Larry Roberts - Male Breast Cancer Survivor

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As an avid softball player and a generally healthy, active man, Larry Roberts of Ankeny, Iowa, never expected to receive a cancer diagnosis – let alone a breast cancer diagnosis. But when he noticed a change in his right nipple, that all shifted.

Even though Larry wasn’t a big “go to the doctor guy,” he decided to see his primary care provider, Brandon Mitchell, PA-C., Larry was then immediately referred to Susan Beck, DO at MercyOne Katzmann Breast Care for a biopsy.

“Everything was happening so fast, almost like I was in a blender whipping around. I could tell from the reactions of the different doctors that cancer seemed to be the road we were heading down.” Larry recalled.

He was right, because in September 2023, he was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Less than 1% of breast cancer cases occur in men in the United States, making Larry one of only about 2,800 men diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023.

A network of support

Shortly after being diagnosed, Larry began his first round of chemotherapy treatment. During his treatment, Larry’s Circle of Care included oncologist Christian Schultheis, MD, and Katlyn Wood, BSN, RN – a nurse navigator.

“Having a navigator was extremely helpful,” he said. “She was able to be a point of contact for all my questions and gave me an idea of what to expect. We also got along really well which was nice.”

In addition to his Circle of Care at MercyOne, Larry relied heavily on his personal support systems.

“I’m truly fortunate to have a decent sized family close by, along with my friends from softball and other groups. At one point we were getting so many phone calls from friends and family that my wife suggested we start a Facebook page to keep everybody updated on my progress.”

Larry’s Facebook page was not only a place for updates, but also connection. Since creating the Facebook page, Larry was able to connect with others who were also battling cancer and exchange advice and support.

The road to recovery

On December 26, Larry had a mastectomy on his right side, along with nine lymph nodes removed – two of which were cancerous. Soon after his surgery, he began radiation therapy and by March 27, 2024, he completed his final round of therapy.

“During (and after) chemo, my surgery and radiation therapy, my one goal was to get back to normal. But I soon realized that nothing is normal after cancer. However, getting back to doing what I love, playing softball and golf, was (and still is) like a carrot being dangled in front of me – encouraging me to keep going.”

After radiation therapy, Larry decided to get genetically tested for the BRCA gene mutation – a gene mutation that significantly increases the likelihood of someone developing breast and other types of cancer. Since this gene mutation can be inherited from both parents, Larry felt motivated to get tested for his eight grandkids.

“It was somewhat of a relief to find out my cancer wasn’t genetic, but at the same time makes me wonder how I got the short end of the stick, although I try not to dwell on it.”

Since his diagnosis, all the way through his recovery, Larry has been an advocate for male breast cancer survivors – never shying away from outrightly saying he had breast cancer. He even spoke at the MercyOne Breast Cancer Symposium in April of 2024, where he told his story and encouraged others to listen to their body and not to be “too tough.”

“I never felt like cancer was going to be the end of me. I always tried to view it as only a speedbump in my life.”