Stage I Breast Cancer: Kevin's Patient Story
This breast cancer diagnosis at a glance
- Stage at diagnosis
- Stage I
- Biomarkers
- Genetic testing inconclusive; receptor status not reported
- Sex
- Male
- Treatment
- surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, genetic testing and surveillance
- Outcome
- Care Ongoing
Treatment course, step by step
- April 2013 exam found 2 small hard lumps under the left nipple
- Ultrasound and biopsy confirmed breast cancer
- Mastectomy with sentinel node biopsy was performed after a planned holiday
- Surgery was successful with a 9 mm clear margin
- Genetic testing was inconclusive
- Chemotherapy included 4 EC treatments and 12 paclitaxel/Taxol treatments
- Daily tamoxifen was planned for 10 years
- Possible mastectomy of the other breast remained under discussion.
What happened, in summary
Kevin Jarvis found 2 small, hard lumps under his left nipple while showering in April 2013. After seeing “male breast cancer” during an online search, he made an appointment with his GP when he returned from a family trip. Ultrasound and biopsy confirmed breast cancer. His doctor explained that the cancer did not appear very aggressive and had been found early, with a strong chance of successful treatment. Kevin met a surgeon the next day and was told he needed a mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy. After a planned family holiday, he had surgery the following Monday. The operation was successful, with 9 mm clearance, and he stayed in the hospital for 2 nights. Genetic testing was recommended because his mother may have died of ovarian cancer, but the results were inconclusive. After surgery, Kevin completed 4 treatments of EC chemotherapy, meaning epirubicin and cyclophosphamide, followed by 12 treatments of paclitaxel/Taxol. He then started daily tamoxifen, planned for 10 years. He also dealt with nausea, time away from work, a chest scar, soreness, and some lymphedema. His status is ongoing care after Stage I male breast cancer, including daily tamoxifen and continued discussion about possible surgery on the other breast.
Where this story comes from
This is a lay summary of an account first published by Cancer Council Australia. Read the original in full
How we source and attribute stories Accuracy and limitations
These are lay summaries of published cancer stories, for information only. No two cancers behave the same way, and nothing here predicts your own diagnosis or replaces advice from your oncology team. Read the full disclaimer