Male with breast lump

This is a wierd one, I think. I'm in my early 60's and dound a lump beneath my right nipple in January. I just went in for a mamo yesterday and they followed that with ultrasound. Then recommended a biopsy.  All this after the doc told me I needed to lower my blood pressure. Nothing like a biopsy recommendation to help the blood pressure! I'm more than a little shaken up by this. // K

You are so right, K... there is nothing like all that testing, recommendation for a biopsy, and then telling you to lower your blood pressure! LOL Do you have a family history of breast cancer, in men especially, but women as well? Have you scheduled your biopsy yet?

BEV

Just a post script to BEV, I forgot to mention, the only one in my family I'm aware of that's had breast cancer is a cousin (female). No men that I know of, and no other women. In face, cancer of any kind, other than skin carcinoma, is rare in my family.

I have always had a standing joke when my husband talks about his prostrate exams, how he does not have to endure a mammo. Well just before Christmas he had to have one and also an ultra sound. He had a tumor removed and it was B9 thank goodness. Of course removal, just before Christmas and results were after, made for a very long holiday. I have always said if it had to be one of us with cancer thankgoodness it was me. This is the second scare he has had. The ladies have been teasing him about feeling left out when we talk about mammos, he just wanted to fit in. Thankfully I am married to a man with a great sense of humor. I hope you are as lucky as he has been.

                                                   Best of wishes and lots of luck,

                                                    Lemon

Praying for B-9 results for you. Please let us know. {{{Hugs}}}

Gail

Hoping for B9!!!!

Lauré

I am sorry to hear your diagnosis, but you have the correct attitude. Stay in touch and tell us how you are doing. Everyone here will endeavor to help answer any questions you might have.

Bob, This is unfortunate news, but keep in mind that it may have been caught early and you won't be a stage IV, although stage IV is very treatable these days and your cousin is proof. You have the right attitude, but DO let yourself be upset, mad, or otherwise expressive so you don't bottle anything up inside. ANY cancer diagnosis sucks! It just does, and it's alright to let that in early on. I'm 5 years out and still have my moments of anger at the whole situation. Please keep in touch with us and let us know what's going on! We would like to support you in any/all ways that we can! Perhaps one of us lives in your area and we can give more support. Just hang in there and try to take some time each day just to relax.

My thoughts and prayers will be with you!
Lauré

Hello there Bob,

You and I have the distinction of being male breast cancer survivors.  In my case I had to see four different Doctors before one of them would take me seriously.  I got these smirking chuckles followed by "you're just getting old and growing boobs...."  Got tired of that very quickly and moved on to the next Doctor.

I found a lump behind my left nipple in Oct 2006.  Saw the fourth Doctor and by Dec 2007 the tumor was nearly one inch in diameter. Mamo, followed by needle-core biopsy: 25 Jan 08 diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma; Stage 2, Grade 3 [very aggressive].  On 1 Feb 08 = Modified radical mastectomy left breast; 2 of 14 lymphnodes were cancerous.  Chemotherapy began 28 Feb [three-drug cocktail] of "TAC" at maximum dosage tolerated for 6 cycles spaced 3 weeks apart.

At that time I was 62 years old just as you are.  The Chemo wiped me out; my white blood cell count went literally to "zero".  I was admitted to the hospital and put in reverse isolation ....... I did not wear a face mask, but everyone coming into my room were masked to prevent infecting me.  I lost 26 pounds in 30 days.  Chemo # 6 put me back into the isolation thing again.

I lost every hair on my body.  I said to others that "I'm a hairless Chihuahua ...."

I am today in remission.  I elected not to have radiation therapy.  Instead I had the other breast removed.  My theory is "Less breast tissue equals less chance of reoccurrence of the cancer.  Also, too many side-effects with radiation to suit my taste.

It took about 12 months from finishing Chemo to begin thinking better, more sensible.  Chemo-brain was a serious problem for me.  The Mod-Radical Mastectomy was a shock to my sensibilities.  To wash the scar in the shower made me have the urge to vomit.  There were very serious nerves that were cut, and badly distorted signals were getting through to my brain.  It has become less of a problem over time.

Now I understand what the ladies meant about menopause and hot-flashes.  I am taking Tamoxifen daily, a hormone blocker, that gives the same  hot-flashes.  Oh well, there is a 50% reduction of cancer coming back while on this medication for 5 years; then switch a different blocker.

If I can help out with anything you might question about your situation, I'll help you find the answer if I don't already know it.

You're not in this alone, Bob.  We are here to ease your mind and lift you up as you go thru this life-changing experience.  Keep us posted about your progress, please.

 

Hi again folks.

I thought that since this male breast cancer thing is so relatively rare, I would give an update.

Yesterday my oncologist and I discused the results of my CT and bone scans.  This was the first series since August 2008.  I had completed chemotherapy on Jun 12 2008 (no radiation).

2 1/2 years .......... and so far, so good.