HI,

We all react differently to our diagnoses. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 9 years. When I was first diagnosed I experienced all sorts of negative emotions and cried a lot. I also felt very angry, which was unlike me. I have a  a grown up son and a daughter. My son is in the medical field and has worked with cancer patients, so he wasn't phased, but my daughter believed that I was blaming her for my cancer, why, I don't know and neither does she now.

We have always been very close, but our relationship suffered badly. Eventually we both saw a counsellor. I was not keen to do this and our meeting was disastrous, but it did the trick and we are now back on track.

Just try to be patient with your mum.She is pssibly terrified of dying. Day to day things mean nothing when you don't think that you are going to be here for much longer. In her own way, your mum may be trying to protect you by widening the gap between you both.

Don't give up, try to talk to her openly about her treatment and her fears. We all need someone to confide in when we receive a cancer diagnosis, so I sincerely hope that she will eventually relent and you can get your relationship back on track.

I lost both of my parents and several relatives and close friends to cancer and know just how hard it can be to care for a loved one as they proceed along their cancer journey.

I hope that, in time, your perserverence will pay off.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx