'Finding out that I might have breast cancer as a teenager challenged everything I thought I knew about what it means to be a man.' The author opens up about what getting a mastectomy as a teenage boy taught him about masculinity.
. But it’s more likely advanced when diagnosed, because of less awareness and later detection. In other words, I might have ignored it too long. Was it too late?
Before surgery, I kept it secret. I could just imagine the ridicule if kids at school knew I was having breast surgery. But at night I’d stand alone in the bathroom, door locked, and lean close to the mirror to look at my right breast. I traced along the hard curve using my finger as a scalpel. Would there be an indentation, I wondered?
After surgery, the worst began. The incision caused pus to build up. I had to wrap my right side tight with a bandage. As days went by and pus pooled under the skin, my breast looked like the saggy boob of an 80-year-old. It felt like a woman’s body was invading mine, at a time I was desperate not to be perceived that way.
Walking down the long school hallways, I’d sling my backpack over my left shoulder and maneuver between-class crowds, careful to avoid bumping into anyone. At my locker, hung high on the wall, I’d stand a long time, unable to lift my right arm to the combination lock. I’d fumble with my left hand for a code that had long since become second nature when I used my right. Sometimes, you only recognize the parts of your body you rely on when they become unreliable.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Im Siwan Tears Chun Woo Hee’s Life Apart After Finding Her Phone In “Unlocked”ImSiwan Tears ChunWooHee's Life Apart After Finding Her Phone In 'Unlocked'
Read more »
Edward Norton learns his connection to Pocahontas on 'Finding Your Roots'Edward Norton grew up hearing that he was a direct descendant of Pocahontas, but the actor had always brushed off the fascinating family legend — until now.
Read more »
These young refugees are finding their way in America through soccerBuilding community is what Soccer Without Borders is all about. The organization, established in 2006, works to serve young refugees and immigrants.
Read more »
Agents report finding child porn, bag of children's underwear in Utah man's homeA Utah man was arrested Thursday and accused of having hundreds of child pornography videos in his home as well as a bag of children's underwear.
Read more »
Federal judge again threatens contempt-of-court finding for Texas’ slow progress on foster care reformsThe judge warned the state could be held in contempt of court for not following through...
Read more »