My Story- Diagnosed With Male Breast Cancer

My name is Thomas T. and I'm a 45 year old man with breast cancer.

A few months ago I was diagnosed with male breast cancer. I have been Married for 20 years. I have two children both boys ages 20 and 17. I had genetic testing done to make sure that we were being proactive. I wanted to make sure that my children had all the knowledge that I could give them by completing any testing that I could have done.

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 35 years old, ended up with ovarian cancer and finally past 7 years ago of leukemia. My father has chronic leukemia and had lung cancer. Needless to say I was waiting for something to happen - I was just very surprised when it ended up being a diagnosis of breast cancer!

The reason I found the tumor in my chest was because I was losing weight so I could have knee surgery. I have lost a significant amount of weight, almost 100 pounds. When I was at my family physicians office getting ready for my knee surgery I asked him what the lump under my skin was and he told me I had to instantly have some testing done. After that, I had a mastectomy and currently being set up for further treatment.

Thank you for sharing my story during Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week and for HIS Breast Cancer Awareness organization being available to assist me with support.