Relating to Men who have Breast Cancer

Relating to Men who have Breast Cancer

by Darrell Skaggs

When most people think of breast cancer, they think of it being a women's disease. While they are right, about 99% of the time men can get it too, and the challenges of beating it are just as great. I’m from Brownsburg Indiana. I always thought of myself as a tough guy that can handle anything. I served in the United States Army and work security for a large shipping company in Indianapolis. I have a wife, 2 sons, daughter in law, and 4 beautiful grandchildren. In 2010 I also had a bad gall bladder. 

It turns out that the gall bladder may have saved my life. In March 2010, I woke up with a pain in my side. I figured it was a gall bladder attack and it turned out I was right. The only difference this time was that I would need to have it surgically removed. My doctor ordered more tests, including a CT scan. I always try to be prepared for anything but I wasn’t prepared for what the doctor said next. My doctor came in the room and said, “Well your gall bladder's bad, "But we also found a mass in your left breast." An ultrasound confirmed that the mass was real and deep in my body.

Five biopsies confirmed that I had cancer - breast cancer. I was 58 years old at the time. These words stick in my mind even today” I hate to tell you this over the phone but its breast cancer”. In 2012 and 2013 I had the opportunity to spread my message. I was one of 11 breast cancer patients, two of whom are men, chosen to take part in the Ford Motor Company's "Warriors in Pink" program. It included a documentary that tells my story in my own words. We also modeled clothing and other items for 2012 and 2013 that Ford sells to raise money for research. The items I modeled would also have a video of me personally thanking people for their order when the check out. I thank Ford for choosing me to be part of such a rewarding project. This project gave me the opportunity to travel and during my travels I would tell my story to anyone that wanted to listen.

I am now part of the Reach to Recovery program with the American Cancer Society in which a man with breast cancer can contact me if they just want a “guy” to talk too. This is as rewarding for me as it is for them to be able to talk about it. I am in contact with 5 men right now from all over the United States. I speak at events and do interviews as often as I can. It is important to me that men know that this can happen to us and it’s ok to talk about it. Don’t ignore the symptoms!!!!

	Make an online donation to Bowl for the Cure®. Your giving helps Susan G. Komen® support breast cancer research, treatment, screenings and education. Give today
	Raise awareness and help a great cause! USBC donates 25% of all Bowl for the Cure purchases to Susan G. Komen. Shop now
	Get involved! Bowl for the Cure events are held nationwide any time of year. Find an event near you or host your own event