Breaking the Stigma: One Man’s Resilience in the Face of Breast Cancer
Interview by Jasmine Dionne Souers
Breast cancer is a widespread concern, but there's a side to it that often goes overlooked. While male breast cancer only makes up less than 1% of all breast cancer cases, it's a reality we shouldn't ignore that hits Black men the hardest.
Garry Davis
Garry Davis, a man living with metastatic breast cancer, shares his story to encourage other men to be proactive in taking care of their health and support those who are diagnosed with what many have misperceived to be a “woman’s disease.”
An accidental discovery
Garry's journey to a breast cancer diagnosis began in an unexpected way. While his wife was giving him a chest rub, she noticed a lump on his right side. This discovery caught them off guard and left them both puzzled about what it could mean.
Luckily, Garry's wife works in the healthcare field, which helped him get an appointment with his primary care doctor the very next day. When the doctor mentioned the possibility of cancer, Garry couldn't believe it at first. "I had no idea that men could get breast cancer," he admitted. But as the news sank in, he had to confront the potential reality.
Despite the weight of the situation, Garry didn't let the fear of cancer overwhelm him. He saw himself as a fighter and survivor. Garry's healthy lifestyle and his age, around 57 or 58 years old at the time, gave him the confidence to handle the challenge. With a positive mindset, he decided to face the diagnosis head-on.
Developing a game plan
"After the biopsy, we had to wait for the results. The specialist confirmed that I indeed had breast cancer and it had spread because it wasn't caught in time," Garry shared.
Sadly, Garry's experience isn't unique. Many men, like him, get diagnosed with breast cancer at later stages. Often, this is because people aren't aware that breast cancer can affect men too and not just women.
Garry's treatment journey kicked off with a six-month round of chemotherapy. During this time, his wife reached out to different cancer treatment centers to get second opinions and more information.
Garry's advice? "Don't rely on just one opinion." He felt his first oncologist wasn't as involved as he'd hoped, so they sought a second opinion from a doctor who was not only well-reviewed but genuinely cared about his condition. This new doctor had connections with specialists at a local research hospital, which would later turn out to be a game-changer.
Garry gives a lot of credit to his wife for helping him navigate the complex world of medical decisions.
Maintaining normalcy through treatment
Garry managed to keep a sense of normalcy in his life while going through treatment. He found humor in the possibility of losing his hair due to chemotherapy because he'd always been bald. His weight stayed steady, and he didn't deal with much nausea thanks to medication. "I kept working. I knew I had to go through treatment, so I took some time off work, but it didn't stop me from functioning," Garry explained. Apart from some minor side effects, he managed to keep moving forward. And things were good until he started to develop neuropathy around the fifth month.
A change in treatment plans
Neuropathy, a nerve-related issue, led to a change in Garry's treatment plan. Chemotherapy was stopped, and he began taking Tamoxifen, an oral hormone therapy medication. However, Garry wasn't a fan of this treatment because of its impact on his life. He explored a clinical trial as an alternative, but unfortunately, he didn't meet the criteria.
Over the next couple of years, Garry continued with the oral medication, but his condition took a turn. "The tumor was growing, and I was experiencing intense discomfort in my bones. The cancer had spread to my bones, and by January 2023, the pain became unbearable. I had to start using a cane to get around. The medication I was on just wasn't working," Garry shared.
A second chance at clinical trials
Thankfully, Garry's doctors found another clinical trial that was a perfect fit for him. "I began this new clinical trial in February 2023, and it's been a game-changer. I can walk, exercise, and even work in the backyard. It's a complete 180-degree shift from how I felt back in November or December of the previous year," Garry said with a smile.
Participating in a clinical trial wasn't a decision Garry and his wife took lightly. They did extensive research and talked to others to understand the possibilities. Even though they didn't know anyone personally who had been in a clinical trial, their determination to find the best treatments motivated them to explore this option. "We trusted each other and were open to trying new treatments. We scoured the internet for information and spoke to people running clinical trials to gather as much knowledge as we could," Garry explained.
Finding strength in support
At first, Garry was hesitant to join a support group, but his perspective changed with encouragement from his wife's friend. "I was unsure initially, but as I started exploring online and getting involved, I realized how beneficial it can be," Garry admitted. His experience inspired him to advocate for more men, particularly Black and African American men, to break the silence and become part of support groups.
Garry's journey was significantly impacted by his involvement with the Male Global Breast Cancer Alliance. This alliance created a space for Garry to connect with other men who were going through similar challenges. This connection provided an opportunity for him to learn from their experiences and gather practical insights about various treatments. "Listening to others' stories was enlightening, and I found a lot of value in learning about new treatments, like one for neuropathy," Garry shared.
Garry draws his strength from his unwavering faith and active involvement in his religious community. "I'm deeply religious. My relationship with God has grown stronger during this time. I'm also part of a men's group at my church where we pray daily," Garry shared. The support and shared faith of this group have been invaluable to him.
Cancer can be overcome
In the face of challenges, Garry radiates positivity and strength. He has some powerful advice for others who might find themselves in a similar situation: "Stay positive. Hang in there. There are many effective treatments and skilled doctors available. Do your research, ask questions, connect with support groups, and learn from the experiences of others." Garry wants everyone to know that a breast cancer diagnosis isn't a death sentence; it's a call to action and resilience.
Garry remains optimistic about the future, foreseeing even more promising treatments on the horizon. "New advancements are happening all the time. Today, breast cancer is more treatable than it was in the past because of increased research and funding. Perhaps, one day, we'll find a cure."
Garry Davis' story shines a light on a lesser-known aspect of breast cancer - its impact on men, particularly Black men. His courage and determination stand as an example of hope, dispelling the stigma surrounding male breast cancer. "There's no need to feel ashamed," Garry asserts. "If it hasn't happened to you, take charge of your health. While it can happen, remember, it can also be overcome."
For Garry, the decision to stop working was perhaps the most significant challenge he faced during his journey with metastatic breast cancer. Garry was a lifelong worker, starting his career at the tender age of 15. He had always planned to continue working until at least 62 or 65, and the thought of putting an end to his career at 59 was profoundly difficult for him. Garry genuinely enjoyed his work and the sense of purpose and fulfillment it provided him.
However, after discussions with his wife, they realized it was essential for Garry to focus on his health. Making the decision to stop working was a significant transition, but one that Garry embraced with grace and pragmatism. "I was fortunate and blessed to be in a situation where I could stop working," he reflects.
Since quitting work, Garry has found ways to stay engaged and active. He's taken to traveling more, seizing any opportunity to go out and explore whenever someone invites him along. He especially relishes the chance to travel with his wife when she can get time off work. Traveling gives him something to look forward to and keeps him from sitting idle, something he thoroughly dislikes. Thus, while the decision to stop working was a big challenge, Garry is now embracing the chance to explore new horizons and enjoy a different pace of life.
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The More You Know
Male breast cancer: Because men are born with a small amount of breast tissue, they, too, can develop breast cancer. For men, the lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is about 1 in 833. Male breast cancer is most often diagnosed in men in their 60s.
Second opinions: Getting a second opinion when diagnosed with cancer can be really helpful. It gives you more insights about the type, stage, and treatment options, which can make a big difference. A second opinion can also help you build the cancer care team that makes you feel the most comfortable and confident. Before you make an appointment for a second opinion, be sure to ask your insurance company what costs they will cover. To learn about seeking a second opinion visit Cancer.net.
Neuropathy: Sometimes described as “chemo feet” and “chemo hands,” according to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a nerve disorder that can cause weakness, numbness, pain, and tingling or a “pins and needles” feeling. If you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to notify your cancer care team as soon as possible.
Clinical trials: TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance, explains “clinical trials are research studies in which people volunteer to try new therapies and interventions (under careful supervision) in order to help doctors identify the best treatment plans with the fewest side effects. These studies help improve the overall standard of care (the treatment regimen that most physicians and experts widely agree is the most effective and appropriate for a specific subtype and stage of breast cancer). Clinical trials are an important step in discovering new treatments for breast cancer and other diseases as well as new ways to detect, diagnose, and reduce the risk of disease.”
You don’t have to wait for a doctor to present you with the option to do a clinical trial. You can find clinical trials you may qualify for at breastcancertrials.org and cancer.gov.
