Episode Description
What does it look like when a man who is wired to strategize and stay in control faces a diagnosis he never expected?
Male breast cancer is rarely discussed, yet it carries the same weight of fear, uncertainty, and identity shift as any cancer journey. In this thoughtful conversation, Rene Valdry shares what it was like to hear the words stage three breast cancer and begin navigating treatment while continuing to show up for work, family, and himself.
Rene and Darcie explore the emotional reality men may struggle to express. They talk about the loss of control, the quiet anger, and the vulnerability of speaking the diagnosis out loud. They reflect on continuing to work during treatment, leaning on trusted friendships, and finding strength through support groups and shared experience.
At its heart, this conversation centers on awareness, community, and the subtle ways cancer reshapes how a person listens, leads, and lives. His story is a reminder that even when life narrows to one step at a time, hope remains steady in connection and presence
Highlights
- How noticing a subtle physical change during an ordinary workout led to a life-altering diagnosis
- Why male breast cancer often goes undetected and under-discussed
- What it means to surrender control when you are wired to strategize outcomes
- Hear how continuing to work during treatment created stability and purpose
- Discover the emotional complexity men may experience but struggle to express
- Learn why community, peer support, and shared experience change the cancer journey
Mentioned Resources:
CanCare - www.cancare.org
Book – www.cancare.org/hopebook
About the Guest:
Rene Valdry is a male breast cancer survivor and advocate raising awareness about a disease most people don't realize affects men. Diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer in 2023 after noticing something unusual during a workout, his journey has deepened his faith and shaped his commitment to supporting others through cancer. Throughout treatment, Rene continued working while leaning on his faith, a support group, and his community. He describes a quiet intuition he's developed: the ability to recognize another cancer survivor before a word is spoken.
Love the podcast? You’ll be moved by the book. The Hope in the Face of Cancer book shares inspiring, real stories from survivors, caregivers, and healthcare heroes. Raw, uplifting, and full of heart—for anyone seeking hope and connection. Get your copy: cancare.org/hopebook.
About Our Host:
Darcie Champagne Wells is the President and CEO of CanCare, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing support to the cancer community by pairing cancer patients with survivors. Since joining in November 2020 as the third President & CEO, Darcie has driven significant growth, increasing one-to-one support matches by 45% and healthcare referrals by 66%. In 2022, she initiated the Impact Acceleration Initiative to further expand support for cancer patients and caregivers. Her leadership has earned her recognition as a “Most Admired CEO” and “Woman Who Means Business” by the Houston Business Journal, and national “Fundraiser of the Year” by RAISE. Darcie holds a BS in Business Administration from Louisiana State University and an MBA from the University of Houston.
https://www.facebook.com/CanCareInc
https://www.instagram.com/cancare_inc
Thanks for tuning in to Hope in the Face of Cancer!
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📖 Enjoy the podcast? You’ll love the book.
Check out our book, Hope in the Face of Cancer—a powerful collection of real stories from survivors, caregivers, and healthcare heroes. It’s uplifting, raw, and full of heart. Get your copy at cancare.org/hopebook.
Thanks for tuning in to Hope in the Face of Cancer!
We’re so glad you’re here. If this episode moved you, inspired you, or brought you a little bit of light, please share it with someone who might need it. Just hit the share button on this page or spread the word on social—your voice helps us reach more hearts.
🎧 Never miss an episode!
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favorite podcasts to get updates as soon as new episodes drop.
⭐ Help us grow with a quick review
If you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts goes a long way. It helps others discover the show and reminds us that these stories matter. Take a moment to leave a review—we read every one!
📖 Enjoy the podcast? You’ll love the book.
Check out our book, Hope in the Face of Cancer—a powerful collection of real stories from survivors, caregivers, and healthcare heroes. It’s uplifting, raw, and full of heart. Get your copy at cancare.org/hopebook.