When my husband was diagnosed with male breast cancer a few months ago, we were distressed to learn that the oncologist recommended chemotherapy treatments. Chemotherapy pours poisonous chemicals into your blood that kills the breast cancer cells and stops them from growing. What I couldn’t understand was the surgeon had removed the breast cancer and even did a second surgery to make sure that some of the cancer cell markers were not in his pectoral muscle tissue. Everything was clear, no additional cancer cells in the area and the lymph nodes were clear as well.

Why chemotherapy?

The oncologist told us that chemotherapy was the standard treatment for Stage III breast cancer. It makes no difference if a woman or a man was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer the treatment is the same. Also the gene for growing breast cancer is present and needs to be stopped from growing. He also assured us that men tolerate this type of chemotherapy better than women.

The oncologist highly recommended that an infusion port be inserted into my husband’s chest so that that chemotherapy drugs can be given more easily. Veins tend to collapse and with four treatments the chance for collapsing veins was a real possibility. This was a minor surgery and was done as an outpatient treatment.

Just a few days ago, my husband had his first chemotherapy session. This is what they did:

The infusion port was easily accessed by the nurse. She inserted a tube into the area and drew blood. The blood was checked to make sure that his white blood cells were at an acceptable rate, which they were. She then started and IV which she inserted into the infusion port. Then the Dexamethasone was started which replaces important chemical produced in the body and prevents or reduces irritation and swelling. Zofran medication was then started which helps to prevent nausea and vomiting. So far these medications were good medications and after about an hour and a half all was going well. My husband had so many tubes attached to the main tube in the infusion port it reminded me of all the Christmas tree lights that wind around a tree and are inserted into one outlet.

The last 2 hours the nurse administered the actual chemotherapy drugs. One was Cytoxane that injures or kills cancer cells. After this drug was completed she started the Taxotere or Docetaxel that also kills cancer cells. The side effects from these drugs can cause nausea and of course hair loss among other symptoms.

We then went back the next day for a shot of Neulasta that helps the body make white blood cells and help to prevent infections during chemotherapy.

After two days I am pleased to say that my husband is tolerating the chemotherapy. He is feeling well and is eating well. No hair loss yet. It makes me sad to think that his beautiful mustache that he has worn for over thirty-seven years will be gone in about a week or two. But after the chemotherapy he will just have to grow it back again.

Once again we are taking life one day at a time and are thankful for the good days he has so far. At least we have one treatment down and only three more to go.

Until later,
Linda

Most men get prostrate cancer.  But men do get breast cancer.  Male breast cancer accounts for only 1% of the population of all breast cancers.  However, treatment for male breast cancer is the same as for women.  After my husband’s mastectomy some of the pectoral muscle tissue was also removed.  The tissue showed markers for cancer.  As a result he had to go through another surgery to remove more muscle tissue.  We celebrated the news that no further cancer cells were found in the tissue.  During this second surgery the surgeon also implanted an infusion port into his chest.  The doctor said that the infusion port is the best method to receive chemotherapy otherwise injection through veins is not very productive and has many drawbacks. 

My husband’s chemotherapy is scheduled to start in a couple of weeks.  We are getting prepared for this.  We bought several head scarves, bought a digital thermometer and planning on eating more fruits and vegetables.  Someone suggested we start yoga in order to heal the body and mind during these treatments.  I’ll let you know if we start yoga and if this is true.

I am very impressed with my husband’s attitude.  He is positive and upbeat.  Every bit of good news is celebrated and we thank God for His many blessings.  My husband may not know this but he gives me strength during this time.  He shows me that he is a real fighter and willing to do whatever it takes to beat breast cancer.  Quite frankly, I don’t know if I could go through this if I had breast cancer.  But seeing him fight this battle has truly inspired me to embrace his attitude.  We’ve grown closer and know that “we” are fighting breast cancer together.  As a team we can beat anything.

People ask me, how am I doing?  Now I’m asking all the spouses who have lived through their spouse’s breast cancer, how are you doing? 

Until later,

Linda