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Kk21kk's avatar
Kk21kk
Member
20 days ago

67 Male Metastatic Breast Cancer

Good Morning 

My 67 year old dad was diagnosed at the end of February with Her2 negative breast cancer. He had a mastectomy of the left breast and sentinel lymph nodes removal in March. A week later he had a second surgery to do axilla node removal as 3 of the 5 nodes removed were positive for cancer from the first surgery. The second surgery removed a further 17 nodes all were negative. He had a PET CT scan just before first surgery which came back all clear except for some haemangioma  which was not mentioned to us at the time. He was classed as a 2B stage and referred for chemo, radiation and hormone therapy. Things looked positive. 


At the first appointment with the medical oncologist she booked dad in for chemo, but also mentioned that the PET scan he had done previously showed an area in the T 1 of his spine that should be investigated further as it could be a possible metastasis or a haemangioma. No idea why the breast surgeon missed that in the PET report. Dad did a MRI which unfortunately showed possible metastasis in his T1, T6, T9 and L1. He then had a bone scan which showed same results along with 2 small spots on his ribs. 

Oncologist has canceled chemotherapy and radiation before it’s even started and put dad on  tamoxifen and abemaciclib.  He will start denosumab bone injections in about 2 months as he had to pull 2 teeth out to be able to get dental clearance for them. 

He did a bone biopsy of his L1 yesterday even though oncologist was adamant he didn’t need to do it as the metastasis is confirmed with the scans. Results are pending. His bloodwork is ‘normal’. No radiation has been recommended for now as dad has no pain.  

The last 2 months has been an emotional rollercoaster. There is very little information out there on male breast cancer. We’re unsure why the PET scan was cleared by the breast surgeon but it turns out there is actually metastatic disease on his spine and ribs.  We’re not sure the wait and see approach is ok with us. Do most metastatic breast cancer patients receive chemo and radiation or just hormone blocking therapy. Also not happy bone injections are delayed for 2 months but nothing is replacing it for now. We’re tempted to see another oncologist for a second opinion on treatment. What are your thoughts on dad’s situation?

chemotherapy
clinical trials and research
hormone therapies
metastases
progression
radiotherapy

3 Replies

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    19 days ago

    I am So sorry to hear of your Dad's diagnosis and then Mets.  That is a really tough call.  I hope you all have good family support and are being steered towards counselling, as these diagnoses really muck with the brain.

    If your Dad is computer savvy, he would be able to join the Private Mens Group here, where he could chat directly with other men going thru similar treatment xx    Group: Men living with breast cancer | BCNA Online Network

    It wouldn't hurt to get a 2nd opinion (I changed Onc within 6 weeks of meeting him ... ) 

    Also, Consider recording all your appointments so that you can go over them again later, as it can be difficult to take everything in at the time.

    Take care & wishing you, your Dad & your family the best xx

  • Christina_BCNA's avatar
    Christina_BCNA
    Community Manager
    19 days ago

    Hi ​ Kk21kk​ , I'm so sorry to read of your dad's recent diagnosis and can only imagine how challenging this period of time is for your family. It's hard to offer advice on the exact journey through breast cancer, especially at the metastasis stage. I wonder if you've seen the Australian Optimal Care pathway for people with breast cancer, if not you can access it here. While the information is not tailored for men, it is still relevant in terms of treatment and pathways. Below are some further resources that I hope are useful for you and your dad, please call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 if you need to chat to someone - we are here to support you. 

  • Moomincorn's avatar
    Moomincorn
    Member
    20 days ago

    Kk21kk​ I'm sorry to hear about what your dad and yourself are going through.  It feels like you're not getting clear information to understand why things are or aren't happening. 

    I haven't got experience with metastatic breast cancer but others will be able to provide their experience soon when they see your message.

    In the mean time you could give the BCNA helpline a call on 1800 500 258 and they may be able to talk with you about what often happens or what to do next.

    There is also a closed group here if you haven't already joined it called Men living with breast cancer which is a group is for men who are living with breast cancer, as well as their loved ones who are walking this path alongside them.  

    Does your dad have a GP who could help with getting answers from the surgeon or the oncologist? Or to provide information about seeking a second opinion?