hi,
My wife went through breast cancer 5 years ago[very successfully]and i sat with her in the breast unit with lots of other couples. Names were called out and the female of the couple got up and went in for an appointment/treatment. One day a man responded to a name and I thought this is the breast unit What is a man doing with breast cancer? That prompted me to learn more and I must admit [I was 65 then]I did not have a clue men could get it . I think it is the word breast in front of breast cancer,us men think well we don't have breasts do we so that won't be a problem for me !... When I found a lump a few weeks back [over 5 years ago I would have ignored it !] I went to my GP,, Breast unit , scans, and biopsy and I still didn't think it would be a problem Well it was,, a mastectomy on Monday . Since then every male friend, relative, or anyone I know slightly more than a passing acquaintance I have said ...check your lumps ! yes we can get it .Don't ignore it,it might be nothing but get it looked at ! .
I have every faith in the breast unit In Peterborough, they were so good to my wife [and me !]we all hate the word cancer and never want to hear it said by a Doctor to our loved ones or indeed ourselves.I have a target and I will stick to it ,I already had the North Wales zip wire booked for my 70th to raise money for charity ..and that's still happening :]
Hi Lewis348 and a very warm welcome to the Community but sorry to hear about your diagnoses and I have to say it happens more than is talked about..
As you know navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked the ‘exact same' cancer journey can help a lot. (I have a completely different cancer).
The New to Community is like our reception desk where we look to try and direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support. The Community is actually divided into dedicated Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our dedicated Breast Cancer support group. This will be a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To connect in with the group click on this link 
…… then once the group page opens click in the [Black - Click to Join - Banner] that appears at the bottom of the page and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
When you are ready……. you can introduce yourself by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [ + ] in the top right of the group page.
You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
You can follow the following link to the 'blokes with breast cancer' thread,
Also here's the blog about men with breast cancer, in case that's of any interest.
You may find it helpful to call the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear. We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow 3 working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community but if we don't talk again all the very best.
