Support for Matt Gomes' Breast Cancer Battle

Everyone thinks they will live forever. “Not me...,” “I’m fine...” Then one day you find a lump and you say, “I’m sure it’s nothing...”

That is what Matt thought too! He went to his doctor and an ultrasound/mammogram was ordered. The radiologist thought just like everyone else. “It’s a benign cyst, probably not cancer. Come back in 6-9 months if it grows.”

Then there are those little voices in your head that say, “what if it’s not ok…”? “What if it is cancer?!” Trust your gut! Don’t take no for an answer. That is what Matt did.

He asked for a 2nd opinion and saw a breast specialist. The specialist recommended a biopsy and 2nd ultrasound/mammogram which confirmed the worst fears: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (form of breast cancer).

What?! Breast cancer is so rare in men- no one thinks that! Well men… “check you pecs”!

The specialist and surgeon in Idaho where Matt lives have never treated men with breast cancer so Matt needs to travel to Arizona to MD Anderson. Fortunately, they do specialize in men and Matt has family support in Arizona for post-operative care and treatment.

The recommendation is to have bilateral mastectomies, 4-5 lymph nodes removed, and plastic surgery, The tumor, lymph nodes, nipple and skin will be sent to the lab for staging and will determine the need for and length of radiation/chemotherapy.

For all of us who know and love Matt, know he is proud and stubborn and does not like asking for help. At this time insurance has not paid for any of the diagnostics and treatment hasn’t even begun. With the additional travel costs, the worry about money is already becoming a distraction. We want Matt to be able to focus on healing physically and mentally and not have this added burden. Please help Matt east those worries.

Any remaining funds will be donated to raise awareness for early detection and treatment because men get breast cancer too! Men, “check your pecs”!

We love you!

Follow his story on IG: @mattjgomes7