at the oncology practice I go to) and have had similar experiences to mine.  While the medical community has little use for anecdotal data, I believe that anecdotal data, properly labeled as such, is better than no data at all.Thanks again, Nancy, for keeping this site running!


__________________John B. Wightman 

Oct 18, 2009 at 11:10 AMAre you a survivor of breast cancer? YesHas our site helped you? If so, how? Yes, it has inspired me to support all breast cancer patients and survivors.Comments:My name is John Wightman.  I was 53 years old, a corporate trainer for a National Call Center, at the time I discovered I had Breast Cancer in October of 2005.  I am 57 now, and a 4 year survivor.I was just getting ready to start my new position.  The day before, a Sunday, I was working at my computer.  I turned to get something…my right arm stretched across my chest…I felt something.  I felt a hard lump just to the outside of my right nipple.  I became scared and flushed at the same time.  I kept feeling it, hoping that I was just dreaming.  I began checking the internet for signs and symptoms of breast cancer.  My findings somewhat relieved me.  Other than the lump, I did not have any of the signs pointing to breast cancer.I then remember a morning that I got up from a deep sleep.  Not quite awake, I remember stumbling and hitting my chest against a bookshelf.  Now I have a reason to believe that it might just be some internal bruising and would probably go away soon.  There was no black and blue marks, just a slight redness above the lump.


Since I had just quit one job to go to another, I needed to make a decision about COBRA.  I’ll have to admit that it was about a 50/50 decision.  I did have a little bit of time to decide.At this time, I was also in severe denial.  I did not want to tell my kids, my friends, and especially my mom who had already experienced the loss of several close friends to cancer.I wanted information and answers, but yet I didn’t want to go too deep.  I did not want to have a “pity party”.  I wanted to take it as it comes.  If the end is near, I don’t want to know.On my 2nd day of work, October 11th, I went to my Doctor to investigate the lump in my chest.  My doctor (a woman) said that it’s not impossible for men to get breast cancer.  On October 21st, I had a mammogram and sonogram.


 I remember the room being kind of dark, and a large slanted, but nearly vertical, clear table.  It was at this point that I experienced what most women say they dread the most…a mammogram.  My breast was clamped down like it was put into a vise.  In the back of my mind I could hear women cheering. (Payback: A man was getting to go through the same pain).I like to make light of situations through humor.  But as the tests proceeded, no one was laughing…it was a very sobering experience.  After reading the results, the doctor said that if I was a woman, he would say I had breast cancer.  Regardless, he felt the lump should come out.  On November 1st, Dr. Kramer removed a lump the size of a golf ball from my right breast. As I was coming out of the anestisia, I heard the nurse and pathologist say that they would be seeing me again.After the surgery, the tests confirmed that I had breast cancer. There was a battery of tests run over the next few days to see if it was spreading to any other parts of my body. A mastectomy was already scheduled for November 15th.


I talked with my youngest daughter, and said that if it has spread, I don't think that I want to be carved on again.The morning of the 15th, the results of the tests were back, the cancer had not spread. A mastectomy was done and 22 lymph nodes removed. No cancer was detected in any of the lymph nodes--more good news.On December 15th, I had another surgery to put in a port-a-cath for chemotherapy on the 16th. As of February 16th, 2006, I have completed chemotherapy.On March 17th, St Patrick's Day, the port-a-cath was removed.  


On April 20th, I had my first follow-up since chemotherapy and the doctor was very pleased.I look a little different now. My hair was falling out and thinning, so I shaved my head on the 29th of December. Without any solicitation, I have gotten a lot of compliments on my bald head.  Now, I’m keeping my head shaved as a reminder and a tribute to my cancer survival. On August 13th 2006, I walked in the Susan G. Komen, “Race for the Cure” at Union Station in Kansas City, MO.  My best friend told me that with my feet and bad ankles, I don’t have any business participating.  


Still, God had laid it upon my heart to participate.  I asked my children to join me in this walk.  I visualized us walking hand-in-hand, crossing the finish line in victory.  To my dismay, I could not persuade any of my family or friends to walk with me.  The day of the race, I still had my doubts.  What if I can’t make it?  What if I get too tired? What if…what if…?  Even through the early morning hours of that Sunday, the crowds of runners and participants were gathering several blocks away.


I did manage to park in Union Station.I was immediately touched…and blessed by the team shirts I saw.  “I’m walking for Denise 2006, 2005, 2004, etc.  I’m walking in celebration of… I’m walking in remembrance of…I went to pick up my shirt and BIB number for the walk.  After getting outside, I heard the announcer say that “...anyone with a “pink” shirt was a breast cancer survivor…give ’em a hug!”  Realizing I only got a white shirt, I went back…luckily the waiting lines were gone, and I got my pink shirt.There were over 18,000 people there that day.  Still, I felt alone…but not in spirit.  I wished my kids were with me.  As the race started, I felt an overwhelming amount of emotion.  This was powerful…this was awesome…this is about people caring for each other.Well, I was satisfied just to finish the race.  With God’s help, I finished the race!  As I was reaching the finish line, I was presented a “Pink Rose” which was only handed out to survivors.  It was also at that time, my picture was taken…another blessing on participating in this great event.At the Survivor’s Pavilion, we crossed a pink carpet flanked with cheerleaders waving pink pom-poms.  At this time, I was just getting ready to take my place in the midst of thousands of women in a Survivors Parade.  


To my surprise and honor, I was asked, by several of the survivor women, to walk up front with the banner, leading the parade.I have gone from denial to wearing the pink with pride.  My kids have all decided that they will march with me next year.  In 2006, 1,750 men will get breast cancer…450 will die!  I am one of a small percentage of male breast cancer survivors.  If my experience saves only 1 life, it will have been well worth it.A few years later, I was persuaded to have genetic testing done to see if I was carrying the “cancer” gene.  Since I have a son and 2 daughters and a grandson and 2 grand-daughters, I did not want to leave a legacy for my descendents, that I was responsible for their possible future of cancer.  Cancer has never been on either side of my family.  It was a tough decision, but I was relieved when I got the results…no cancer gene present.This however does NOT excuse them from having regular tests.  Remember, I had no history of cancer at all.  


Please take heed to my warning and get checked by your doctor if you have any concerns about your health.A positive attitude is your best defense.  You have cancer…it doesn’t have you.  Take control…I shaved my head before chemo did it for me.I have been blessed with a great boss and company that are very supportive to me.   My friends and family have been great through it all.Finally, I MUST give a special thanks to an angel, my best friend and cheerleader…Denise!



Rick Carr  

 Aug 13, 2009 at 12:43 AMAre you a survivor of breast cancer? Yes Has our site helped you?  Yes If so, how? By being able to know someone who has gone through this Comments:In the wee hours of the morning of Monday February 12, 2007 the Good Lord woke me up with a pain in my right breast.  When I felt of it, it was sore and there was a lump.The next morning I told my wife to "reach over here and feel this hard thing".  You guys know how that went over.  After a few more attempts, I got her to feel of it.  She decided I should go to the doctor.  I got around to calling the doctor late Tuesday.  The nurse squeezed me in that day.  After the doctor and I quit kidding about it and he felt the lump, he called to see if I could get an mammogram that day.  It was too late.  So for Valentine's Day my wife got a ring and I got a mammogram and an ultrasound.  The Radiologist came in within ten minutes of the ultrasound completion and said I needed to see a surgeon to get it removed.  Lesson 1: While waiting a long time for a response from a doctor is no fun, immediate responses aren't always fun either.We visited the surgeon on the 19th and scheduled the procedure for the 23th.  Did I mention my surgeon had never had a male breast cancer case?  He scheduled a lumpectomy.  


Much to the dismay of all concerned (including the surgeon), it was a 1.3cm pT1 malignant tumor.  He did the mastectomy on March 2nd.Started first chemo on March 30th.  Did four Adriamycin and Cytoxan cocktails followed by four doses of Taxol joy juice.  Muga scans went from 57% to 75% during treatments.  Did I tell you I'm weird?  Did last Chemo July 6th.Just as a side note, my daughter gave me a great Father's Day gift.  I received two paste on nipples.  A plain one for every day and one with a stud in it for weekends.  The weird sense of humor kinda runs in the family.As much of a roller coaster ride as chemo was, my 33 nuke (radiation) sessions were straight down hill.  They started on July 18th.I started Tamoxifen on September 1st and stopped on the 7th.  Seems is screws up 1% of the people eyes.


 Did I mention the being weird thing?  Then I started Arimidex.  That stuff is terrible.  There is zero research on men.  I elected to take my chances without it.Late in November we did a full body Cat scan.  No cancer but I felt awful when he started telling me all the things I had wrong!  Crap, I thought a 55 year old man was supposed to have some aches and pains.With the help of the Good Lord, lots of prayers from many many folks, we made it through.  The only major problem I got out of this is a aggravating case of depression.


  __________________Sharon  

 July 15, 2009 at 12:26 PM Are you a survivor of breast cancer? No, my husband isHas our site helped you? If so, how? I do like reading the entries from other men with breast cancer.Comments: My husband, age 49, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. He did chemo treatments prior to his mastectomy in July. 2008. The surgery was followed by weeks of radiation treatments. He has gone to his oncologist in January and June for checkups and so far, he is cancer free. Not a day goes by that I don't worry that it will return.I lost my father to lung cancer in 1990 at age 53 and my grandfather in 2000 at age 87 to lung cancer.My son, age 18, had a lump in his left breast a month or so ago. We immediately went for a sonogram and mammogram and it was just something to do with puberty and the lymph nodes. THANK GOD, it was not cancer. I have had more cancer in my life already, to last a lifetime.The word needs to be spread, MEN GET BREAST CANCER TOO!!!!


Laura

at 12:44 PM Are you a survivor of breast cancer? No   Has our site helped you? If so, how? Yes! I am the Breast Patient Navigator and I work with everyone who has breast cancer and that includes men. This is information that families need to know!Comments:Thank you so much for this website.  I will be certain that I have your information available to my patients.  It is very important that women know their fathers can pass the breast cancer gene to them.  At one point, we only looked at the mother's family and now we realize that the father's family is important, too.  I have done presentations for groups that are men and they are astounded that men can have this disease.  Mr. Nick did not die invain for all the lives you have saved.Thank you!Laura Umbrell, LPN, CBPN-CMammacare SpecialistBreast Health Patient NavigatorRhonda Brake Shreiner Women's CenterChambersburg, PA


__________________Louise Yates  


 June 20, 2009 at 07:45 PM re you a survivor of breast cancer? noComments:Hi my name is Louise and I was a caregiver for my husband Ronnie who lost his battle to breast cancer on July 25 2008 after 8 long years. I feel more needs to be done to stress the awareness in males and that is why I have started ronniesdream77@yahoo.com to help promote awareness because his dream was to get the word out so maybe someone else would have a better chance than he did. Ronnie was a strong man and he fought a hare battle but he finally decided to let Jesus win instead of cancer. I would love to hear from everyone as I need the support to continue on with his dream. It has been a very long 11 months and I am only 56 years old and feel my life is over. We were blessed with each other for 34 years. God Bless. Louise


__________________Mike Alexander  

 June 19, 2009 at 10:38 AMAre you a survivor of breast cancer? yesHas our site helped you? If so, how? just found it!Comments:Discovered a lump in my left breast while toweling off after a shower.  It was slightly sore to the touch and I began tracking it.  When I decided it needed to be addressed more directly, I discussed it with my family, and both of my daughters are in radiology, so of course they recommended I see a doctor at the soonest.  The doctor I had at the time kind of pooh-poohed it, and said that if it continued to bother me, to get a mammogram.  I gave myself a month for further observation, then decided it was time to attack the lump.  A mammogram came back negative, but I felt confortable about just letting things go, so I scheduled a biopsy.


 Again my daughters encouraged having surgery to remove the lump at least, perhaps even the whole breast.  The biopsy came back positive and I was diagnosed as having DCIS, (ductile carsinoma in situ), and I scheduled surgery to have the whole breast removed.  When I called my wife Jean with the sombering news I said, "This (surgery) is going to save us a lot of money---I won't have to shop for a double-breasted suit anymore!"  Anyway, I underwent surgery the following week and had the breast and some lymph nodes removed.  That was in April of 2007, my checkups have been clear so far and I am satisfied with the results.  Since then I am doing volunteer work at the Montana Cancer Specialists Center in Missoula on Fridays as a way of helping others having to face worse scenarios than I did.  I have really enjoyed doing this and recommend it to all that may be interested.  My fam has been very supportive---when on the gurney awaiting surgery they were discussing what to have for dinner---they opted for chicken breasts!  Keep a sense of humor---!



__Scott Wright  

  May 06, 2009 at 07:34 AM Areyou a survivor of breast cancer? YesComments:Hello Nancy!  It has been great working with you these past few months as we work to build awareness. Thank you for sending us the Nick Foundation banner and other materials for us to use at our Health Expo booth at the Mall of America here in Minnesota this coming weekend. We now have over 50 men, women and children signed up to participate in the Komen 5K Twin Cities Race for the Cure to celebrate the end of chemo for me and to raise awareness for your organization and Male Breast Cancer. We call oursevles the Blue Team, and we hope this will inspire more men and women around the country to organize Blue Teams at breast cancer events. This weekend they expect over 50,000 people to particpate in the Komen event.  With our Nick Foundation Health Expo booth and our Blue Team shirts (that feature the pink ribbon with the added dash of blue, along with http://www.malebreastcancer.org across the back!) we know that literally thousands of people will receive our message.And we're getting good media attention too, with two radio and two television stations picking up our story. Here is the link to the NBC affiliate KARE-11 news story:http://www.kare11.com/life/community/health/healthfair_article.aspx?storyid=677226&catid=159I will start my 5 years of taking tamoxifen in the next week or two. So I'm very interested in hearing from other men who've been on tamoxifen for a while to know what side effects if any they've experienced.Go Blue!Best regards,Scott



__________________Kriss M Bowles  

 April 30, 2009 at 11:52 PMAre you a survivor of breast cancer? My husband DID NOT survive breast cancer.Has our site helped you? If so, how? Not reallyComments:On September 16, 2004 my husband Brock lost his fight against breast cancer.  Brock first was operated on for colon cancer in April 2000.  We thought everything was fine and he was colon cancer free. Then in November 2001 Brock found the lump in his right breast. He was having a lot of pain in his spine and 2 of his ribs on his left side. He went to the doctor to get an appointment to have an x-ray to see if the pain in his spine was arthritis. While talking to the receptionist he just happened to mention the lump in his breast. Within 5 minutes Brock was seen by the doctor. The next day Brock had a mammogram. After that a biopsy and the day before Christmas we were told he had breast cancer.


In January 2002 Brock had a mastectomy and 13 lymph nodes removed.  All of the lymph nodes had cancer.Since that time I have tried to get the word out as best I can about male breast cancer. I finally was interview on the local FOX station last October.  I have contacted most of the breast cancer sites either by e-mail or by phone but NONE seem to care about male breast cancer. Komen tells me more women get breast cancer than men. And I have told each and everyone that I have talked to "SO WHAT-A LIFE IS A LIFE."Since I am a big NASCAR fan I am very upset that Komen will be getting money from NASCAR charities. Some of the drivers have done a commercial for Komen but it is not mentioned that those same drivers are at risk to get breast cancer. I have contacted NASCAR head quarters in Daytona Beach, FOX Sports that run the commercial and of course KOMEN. Nobody seems to care to let the drivers, their crews and fans know "MEN GET BREAST CANCER, TOO."I went on a cruise in July 2007. There was a walk for Komen. There was NOT ONE WORD in the information about male breast cancer.


On the day of the walk I stood on the deck of the ship and kept telling the people "MEN GET BREAST CANCER, TOO." A woman laughed at me and kept laughing even after I told her my husband died from breast cancer. Most of the people stopped and asked me questions because they didn't know this fact.I had one breast cancer site tell me there was no room on their home page to put the sentence MEN GET BREAST CANCER, TOO. I told the woman "Shame on you and this breast cancer site for not caring to let men know about male breast cancer."  She seemed to care less......I will not stop getting the word out until the news media and the breast cancer sites have the information in plain site.  I have said to every one of those sites, "how can you find out information about male breast cancer if you don't know men can get breast cancer?"