Hi, I'm Paul. My mum, who is 87, was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer on February 2016 and had a mastectomy in April 16 as a result. Her lymph nodes on her left side were also removed and no cancer was left. Mum was too old for chemo or radiotherapy so started hormone tablets, initally letrozole for three months, but she struggled with the tiredness so was switched to tamoxifen. Again that didnt help so she was eventually taken off them in February this year. I live with mum and was able to work from home to care and cook for her. The tireness continued though, which we thought was due to Anaemia and there was also weight loss (55 to 49kg) which we put down a reduced appetite. The breast cancer doctors didnt seem that concerned. However, Mums GP sent her for a CAT scan in April this year. The results were given to us last Friday. Suspected upper colon cancer. Theres also a a nodule on her lung that could mean nothing or could mean its spread. The next step is a colonoscopy under sedation.to see the cancers extent.
Mum was shocked as she has no pain. She does have constant dry cough which I was worried about before the results and makes me think the cancer has spread. Mum is struggling mentally, shes scared. I feel like I've been hit by a bus. I cant sleep, am constantly weepy. When my dad was in hospital with Emphysema, the battle with which he lost in 1996, there was a lady opposite who had bowel cancer, constantly having diarrhoea and painfully thin. I remember how much I hoped that no one I loved ever suffered like that. yet thats just what may happen to the person I love most. Its killng me inside. The future is now very scary and the thought of mum dieing in pain is with me all the time.
A decision will be needed on surgery if it can be done. At mums age though and after her strength was sapped by the last years events I am so unsure. Its a damned if you do.. situation.
I am angry at a system that looks at just one area, the breast, and doesnt monitor reccurance vigorously. I am angry at the injustice of mum going through this over and over. Selfish thoughts but thats how it feels. Its overwelming at times so I thought I'd join this forum to speak to others who have been though, or are going through the same journey. Apologies for the disjointed ramble. If anyone can share their thoughts I'd appreciate it.
Paul