{"id":395,"date":"2019-03-03T14:37:10","date_gmt":"2019-03-03T19:37:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.menshealthnetwork.org\/Breastcancer\/?p=395"},"modified":"2019-03-04T04:26:09","modified_gmt":"2019-03-04T09:26:09","slug":"breast-cancer-in-men-michaels-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mensbreastcancer.org\/?p=395","title":{"rendered":"Breast Cancer in Men: Michael\u2019s Story"},"content":{"rendered":"

Breast Cancer in Men: In 2007, Michael Kovarik and his doctor discovered a lump near his left nipple, which was beginning to invert. \u00a0Michael proceeded with the necessary follow-up as his doctor ordered a series of tests. When he heard the words breast cancer<\/em>, Michael didn\u2019t have the faintest idea that men could be affected by it. His immediate thought: it\u2019s a women\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n

Dealing with his breast cancer diagnosis<\/h3>\n

Michael was hesitant about sharing his diagnosis at first. \u201cIt took me a while to overcome my own shock and disbelief,\u201d recalls Michael. When he initially opened up about his journey to others, it was not always well received. Some people became uncomfortable, and often fumbled for the right words. \u201cAfter a few months, I came to a realization that I should talk about it. If no one knew that men could have breast cancer, then it was time to raise awareness.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the US, about 2,470 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, about 460 of whom will die. Breast cancer is often seen as a disease that affects only women; therefore, men tend to be diagnosed at a more advanced stage of cancer.<\/p>\n

Michael, a retired elementary school teacher, became an active contributor of Anti-Cancer Club, an online blogging community for people to share their stories and connect with others touched by cancer. He is a former radio show host and has authored a book called Healing Within: My Journey with Breast Cancer<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Today, people still react with surprise when he talks about his cancer. But they\u2019re not as shocked as they used to be. \u201cI\u2019ve noticed that people are more curious rather than uncomfortable and I certainly welcome their questions,\u201d Michael explained.<\/p>\n

Breast Cancer in Men: On having advanced cancer<\/h3>\n

In 2015, Michael learned that his breast cancer had spread. Feelings of despair and sadness rushed in as well as the thought that he had done everything he was supposed to as far as following his doctor\u2019s recommendations, keeping his medical appointments, eating right, and staying fit\u2014so how<\/em> and why?<\/em> But Michael\u2019s doctor told him, \u201cDon\u2019t cash in your life insurance policy yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Michael now has Stage 4 breast cancer, the most advanced form of the disease in which cancer has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body, and is currently on cancer treatment. He has since become active in the metastatic breast cancer community by joining advocacy organizations such as the Male Breast Cancer Coalition and Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance.<\/p>\n

Michael explains that the conversation on advanced (also called metastatic<\/em>) breast cancer is very different from what many people see or hear about breast cancer in earlier stages. Many may associate breast cancer with pink ribbons and stories about survivorship. But with advanced cancer, the discussion is about managing or minimizing symptoms of the cancer, and maintaining your quality of life. He stresses that people with advanced cancer usually don\u2019t ever stop taking medications for their cancer.<\/p>\n

Michael\u2019s outlook<\/h3>\n

Michael believes that everyone has a different journey, but a person\u2019s outlook on life guides how he or she handles setbacks. He explains, \u201cI was scared at first and I still have breakdowns today. But I decided a while ago that I didn\u2019t want to be afraid anymore. I had to learn how to be at peace with myself. After that, I could come to peace with everything else\u2014including my cancer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Michael stresses the importance of letting go of what you can\u2019t control. Here are the top six lessons Michael wishes to share from his journey:<\/p>\n

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  1. Listen to your body. Follow up with your doctor on anything that seems off.<\/li>\n
  2. Find good healthcare providers. I\u2019ve had a few doctors, and some were better than others. My current doctor is not only excellent but he also knows exactly how to talk to me.<\/li>\n
  3. Accept your feelings. It\u2019s okay to feel fear or sadness. But it\u2019s important to deal with them in order to move on.<\/li>\n
  4. Share your experiences with friends, family, or supporters.<\/li>\n
  5. Be aware of feelings of depression. It\u2019s common for people with cancer to experience major depression. Seek help if you have it.<\/li>\n
  6. Have quiet time to listen to your thoughts. It\u2019s during these reflection moments that I realize it\u2019s time to face my fears or that I find more strength within.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \"Breast<\/p>\n

    \u201cBecause of where I\u2019m at, when I take my dog\u2014Polar\u2014for a walk, I\u2019ll notice that the stars are shinier and more beautiful against the night sky. I find joy in the simple things.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Caroline Pak, PharmD, is a pharmacist and the Medical Editor-in-Chief for Get Healthy Stay Healthy at Pfizer.<\/em><\/p>\n

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    References<\/h5>\n