I just had a bilateral total mastectamies 9 days ago, Help

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jimlagunabeach
jimlagunabeach Member Posts: 1
edited June 2014 in Male Breast Cancer

Hello,

my name is Jim and I am a 49 year old man.

on April, 17, 2013 I had my bilateral total mastectamies.

thank god no cancer.

I am thankful I found this forum, I have nobody that has gone through this as a male to talk too.

people that I know think I am strange now, or maybe it is how I am now viewing myself.

are there any support groups for men that have lost both of their breasts and nipples out there, I am in Orange County, CA.

I have a wondeful wife and a 9 year old son, and this is just as scary for them as for me.

thank you for your feedback.

Jim

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  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 16,818
    edited April 2013

    Hi Jim, welcome to BCO.  So sorry that you have joined our ranks but I'm sure you will find some great information and support here.  I can't help with your question, I live a little bit too far away but I just wanted to let you know someone was reading your post.

    Love n hugs.   Chrissy

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  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited April 2013

    Hi Jim,

    So glad to hear you are cancer free, and that you have found us.

    It is a scary time, we all understand.

    There are other men here, and there is a male bc thread. I am not sure where they are from, but I am sure you'll find them and they will offer you support. One is named Brent, I think, and he goes by 1NippledBandit! I just checked, but he hasn't been here  for a while. There are others though.

    We are here too, if you need to ask any questions, the girls are ready to help out. 

    Take care, search the site, and I am sure you'll find the other men. I'll search too and if I find the threads I will come back an post for you.

    All the very best Jim. 

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  • NickyJ
    NickyJ Member Posts: 722
    edited April 2013

    Hi Jim,

    Another woman replying I'm afraid, but like the others I just wanted to let you know that I've read your post. Hopefully some if the men will be here soon to answer your questions.

    Sorry you had to join us, but you've come to a great place. Hopefully the boards will make your journey a bit easier - it's certainly helping me.

    As the others have said, we're hear and ready to listen, so keep posting.

    Thinking of you Jim,



    Nicky

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  • steelrose
    steelrose Member Posts: 3,798
    edited April 2013

    Hi Jim,

    I hope another guy will post soon, but I did want you to know that I'm thinking of you and your family. My Dad had male breast cancer, and the feelings you describe are no different for men than they are for women. We all feel a bit strange after the operation, but it does get better! The most important thing is that they got that cancer out!!!!

    Wishing you the very best,

    Rose.      

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  • Skigirl72
    Skigirl72 Member Posts: 478
    edited April 2013

    Jim- My local Guilda's Club has a Male Breast Cancer support group, maybe your local American Cancer Society or contact your cancer center. I remember seeing support group postings in the waiting room. Good luck to you!

    The other threads I have joined have given me much support even though I have never met anyone face to face.

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  • bigredbear
    bigredbear Member Posts: 16
    edited April 2013

    Hello Jim I am Bryan From Groves tx. I too am 49 years old and have stage 4 male breast cancer No Nipples here either.I made it 2 years cancer free and now its back in bone in my t-8 vert. and my diaphrgam has a 5 cm tumor on it below my rt. lung. I really have no problem and feel no different with out my breast. Its what I had to do to live so I did it. People can think what they want!!! I DO NOT CARE... No matter where you go there are always the ones looking for something to get a laugh from..  Be proud that you have done it when you did and its what you had to do. My friends have never said a thing nor does anyone look at me differently. Its just how you feel for a little while. It will pass believe me. I have a big hole in my chest but I am here and still am a scratch golfer!! Bryan Jackson

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  • 1NippledBandit
    1NippledBandit Member Posts: 78
    edited April 2013

    Hi Jim,

    It is strange getting used to not having nipples.  With time it gets easier.  I am almost to my 3 year mark after losing my right nipple.  I really don't think about it anymore.  I don't know of any support groups other than this one.  There are a few guys on here but we are kind of hit and miss as to when we check for new posts.  I was 37 when I was diagnosed and had 4 kids at the time (5 now). 

    Anything I can do to help you with your new body image, just let me know.

    Brent

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  • silas
    silas Member Posts: 2
    edited July 2013

    Jim Don't waste any time worrying about your lack of nipples. Be thankfully you can enjoy being on the planet and be very thankfully for family and friends who love you. I have one nipple and I am very proud of the fact that I am a survivor. I am now contemplating radiation. Because it is my left breast there is a real possibility of damaging my heart and lungs. Jim hang in there and continue to use this web site for support. Silas

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  • sciencegal
    sciencegal Member Posts: 1,120
    edited July 2013

    Jim, I just saw this post and am so glad you are cancer free.



    If it really bugs you, is fat grafting and/or nipple reconstruction with tatoo offered for men, as it is for us women, with insurance covering it?



    If not that is discrimination! We should all have the same opportunities if we want to take them.

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