Fifty Plus (50+) - IMPORTANT-For all men...

I'm a 59 yr old male who completed his first century last November. I completed my 2nd century in February and was training for my 3rd when I was diagnosed with "early stage breast cancer". Yes, breast cancer in a man. It's very rare but it's out there and caught me completely by surprise. I've been cycling for the past 4 years in an effort to stay healthy & fit , and especially keep my heart strong. Cancer, especially breast cancer was not on my radar. I had a lumpectomy 2 weeks ago and last week I had a simple mastectomy of the left breast. Today I found out that the biopsy of the tissue removed was negative. The cancer was removed and gone. According to the oncologist, chances of it returning are very small because I'm a man. Unfortunately, a similar situation in a woman does not offer the same odds. I'm writing to alert the men out there to be aware that breast cancer can strike and to do the routine exams that women have been told to do for years. I don't mean to exclude women from this post but you are already aware of the risks and are hopefully having annual mammograms and performing your own exams. Normally men are not advised to perform periodic exams of their chest and armpit areas so we don't do it. But we need to. I have no family history of breast cancer and doctors can't explain why I got it. I have been donating money to prevent breast cancer in women for the past few years and I'll continue to support research to find some way to rid us all, especially women who are more susceptible, o f this horrible disease. All I ask of the men out there is to do the simple body exam women do. In the shower, lying down wherever but just do it. I found my lump while showering. I'm 5'10, 146lbs ( slim, thin skinny etc.) it was easy to feel. I went to the doctor who fortunately sent me for a mammogram & ultra sound. I apologize for going on & on but the diagnosis scared the hell out of me and I thought I could help pass the word to others to take care of yourselves.

Thanks for listening.

Rick

Thanks for sharing your story. Fortunately, your condition is extremely rare, but a worthwhile cautionary tale, nonetheless!

Glad it turned out well for you Rick, and thanks for the reminder.

You're right, I wouldn't have been expecting that one. Thanks for the information.

Thanks for sharing, Sanulaw. Scary stuff! Glad you found it early. I'll go and tell my husband to do a self-check. (He's gotten used to me passing along advice from the forum and accepts the wise counsel given here.)

That one's right out of left field. Glad things turned out well for you. And thanks for reminder. One of those things that never occur to a guy to think about....

Nothing focuses the mind like hearing the C word associated with your name. There are a few good colonoscopy threads here, and a memorable thread from Bud Bent regarding his chemo for lung cancer. They are all worth re-reading occasionally.

(He's gotten used to me passing along advice from the forum and accepts the wise counsel given here.)
And all this time we thought your husband was a sensible guy.:o