My mum has breast cancer.

Hi, 

My mum was diagnosed with Breast cancer yesterday. She is having a MRI next week to determine whether she will need the whole breast removed or just a lump and to see if the cancer has spread. Apparently it is the fast acting one however they have caught it early. She has also been told she will need to have chemo and radiotherapy.

My mum is superwoman and I am positive she can get through this however I am so incredibly terrified. Not just at the thought of her dying but I am scared of the amount of pain both emotional and physical she will have to endure, particularly during chemo. 

She is so strong but I know she won’t be able to cope unless I can hold it together too, so I can’t talk to her about my fears and my brother is acting as if nothing is even happening. 

Can anyone offer any advise as to how to get through this? 

 

  • Welcome to Cancer Chat Florence although I'm sorry about your mum's breast cancer diagnosis.

    Embarking on a cancer journey is very tough, not just for the person diagnosed but for their family and friends as well but you are not alone as many of our members have been on similar journeys so will understand how you're feeling at the moment and hopefully you'll hear from some of them soon.

    If you feel you can't talk to your family about your fears you're more than welcome to keeping chatting to us here on the forum as you'll always find someone that will know what you're through. 

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi Florence92

    i completely understand what your feeling, my mum was diagnosed very similar to you. You will see from my posts that I expressed my feeelings & was very angry & worried not just about my mother but I was worried that I couldn't hold it together for her. 

    How are you? No one ever asks that question, it's just as hard for family as it is for the patient I found. It's very important that you express your own feelings, talk to family, talk to friends or colleagues. I couldn't have got through the past few months without my work colleagues, they have kept me together throughout this year. 

    I know you probably don't feel like going work, school or whatever but trust me getting away from home was the best thing for you to do. Of course I didn't forget what was happening at home, but all I can say is try to laugh and have fun, something I know isn't what you feel like but it's important to look after your own health too. After all laughter is the best medicine ...

    it  was a complete shock to learn my mum had cancer. It took a long time to learn to cope, I was a complete mess all year, but I'm learning to cope better now but it's still a long few months ahead. My friends at work have supported me through this year, I don't know what I'd have done without their advice, shoulders to cry on etc.  My mum is doing well, obviously she is fed up with all the doctors hoking & poking at her but I just keep reminding her that it's for the best & she is getting better.

    It's not easy but the end goal is to get better, stay positive & enjoy life because I've learned a lot this year that life is precious, nothing lasts forever & for myself I've learned that there is more to life than work, that I do have an inner strength (something that I never thought I could cope with has happened now & has made me stronger). I will keep you in my prayers, trust me when I say, you WILL find an inner strength & you WILL cope, you WILL never stop worrying but you have got to TRUST what the consultants tell you. 

    I hope you are ok, I'm sending your mum & yourself virtual hugs, the road may get rocky but the bumps will hopefully disappear, keep in touch, remember I am here for you day or night, just send me a message or reply on this thread.

     

    Ger xx