Todd's Story: Men Get Breast Cancer Too

The countdown is on for this year's Race for the Cure. The annual fundraiser helps support women and men who are battling breast cancer.

This year, more than 235,000 Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Most will be women, but more than 2,300 will be men.

While it is rare, it's something all men should be aware of as well.

It happened to Todd Herron of Broken Arrow, and now he's sharing with others as we prepare to Race for the Cure.

"Dear Dad. Happy Birthday! You're the awesome dad ever in the world. I love you dad. Happy Birthday. Love Liko."

Todd Herron is turning another year older, and while some folks shy away from their birthday, Todd is embracing it. Nine years ago, while taking a shower, he found a lump and was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"When they told me, I was like stunned for like 15-20 seconds," Todd said. "And then I was like 'OK,' and I cried like a baby for a few minutes. Then I asked them, 'OK, so what's the next step?'"

That next step was surgery to remove more breast tissue followed by chemotherapy. It was a scary time in his life, but he did find a silver lining.

"I don't know if I was going to die then, you know, or how bad it was. Then come to find out I have a son on the way. So it was very mixed emotions, and I'm so glad he's with me here today. It makes it special doesn't it. Oh yes, very special," he said.

Todd and his wife have a blended family: three daughters and a son. Todd says he has a lot to live for and is vigilant with his follow-up care.

"A yearly check up, and I'll either get a CT Scan done or a mammogram," he said. "Those are really not fun. I know they're not fun for women but for guys, it's kind of rough too."

His wife Julia adds that she gets a little nervous every time he has to undergo an exam.

"I love him. If anything happened to him, it would devastate me," she said. "It's a little bit tense waiting for the results to come back."

Todd is very open about his story and tells men and women both to pay close attention to their health. And he believes if you are diagnosed, you need to stay positive.

"The treatment is good, but I feel the attitude, going toward recovery, is 95 percent of it. If you have a good attitude, you'll make it," he said.

Todd says cancer has changed him - for the better. He tries to slow down and take the time to enjoy all life has to offer.

The Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure is coming up Saturday, September 27th at ONEOK Field in downtown Tulsa.

You can form your own team or join mine.

Join LeAnne's Team and Race for the Cure.