Young and Afraid

I have read these posts as everyone trying to be helpful, not meaning to scare anyone. Yes, we all have had different experiences and yes we try to relate to the person but not intentionally to be self serving or mean. I guess I thought sharing experiences and offering support were the point of the boards. I am sure none of us ever expected to be here and male breast cancer can and does get dismissed sometimes so I believe men may have to be a little more pro active. However, in Jacob's case, his doctor did know and took it seriously, happy ending. We are very very glad for you Jacob 

Linda

I hate to even say this given your propensity to hypochondria.  I was diagnosed at 37 years old.  I went to my first doctor about the lump when I was 35.  He told me it was nothing.  A year later I moved and went to see different doctor for strep and mentioned it to him.  He also said it was nothing.  I was somewhat put at ease, but was still uncomfortable with the appearance of my nipple and the lump (I was having nipple retraction).  A year later I happened to squeeze through a doorway while helping someone move and I brushed the nipple and felt excruciating pain.  I went back to the 2nd doctor and insisted it get checked.  A man-o-gram and an ultrasound were done.  I was referred to a surgeon.  She told me it looked "suspicious" and ordered a biopsy.  I had cancer for 2 years and was misdiagnosed by 2 separate doctors.  The surgeon recognized it immediately as cancer but didn't tell me until after she confirmed it with testing.  Nipple retraction is close to a 99% positive sign of breast cancer.

Again, I hate to mention this to you, but just because a doctor says it is nothing does not mean it is nothing.  They are human and can make mistakes, especially when it comes to male breast cancer, because it is so rare.  I hope it is nothing, but I would press for a man-o-gram and an ultrasound before I rested easy.  Doctors practice medicine because they don't always get it right.

Best of luck,

Brent

Jacob, that's a good thing! The waiting is just awful, we all had to do it and agree it's the worst, but it is a means to an end and the odds are still very much in your favor, for a B9 outcome. Try to keep busy this week and it will be Friday before you know it. Let us know how you get on!

Good luck, Jacob! I hope you'll finally be able to put this all behind you very soon. And tell those mammo ladies to be nice to you or else... grrr...

No way are we going to give you a hard time over making that decision. You followed through and got 2 opinions, that really is, all you need to do.

Keep an eye on it and if you see any changes, just go back and have it looked at. I wish you all the very best!

Planned Parenthood, and many other organizations, offer free mammograms to all comers. You would probably have to describe that you have been following a lump and can't afford a mammogram. BTW, around here, a self-pay mammogram costs $400. Might be cheaper to call around for quotes than going through your insurance.

But you are right.... the likelihood is small but Mr. Bandit is quite convincing.

All the best,

*susan*

Tik it is u r decision we will b here good luck

Great news, Jacob! Enjoy the holidays:)