I live in Derby, with my wife Lindsey, and my two daughters.
In September 2020, when I was 48, I was first diagnosed with breast cancer. I had always enjoyed exercise and considered myself fairly fit. Thus, I was on a climbing wall and I fell, bruising my chest, when I was examining it, I noticed a lump under my skin, near my armpit. The bruising cleared up but the lump was still there.
I went to see my doctor about an itchy mole on my back, after all, that is one of the warning signs of cancer! As an after-thought, I mentioned the lump–not for a second thinking it could be breast cancer–I had no idea that men can and do get the disease!
My doctor was great and referred me immediately to the Breast Unit at the Royal Derby Hospital. After an ultrasound and biopsy, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer which had spread to my lymph nodes.
This resulted in a single mastectomy to remove my left breast tissue and lymph nodes, followed by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. I was told that the treatments had been successful and that there was no sign of the cancer.
However, in November 2023, I was experiencing excruciating back pain, so bad that I could hardly walk, I was unable to sit or even lie down. A CT scan revealed that my cancer had returned and spread to my spine and lungs. I was initially devastated to hear this news. Both my Mum and Step-mum died of breast cancer and I thought I could die at any point.
I now realize that although my breast cancer is not curable, it is treatable and I am enjoying life with my family and friends.
My secondary breast cancer journey has been traumatic and lonely, making me determined to not only raise awareness that men can get breast cancer but also to ensure that there is more support available for men who have been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer.
I attend The Men’s VMU (Virtual Meet-Up), a support group run by men for men diagnosed with breast cancer. It is an invaluable source of support, being able to chat with these other men living with or surviving breast cancer and to share our experiences.
It also creates opportunities to help raise the profile of breast cancer in men by contributing to charity cancer campaigns, research and lobbying.
** Special thanks go to the Men’s VMU for sharing this story