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The Sunday Series (34), with Mark Brodinsky

July 20, 2014 By markbrodinsky 2 Comments

When life comes at you on a curve you adjust your swing, change your approach, maybe alter the way you live your life and the way you share that life with others.  You show courage, channel hope and inspire others by your example.

The Sunday Series (34): Get Your Motor Runnin’

kaitz on bike

Get your motor runnin’ , head out on the highway. Looking for adventure in whatever comes our way. – Lyrics from Born To Be Wild

Robert Kaitz put it off for way too long, it was barely an issue, besides he’s a man. Kaitz was owner of a successful computer business with 500 clients and 5000 computers worldwide.  A tough guy, member of a motorcycle club, loved to party and have fun. When you’re a man like that, there’s not much that can hold you back or take you down. Certainly not a minor ache or pain.

Robert says he had experienced acid reflux for years, but as he kept banging on his chest to stop the indigestion, something was unsual. Just below the left nipple, a tiny bump. Probably just another cyst Robert thought, he had had several removed from his back, not a big deal. But when the bump eventually got painful he reluctantly went to the doctor.

“I’m pissed I didn’t go sooner”, says Robert. “But I didn’t think guys could get it.” He’s right, in a way, because the odds are only one-in-1,000 for men, not like the 1-in-8 for women. But the odds in life are not always in your favor. For Robert Kaitz he was suddenly odd man out… he had breast cancer.

john nick breast cancer logo

Surgery was scheduled immediately to remove the cancerous tumor, which by now was Stage-3. A radical mastectomy, 25 lymph nodes removed, five of them positive for cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation next, and a new lease on life. Robert was ready to share his story, but it wasn’t easy, still isn’t. He says, “people look at you funny when you say you have male breast cancer.  People smile like you are kidding when you tell them you have breast cancer. But hopefully we are making a difference.”

male mastectomy

The difference is in how Robert spreads the message and that is without fear, or embarrassment. And it would be easy to be uneasy. As part of the treatment for the breast cancer he was given tamoxifen, the same drug prescribed to women who experience the same disease. Robert was dealing with the same side effects women do, sweating, hot flashes, and mood swings. “When I first got diagnosed and received treatment and then tried to get out here and tell people, many were surprised”, says Robert. “I got up in front of a bunch of bikers, men and told them about the breast cancer and the side effects of the medication I was on. No one could believe it. But if I can help one guy not be a stubborn ass**** like me, then I have done a good job.”

And Robert’s cancer journey was not over just yet. In 2009 he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Because he had genetic testing after the breast cancer, the prostate cancer was caught early and his prostate removed. Robert says if he hadn’t had the testing it might not have been picked up.  The double whammy only served to make him more determined to share his story.

robert kaitz

In December 2009 Robert sold his computer business and now travels the country, on his motorcycle or in his big RV, raising awareness, especially about the male breast cancer and early detection for any disease. His journey has received national attention. He was invited to visit the The Dr. Oz show, in a program which aired in January 2010 and helped to shine the spotlight on diseases which typically are associated with women, but can also affect men. Robert says there was a woman in the audience who said she came to the show but her husband refused to come. Robert told the female audience member, “when you are intimate with him, feel his breast and if you feel a lump grab him like a fish on a hook and drag him to the doctor!”

And this is where part of the problem lies, says Robert: “The biggest issue with male breast cancer is men are dying from it. “Only one-percent of breast cancer cases are men, and twenty-five percent of those men die from the disease because they catch it so late, they are simply not aware.”

male breast cancer

And too late is no good for Robert. His experience with cancer has taught him a couple of things, besides his desire to share and educate others. Robert is a member of the Legion Motorcycle Club, (http://www.legionmc.com/). Everyone in the club has a nickname, his is Atlas, for a good reason. “Because I carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. I will give the shirt off my back for anyone to help them. If you get out of bed and you hate the day ahead, come talk to me.” And Robet doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk. If there’s one thing he says he’s learned, it’s to live life and enjoy, because life is short.

kaitz and seven

Robert says, “don’t put something off that you will do another day, that you want to do, because you will probably never do it. Don’t sweat the small stuff, if you don’t worry too much it works out. Work it out and move forward.”

A big part of that forward progress is Robert’s participation in the John W. Nick Foundation, (https://www.malebreastcancer.org/), an organization dedicated to male breast cancer and to the man, John W. Nick, who died from the disease at age 58. Awareness could have saved his life and Robert is on a mission to save the lives of other men. “Do normal checkups and get physicals and stay on top of everything”, he says. “The key is catching this stuff early, if you don’t catch it early then there is trouble. If you find it now you can fix it, if you find it later, it might be too late.”

Just like the lyrics from, Born to be Wild, Robert is gonna make it happen, take the world in a love embrace. If he can save even one life, or make that life better, then the ride is worth it.

Until next time thanks for taking the time,

Mark Brodinsky

Mark Brodinsky, Author, Huffington Post Blogger (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-brodinsky/), Emmy Winner

The Amazon #1 Best-Seller: It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story

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Comments

  1. Barry Grosshandler says

    July 20, 2014 at 2:55 pm

    Great and informative story! Everything you write is so well done!

    Reply
    • markbrodinsky says

      July 20, 2014 at 6:30 pm

      Thank you.

      Reply

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Mark Brodinsky
Emmy Award Winner, 1996

Ever thought about writing a book? check this out!

Blog Reviews

Love seeing new blogs hit the ground running like this one (by a dad no less), but I also urge anyone vaguely interested in blogging to stay tuned, I am. Good luck on your journey – glad that I am along for the ride.

Rachel Blaufeld

Great blog Mark! I always appreciate reading what you have to say. You are very gifted and talented and hopefully someday you’ll not just blog, but write a book.

 Stephen Koncurat

I’m definitely along for the ride. We’ve all seen how much damage the written word can inflict. More positive writers are needed. And I love how you are using your personal experiences – those with your wife and children – and your gift of writing to open eyes and to inspire others.

Victoria Endicott

Absolutely beautifully written! The girls in your life must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing Mark, I look forward to reading more!

Gina Glick Jolson

Very shortly this site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s pleasant posts.

Leila Galloway

Absolutely beautiful! Are you at all thinking of penning a book? You’ve got a fan base out there that really thinks you should Mark. You write so eloquently. Glad that I got onto this site.

Marilyn Lefkowitz

Mark, You are truly a gifted writer and obviously, a special father and husband . Always a delight to read your words.

I’m speechless…beautiful words flow from your heart just like a gentle waterfall into a tranquil stream… thank you so much for the friend request I was blessed the day I clicked confirm.

Lynne Turner Dorsey

From your first writing in 4th grade entitled “People” which was published in the school newspaper, you have always been able to write. Never more so than when you started “Caringbridge” and now your blog, everyone who reads says what a wonderful writer you are. Our DREAM for you is to become an author and encourage people every day. You are by the far the best and we hope and pray you reach your dream.

Bonnie Brodinsky

I know you always thank us for reading but I would like to say thanks for writing.

Stuart Abell

Great piece. You are an inspiration!

Rob Commodari

Mark I just wanted to let you know that you are succeeding in your “ultimate goal”. I have gained so much from your blogs. I look forward to reading them for the special lift that they give me. Thank you.

Amy F.

I love waking up and starting my day with my coffee and your blog! It a great way to start my day with positive uplifting thoughts!! It puts me in a positive frame of mind throughout the day and allows me to reflect on my personal life, make changes, and grow !!!

Gayle Blank

You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

Cynthia

I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

Chuck Connolly

Thanks for your Blog Mark. It is fun, encouraging and a nice break from a day full of ups and downs.

Jackie Hetrick

With my busy schedule, there is (sadly) little time for reading. But I have two must-reads every time I come across them, the sports section and your blogs. Keep inspiring and following your dream!

Ed Nemec

Mark, you are a truly remarkable individual. You do speak from your heart, I can’t wait to read your book. You are an incredible writer.

Debbie Press

Mark, I am glad I clicked on your post this morning, which lead me to your writing, your goal.
Would like to connect. This speaks to me.

Aileen Braverman

I can’t wait to read the book. I have followed all the blogs and feel so good that I know u guys. You make me cry but you make me laugh too. All the very best to you!

Beverlee Rendelman

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WOW!!! It Takes 2 is a must read for anyone who has known someone diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening disease. This is the real story of a family lead by an incredible woman, Debbie Brodinsky, who took radical steps to beat the breast cancer beast. The story is told by her husband, Mark Brodinsky, through journal entries he kept starting with diagnosis through one year cancer free. This author's unique ability to pour his heart out onto the page draws you in from the beginning and holds you until the very end.

Thanks to Mark and Debbie Brodinsky for this gift...I have a new perspective on what it means to be a breast cancer survivor. You are a hero, Debbie Brodinsky!

TeeBThree
September 25, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book gives a heartfelt, in depth description of what it is like to go through breast cancer with the one you love. It is beautifully written and I felt as though I was living it with them! I highly recommend this book!

Jgs17
September 24, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

In It Takes 2, Mark Brodinsky windows us into his world where his wife, the cancer patient, is not the only victim. Part journal, part roadmap, It Takes 2 goes to the real humanity of facing the mortality of one's better half. Mark's candid perspective, love, and fierce intention resonate with hope in a story which is about much more than cancer. Mark himself is perhaps the most heroic character for the way he appreciates this life and so many of us in it...as he says, "thanks for caring."

Réné Pallace
September 24, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

It Takes Two: A Spouse's Story by Mark Brodinsky should be read by every person who is experiencing serious illness or injury or by a loved one of someone who is experiencing either of those situations. The book is an eloquent testament to the power of love and the healing energy derived from the belief that things will get better. There is not one word of "poor me" from the author or his wife who suffered breast cancer and the radical surgery she elected to have to beat the cancer. Rather, the book is a celebration of the courage displayed by them both in seeing it through.

The book also encourages readers to speak and write down their true feelings and be validated in them. John Mackovic writing in the Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun on November 2, 2013 quoted author and artist Doe Zantamata who said, " To be happy, you don't have to do anything new. You just have to remember how to believe again...Believe everything good is possible. Believe in your dreams. Believe in people. Believe in love. But most of all...believe in yourself." The author, his wife, their family and extended family and friends never stopped believing in his wife's recovery, and I think, in themselves. Read this book and believe.

Paul A. Riecks
November 4, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book is a must read for anyone with a family member with breast cancer. It takes you through the spouse's perspective from diagnosis to recovery. Mark journaled his wife's journey and put all of his emotions out there. It is beautifully written and inspiring to anyone going through breast cancer. Thank you, Mark for sharing Debbie's story.

Jmu1109
October 23, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

A friend recommended this book. This was a great perspective of a man standing beside his partner and passing along to the reader fear, hope, useful information and a broader story than his own. I loved Vinnie the tattoo artist. This is a great book. Thanks for sharing, Mark and "thanks for caring"

Blahsan

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book is a must read. What sets this book apart from other books about surviving breast cancer is that it is told by the husband and his point of view, not from the survivor. At times sad, at times poignant but even through the worst of it you can always feel the love he has for his wife, her strength and the strength of their extended family and friends. The posts that are included from their friends and family lets you really into the heart and strength of the family. I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through this, whether you are the person or the caregiver. I also recommend this book to anyone who has a friend that has been or is currently going through their fight now. It was an eye opener for me.

L. Bogash
Seven Valleys, PA

ittakes2_reviews_2

There isn't a shortage of books about breast cancer, but most are written from the perspective of the person who has battled cancer or a physician or other expert. What an enlightening experience to read about breast cancer from a husband and caregiver's perspective! Not only does the author give us insight into his wife's experience and emotions, but he openly shares and reveals his love, compassion, support, and, yes, sometimes anger at the disease as he stands by his wife's side during their journey to beat the beast. Your story may not be the same, but I guarantee if you have a loved one battling cancer, you won't go wrong reading It Takes 2.

 PattiM
September 25, 2013

 

ittakes2_reviews_2

From the moment I opened this book I never stopped reading. Mark invites the reader to come along on this journey that his family went through. I cried, laughed and learned so much. This book will give comfort and knowledge to those going through similar situations. Most importantly, Mark and his family never give up. They get knocked down and get right back up. They fought cancer together and with their strength, determination and will to prevail... They do!

 Jenny Schloss 

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