I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in August 2004. I am living proof this is not just a female disease.  Men get breast cancer, too.    

In July 2004, while I was taking a shower, I felt a lump around my right nipple.  My sister had breast cancer 20 years ago and my thought was “this is cancer”. It took me until August 22, 2004 to tell my wife.  The next day she had me in seeing my family doctor in Jacksonville.  My doctor examined me and was immediately on the phone to the SIU Breast Clinic scheduling an appointment with Dr. Dunnington.  August 25, 2004 was the day to find out what lay ahead to change my life.  The staff at the Breast Center was very professional examining me and explaining the care I was receiving and what we could anticipate for the future.  They were very supportive both physically and emotionally for me and my wife.  I had a mammogram and needle biopsy at Memorial Medical Center close to the Breast Center.  It was nice not having to travel to other locations for tests.  Dr. Dunnington waited for the test results so he could present them to the team of doctors at the Breast Center to develop a plan of treatment that would be implemented.  This was great; not just one doctor, but many to make the recommendations for treatment that would affect my future!  Being a male patient, there were not a lot of clinical studies being done for treatment of males.  I found the team approach reassuring. 

The first step was surgery to install a port in my left chest for the chemotherapy to be given.  After the first chemo treatment, I experienced great pain at the site of my port requiring me to see Dr. Dunnington right away.  The port had to be removed.  The staff went out of their way with the follow up treatment.  I went through 6 rounds of chemotherapy followed by surgery to remove the tumor.  After I healed, I began radiation treatments.  During radiation treatment, I had to travel out of state for business and Dr. Nanavati was able to work the radiation treatment around my work schedule. I really appreciated his ability to adjust my treatment schedule.  Lastly, I was given another 6 rounds of chemotherapy which ended July 1, 2005.  During my chemotherapy treatments, Dr. Rao continued to research and checked with colleagues to make sure  the treatment I was getting were the best possible for me.  In total, the breast cancer took almost a year of my life away from me, my family and my friends.  You do not realize how many friends you have until something like this happens.  I had good support from my family, friends, employer and coworkers during treatment.  As I continued to work during treatment there were times that I was limited to light duty, but I was still able to be productive.

I now feel the need to give back to the community in what ever way I can.  I help by educating the community about the importance of early detection and cancer screenings. I speak to groups about my breast cancer experience.  I am affiliated with the Mia Ware Foundation and the Regional Cancer Partnership of Central Illinois. I have served on the Denim and Diamonds Committee which supports the Simmons Cooper Cancer Institute in Springfield.  I participate in Relay for Life.  I have received support training through the W.I.S.E.R. (Women in Support of Each others Recovery) program, and through Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

Steve W

On a Sunday night in October 2005, I found a lump in my left breast but by morning it was gone. On Tuesday, I called my doctor’s office to report the lump appearing and disappearing.  The doctor scheduled an Ultrasound and a mammogram.  I started praying.  I went to St. John’s Hospital where the staff was wonderful to me.  I had my ultrasound done and then went across the hall to have the mammogram.  I was asked to wait while the films were reviewed.  The staff person at St. John’s was very kind when she told me I had four spots on my left breast and two on the right breast.  She explained I needed a breast biopsy which showed five of the six spots were cancer.  I was shocked when I was given the breast cancer news because I didn’t think this could ever happen to me. To add to my confusion, I was diagnosed with two different types of cancer in each breast. 
An appointment was made for me with Dr. Gary Dunnington at SIU.  My husband and I went to the appointment where I was examined and then we had a consultation with Dr. Dunnington and his nurse. He asked me why the technician had performed the ultrasound on both breasts explaining it is usually only done on the breast with the abnormality.  I told him it must have been divine intervention.  He said, “I can’t argue with that.” He explained my cancer was found by the ultrasound not the mammogram; it was too small to show up on the mammogram.  I told Dr. Dunnington that a mastectomy was not in the picture because I felt it was a mutilation of the woman’s body.  He reassured me that times have changed and surgery methods have improved.  He also explained I could have the lumps removed but I would be back to see him many times due to the types of cancer that I had and my cancer could come back again. Dr. Dunnington was very patient with my husband and me that day.  I know we asked the same questions more than once. He drew me pictures so I would know what he would be doing.  He helped me understand a double mastectomy was the best route for my surgery.  On the same day, I met with Dr. Sommer to talk about reconstructive surgery.  I did not need radiation treatment because I had a double mastectomy.  My oncologist talked to me about testing to decide if chemotherapy would help me or not.  My test results came back showing chemotherapy would not make a difference in my prognosis.  I am on a five year study plan and take one pill a day to block estrogen and prevent another cancer in the skin of my breasts. 
It has been three years since my surgery.  I am doing extremely well. Would I change any part of it? Yes, I might consider a different type of reconstructive surgery.  You have so many decisions you have to make in such a short time frame.  However, I cannot thank GOD, Dr. Dunnington, the staff at St. John’s Hospital, Dr. Sommer, and my oncologist enough.  Without them I truly feel I would not be here today. I knew I wanted to talk to someone who had similar problems and became part of the W.I.S.E.R Group. It gives me a chance to give back to another person who may also need someone to talk with so they don’t feel so alone.

Jan M

After procrastinating for several years, I scheduled a mammogram.  I had abnormal mammograms before but my physician had moved to Florida and I just hadn’t found a new physician to make an appointment.  The mammogram was uneventful but then came the wait for results.  For some reason I was uneasy.  The letter came.  More films were needed and a biopsy.  I had been through two biopsies before and they were negative so it was no big deal.  This time was different; the verdict of the biopsy was cancer.  Wow, now what?  Fortunately for me, I dealt with the SIU School of Medicine, Breast Center. 
 My husband was with me every step of the way, going to every appointment with me.  I was so lucky to have the support, care, expertise, and knowledge of the staff at the Breast Center.  They have a medical staff that meets each week to discuss the type of treatment recommended for each patient. Their recommendation was to have a partial mastectomy for the Stage Two cancer.  If the sentinel node did not contain any cancer, I would only need radiation.  Unfortunately, the day before I was to see Dr. Dunnington, pathology informed me a miniscule amount of cancer had been found in one sentinel node.  Dr. Dunnington informed me the recommendation of the medical team was for me to have surgery to remove additional lymph nodes.  Again, I was lucky.  I woke up from the second surgery; my husband and one of my sons were there.  The world was good.  NO cancer was found in the additional nodes.  Dr. Wynstra, my radiation oncologist, informed me that no chemotherapy was necessary; however, I would need 30 radiation treatments.  A piece of cake! My husband took me to every appointment although it was unnecessary he made it clear we were in this together.
I am taking Tamoxifin for five years and seeing Dr. Rao, my medical oncologist every four months.  I only have 3 years and 3 months left.  I feel great, working out, walking 4 miles, or riding a bike 4 miles daily.  Life is good!

 Judy T