Hi All. My mum has recently been diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. She needs a mastectomy and radiotherapy over the next few months. She has a shortened life expectancy but certainly isn't terminal. My mum doesn't open up easily about anything, let alone her cancer; she internalises everything and takes her emotions (anger and frustration) out on her close family. We (my dad, sister and I) try to approach the C subject with caution to understand a bit more about the treatment plan, diagnosis, how she's feeling and to ask how we can support, but the conversation is shut down immediately. It's the big elephant in the room that we can't talk about with fear of pushing mum over the edge... she fills the silent void with drivel (not normal) so nobody gets the opportunity to bring up the C word... Because she internalises everything she doesn't want anyone, not even close family, knowing of her diagnosis and treatment, so it's difficult for her family to have the "therapy" we need to process it all as we are unable to openly discuss the situation with anyone. We can't talk about why we feel the way we do (i.e wanting to talk to others) as mum says it's an attack on her and us justifying our position. Has anyone been in a similar position to me or my mum, and have you got any advice on how to improve things and get her to open up and see that we are here to support her?? Help, please!! Thank you
