Local man’s breast cancer ordeal

Murray Reid was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999.

GWYNNEVILLE man Murray Reid was a healthy 39-year-old when he found out he had breast cancer.

He had noticed a lump in his chest for some time, but it was two years before he took the advice of his doctor and had it properly tested.

When he was told he had cancer his reaction was one of shock and confusion.

“It was a fairly traumatic time, and the initial reaction when someone tells you you've got cancer is you feel vulnerable and you think to yourself, 'I don't want this to kill me,' and particularly for males with breast cancer I knew nothing of it,” he said.

Mr Reid said he soon found out that men do get breast cancer, only much less frequently than women.

He said he was healthy at the time of his diagnosis, and had never contemplated the possibility of having cancer.

“It's funny 'I never thought about it,” he said.

“I didn't think I've got a chest, I can get breast cancer.'”

Mr Reid had the cancer operated on and began a drawn out treatment throughout which he was very ill.

But he said a positive side to his ordeal could be found in the unwavering support that came his way from family and friends.

“I had people coming around and mowing the lawns,” he said.

“It's amazing and it's interesting that people want to do that, they want to help you and they want to support you and that's a nice thing to have…my wife was amazing and there are days (while you are still undergoing treatment) you just don't get by without that kind of support.”

Today Mr Reid is fine, but he hasn't forgotten his experience and supports the battle against cancer.

He is often contacted by the National Breast Cancer Foundation to attend local events and gives talks.

Last week Mr Reid was involved in the Australia's Biggest Golf Day event in Wollongong which was held as part of Breast Cancer Month in October.