Hi

My partner has the same diagnosis but 3C rather than 3A and is having chemo and radio afterwards.

You are at a very difficult and painful moment-my heart goes out to you but you will feel a bit better when she starts treatment.

I can't tell you the growth rate of cancer because I think it depends on the individual. What your Mum has will be individual to her. however, my understanding is that for most people a few weeks won't make a difference, but I'm not a doctor! Why not Ask the Nurses on this forum.

When I was in your position, I wanted to know about diet when on chemo and other practical stuff but I think they will give you a booklet. You dont say whether you are likely to be Mum's carer but I would also be asking who to ring if mum has a side effect or is unwell. Where we live, we can ring the nurses on the chemo ward. For example, my partner had mouth ulcers as a side effect and we rang and they advised us to get a particular mouthwash.

I'd probably want to check that any pain killers she uses are ok. 

I also think that you might want to think twice about asking any questions that your Mum might not want to know the answers too. [ie life expectancy] Mostly, no-one knows the answers for sure and this forum has many members who were given a certain length of time to live and are still here years later. The important thing is for her to enjoy life and take a day at a time.

When she is part of the way through her chemo they may scan her again to see if she is on the best treatment for her. If not, they might change it.

Good luck x

Hi, so sorry to hear your news.

Monica is correct - each person is different and it depends how agressive the cancer is.  I do hope that she is offered treatment, which can be radiotherapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy.  There is loads of support for you and her during this time, particularly with regards to diet and managing any side effects.  You will get a large pack of information at the pre-assessment before treatment starts. I found it helps to write questions down so you remember to ask what to expect and in general how successful it is and if not what other options there are.  You can get help with transport to and from hospital for treatment and if you drive then parking is free.  It is a scary time for you all but please do talk to macmillan or Marie Curie or even your local hospice who can arrange home care. 

I hope you get the support you deserve and wish her every success and as nice a birthday as she can have in these circumstances.  Being strong is hard but you will cope for her.  I send you love and hope.

Hi my mum has recently been diagnosed with the same but stage 3c- we are now at the same stage you were when you wrote this post- can I ask how your mother is doing- and what treatment she is on. 

Really hope everything is going well for you all. 

Keighley