BLOKES WITH BREAST CANCER

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Hi    I have recently joined this female dominated cancer world  I have had mastectomy followed by lymph node clearance joined optima trial so skipped chemo and went onto radiotherapy for 5 days and tamoxifen daily. Pain scale: Biopsy 8-10  Mastectomy 3-10  Lymph node clearance 3-10  Radiotherapy  1-10 This is a really hard cancer if you happen to be a gentleman sat in waiting rooms listening to woman talking about there treatments but it is the only way a male can find out the pitfalls of treatments and i would like to thank and apologize for listening in because without this there is nothing out there for males! We are told dont go on internet at clinics but how on earth can you find something or someone to talk to,i personally felt like i had been pushed of a cliff as i could not find a solution having contacted a charity and the internet is all about female led questions. I mentioned this to a consultant and his nurse came up trumps with a male support network at Breast Cancer Now , so any males looking for advise ,support look at this charity because there is nothing out there for males and when you find a post it is usually years old . Thank you  

  • Hi BWBCancer, apologies that I haven’t read all the chain about men with breast cancer but I noticed that Penny Brohn run a monthly online group. You may already be aware of this but thought I’d post in case of interest. Here’s the info I found: 


    Virtual Meet-up for Men with a History of Breast Cancer Diagnosis

    These sessions are provided by Walk the Walk.

    A peer-led online resource, run by and for men who have/have had breast cancer.

    This is a wonderful opportunity to “meet”, share experiences, and talk about the things which are important.

    The Virtual Meet Up takes place on the 4th Thursday of every month from 7pm – 9pm (UK Time) via Zoom and is free to attend.

    All men with a history of breast cancer diagnosis, based in a convenient time-zone are welcome to join.

    For more information, contact Doug-Harper at doug.harper@themensvmu.org

  • Former Member
    Former Member in reply to Jo789

    Jo

    Oh no, that’s awful they assumed that. It is hard enough being so outnumbered by the opposite sex. 

    Apparently my type of pancreatic cyst is found in males aged 70-80. I’m a middle aged female. 

    There absolutely needs to be more for males with breast cancer and awareness of it too. 

  • Former Member
    Former Member in reply to JoBeth

    I second that about the wonderful Penny Brohn 

  • Hi  thanks for mentioning the VMU. I sadly have never heard of Penny Brohn and they have nothing to do with the VMU either , but thanks for the heads up , I shall be looking them up .

    Here is info on the VMU , how it started etc 

    Xx

    www.dmu.ac.uk/.../eastenders-actor-draws-on-experiences-of-men-with-breast-cancer-by-meeting-virtual-support-group-co-founded-by-dmu-psychologist.aspx

  • Isn't it bizarre that the more you try to push your  BC to the back of your mind for a short while, then up pops a tv commercial or the daily drugs you have to remember to take. kind regards   

  • So true!!!

    Onwards and flatwards (don't do hills) and keep walking if you can!

  • Busy week this week, Monday - blood test, Tuesday - mammogram, Wednesday - Herceptin injection #5, Thursday (today) - appt with local surgery cancer counsellor.

    It's all go.

    Have to say in my part of Lincolnshire I have nothing but praise for NHS staff.

  • Oncologist has started me on Tamoxifen now, earlier than I expected because I thought it would commence when Herceptin injections ended.  I have 13 more Herc jabs to go (10 months worth).

  • At this time of year if you are going through treatment or have finished treatment i wish you all a merry xmas and a truly better new year and remember this cancer which we are battling doesn't have  a day off but we will beat this beast and the lovely people on this forum is proof we can. Kind regards to you all 

  •   Thank you, and the same to you Heart .

    I am wishing for each and every one of us the best Christmas that can be had within the parameters of what each person may be going through, and at least a few magical, sparkling moments where "things" fade away and only joy and wonder are present Sparkles