Profile: Michael, male breast cancer survivor

Every year over 3,000 people in Ireland are diagnosed with breast cancer, including a small number of men. Michael Reynolds from Leitrim noticed a lump on his chest and went to see his doctor who referred him for further tests. He had been feeling tired and had little energy so when he didn’t get called for his follow up appointment he presented at the Emergency Department in Sligo Hospital. From there Michael was immediately sent to Galway University Hospital for a biopsy and one week later he was told he had stage 2 breast cancer.

“I did initially think it might be breast cancer but I was convincing myself it was anything else so it was still a big surprise to get the news,” he said.

Michael had a mastectomy and four cycles of chemotherapy and is now on tamoxifen for five years.

Michael said the emotional side of dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be very difficult and encouraged anyone going through cancer to get support. He used the Irish Cancer Society’s Cancer Nurseline and available of free counselling to help him deal with his illness.

He said, “During treatment the oncology team are there for you the whole time. What I found difficult was when the treatment ended, that support dropped off. If I had an ache or pain or was concerned about anything I would ring the Nurseline for advice and the nurses were very helpful. I found it difficult enough with this support, so I can’t imagine going through cancer without it. Men can be reluctant to talk or to get support but it does help.”