44m just diagnosed

I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis but am glad you found this site. There are is a lot of great support and information here as you said. Try to stay away from google and look for your information here. All cancer is treatable. keep that in mind as you process what you have learned about your lump. Surely, your doctor will have more information for you and walk you through the next steps. Focus on getting home where you feel more comfortable and can gather your support group to help you get going on the next steps. I am only a few paces ahead of you since I found out about my cancer on Tuesday. I am still waiting for results on the hormone status of mine. The waiting is the worst. Keep us posted on your progress.

Hi and welcome Avh, very sorry about the diagnosis. The beginning of the process is such an upheaval. You will feel much better once you get a treatment plan in place, it gives us a sense of control. You're most likely to be first referred to a surgeon, then a medical oncologist and possibly a radiation specialist if radiation is required. Once you get info on your cancer be sure to post... the members here are a wealth of Infoand support. Your questions are anything but crazy, they are pretty much the norm. The changes you'll experience depends on you and how you choose to deal with it all, again we're here to help you through. I for one know that a normal life Is very much possible. MANY members here maintain careers, raise families and carry on with life per usual, and MANY do so during treatment. This community of ours has a very rich cross section of every type of person and situation...you'll find out just how normal life goes on after cancer. This isn't a death sentence, please keep that in mind. This is the most stressful time for you but it will get better when you've had time to process. Reach out here as often as you want. Sending peaceful vibes your way.

ER positive (ER+ on the threads here) means that your tumor receives signals from estrogen that could promote its growth (feeds off estrogen). Yup, guys have estrogen too. This means you might be a candidate for a anti-hormonal medication after treatment, depending on what percentage of ER+ you are. Usual protocols would have you on these meds anywhere from 5-10 years (daily pill). There can be bothersome side effects however I have noticed that the men here at BCO don't seem to suffer the side effects as the ladies do. Some have none. It's an individual result.

Staging generally includes an MRI (to determine how far the cancer has gone, and to find any lymph nodes might be involved), a chest xray, abdominal ultrasound, a bone scan and possible further ultrasound if necessary. Your exact stage will not be completely determined until the lump is removed and final pathology is done. This all takes time, so be prepared for a bit of a drawn out process. It's all vital in getting the appropriate treatment that is best for you. I'm hoping it moves quickly for you as it has for some lucky folks here.

Write all your questions down so that when you meet with your surgeon or medical oncologist you'll be prepared. Sometimes it can be overwhelming so you may want to bring someone along to make sure your questions are answered.

Edited to add: Here are a few links that may help:

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis/hormone_status

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis/staging

I am not a dr or any type of specialist, just a fellow BC person. From the way I read it, I believe you are Stage 1, Grade 2. Hormone positive so in women they typically prescribe Tamoxifen in pre-menopausal women or aromatase inhibitors for post menopausal women after whatever options they choose, lumpectomy, mastectomy. Her2 neg is good also. I am not sure if and what they may prescribe for men. Low KI67 and Mitosis, which is good, means the cells are slow growing. In other words, its early stage. Did you have a biopsy or you had the complete lump removed?

There are much more knowledgeable posters on here, and hopefully if I am wrong, someone will correct me.

Sorry you have had to join us here. There are other men here and hopefully they will chime in soon.

Avh112 is in PM conversation with me. He's awaiting more info on his diagnosis and potential treatment.