I hope I am a visitor here

I have been having pain in my left breast for probably about a year. I assumed I had bruised it moving furniture and boxes as I had been moving (I am 59). As time progressed I realized that there was something else going on as I had distinguishable lumps.

After I finally stopped tripping over my ego, I went to the Dr. He thought there was probably not a problem but said he would refer me for a mammogram. I decided that if he was not concerned, I was probably being silly. A few weeks later I could not ignore the problems and asked for a mammogram. (BTW my left nipple itches so much i want to rip it off and I do have the "red ring" i had been reading about.

Well I flunked my Mammogram and just received a certified letter from the radiologist saying I need to get a MRI of both breasts. There were no specifics beyond that. My Dr. also called me, having received the report and the MRI is being scheduled.

I have to say that I am a bit less than thrilled.

Some years ago, now that I think about it, my Urologist had spoken to me about the likelihood that I have that bad gene some that have breast cancer have, since I had a Gleason 8 prostate cancer at 49. My sister had breast cancer, my grandmother and her sister both had breast cancer and my mom had some sort of gender related issues.

There is an old saying: "we can all read the writing on the wall, we just always think it was written for someone else".

I think the writing on the wall may be written for me this time.

I have been a caregiver for my wife for a long time. She has an extremely rare neurological autoimmune disease that carries a terminal diagnosis. I can say that I don't have time for this, but that may be irrelevant.

Assuming cancer is confirmed and surgery is ordered, what recovery time can be expected?

Is pre-surgical chemotherapy usually given and if so how long does it last?

These questions revolve around attempting to make preparations for the care of my wife during these times.

I am pretty ignorant on male breast cancer as I have only known a couple men who have dealt with it and would appreciate any help or advice.

Thanks