My moms breast cancer...

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flatbellybella
flatbellybella Posts: 303 Member
edited April 2016 in Motivation and Support
April has been a month to remember... :s
I found out my mom most likely has breast cancer... We're awaiting a biopsy appointment and CT scan.
We have no family history and my mom is fit and healthy. I am beyond devastated ... This feels like a nightmare I can't wake up from.

I'm trying to be strong for her but I am shattered... I have no appetite and no urge to do anything I use to do. I work as a nurse and it is so hard to go into work. Everyone I talk to says "stay calm, one day at a time, meditate meditate" easier said than done. I am so scared

If anyone is in my shoes or has experienced this please reach out

Replies

  • brb_2013
    brb_2013 Posts: 1,197 Member
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    Well its not cancer until the result comes. My Doctor scared the snot out of me when I had unexplained uterine bleeding that wouldn't stop. She told me she needed to do a biopsy because it could be cancer. Spent a week crying my eyes out, and it was just an infection. Be patient for now, the time for action will come. I don't mean to be insensitive but why worry until you know you should?
  • flatbellybella
    flatbellybella Posts: 303 Member
    edited April 2016
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    The family doctor said there's a 90% chance
  • FindingLiz016
    FindingLiz016 Posts: 79 Member
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    My mom and my sister are breast cancer survivors. You gotta stay strong because your mom needs you more than ever.Keep your head up and stay by her side, I'm praying for you and your mom.
  • ldowdesw
    ldowdesw Posts: 222 Member
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    The family doctor is probably not a cancer specialist and so I would hold my breath for good news from the CT scan. Whatever the outcome, you cannot control it, take a look at statistics from breast cancer survivors, there are now more survivors than ever!! Be strong for your Mum, and perhaps use your knowledge of good food to keep her health and nutrition in order. I wish you and your Mum the very best. Xx
  • Shells918
    Shells918 Posts: 1,070 Member
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    My mom is a breast cancer survivor. There was no history and she is healthy. She had a lumpectomy and radiation 18 years ago and is still cancer free.
    My dad had esophogeal cancer 2 years ago, had surgery chemo and radiation. Found out yesterday there might be more cancer.
    It blows.
    Get your emotions out at home but be strong for your mom when you talk to her and are with her. Cancer affects the whole family in different ways. When she gets an official diagnosis there will be a million thoughts and feelings but the most important has to be "what can we do to get her well?"
  • Lucy1752
    Lucy1752 Posts: 499 Member
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    My gram survived it at 76 years old! Then 4 years later survived colon cancer.
    We women are tough - hang in there - even if it comes back + there is strong reason to have hope!
  • AudreysMommy2014
    AudreysMommy2014 Posts: 10 Member
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    Be encouraged!

    I was diagnosed with TNBC late last year. I've had chemotherapy, surgery and am starting radiation later today. Feel free to send me a friend request so that we can support each other.
  • LesliemarieAZ
    LesliemarieAZ Posts: 352 Member
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    My mom just finished six chemo treatments for her breast cancer, next up she has surgery and radiation. I won't lie, it has been very difficult; but she's still alive, she's still working, and she's going to make it.

    If your mom is going to require chemo treatments, she's going to need you, a lot. It affects everyone differently, but it made my mom very sick. Your stress levels may skyrocket, so be prepared for that. It's tough seeing your mom going through something like this, but she will pull through. And so will you.
  • proudjmmom
    proudjmmom Posts: 145 Member
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    I know what you are going through, I went through a similar situation last year with my Dad. His PCP knew he had prostate cancer before the rest of the scans and biopsy. It was hard, a hard pill to swallow. He had his prostate removed last June, and has required no further treatments, other than routine blood work. If the scans are positive, hopefully it is treatable. Its hard to remain positive to such a negative situation, but you have to, for your own sanity, and to be of support to your mom. Take care of yourself.
  • flatbellybella
    flatbellybella Posts: 303 Member
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    It's officially. Further scans/tests to hope it's local.
    The plan is 8 cycles of chemo (4 months) praying that the chemo shrinks the tumour then surgery followed by radiation. About a year of herceptin mixed in there after the AC chemo.
    I just crave that time when this wasn't a worry... It's crazy how life can change just like that. Nothing is ever guaranteed
  • ElizabethAN2017
    ElizabethAN2017 Posts: 565 Member
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    flatbellybella wrote: »
    It's officially. Further scans/tests to hope it's local.
    The plan is 8 cycles of chemo (4 months) praying that the chemo shrinks the tumour then surgery followed by radiation. About a year of herceptin mixed in there after the AC chemo.
    I just crave that time when this wasn't a worry... It's crazy how life can change just like that. Nothing is ever guaranteed

    Keep your chin up and stay positive. *hugs ~ Elizabeth Maryam
  • Praying_Mantis
    Praying_Mantis Posts: 239 Member
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    flatbellybella wrote: »
    It's officially. Further scans/tests to hope it's local.
    The plan is 8 cycles of chemo (4 months) praying that the chemo shrinks the tumour then surgery followed by radiation. About a year of herceptin mixed in there after the AC chemo.
    I just crave that time when this wasn't a worry... It's crazy how life can change just like that. Nothing is ever guaranteed

    I'm sorry your mom's initial diagnosis was confirmed. Last year my mom received similar news. She had a lumpectomy followed by several (eight?) weeks of radiation. The weekly / bi-weekly treatment tired her out, but she was able to keep a relatively simple schedule otherwise. She's in her 70s and retired, so at least she didn't have to take care of kids or report to work during that time. Her provider said they got all the cancer cells and her outlook looked good.

    Fast-forward one year: my folks just got back from a trip to Spain, Portugal, and Madeira with a trip to New Orleans set for later this summer, followed by travel to England/Wales/Ireland. She has a clean bill of health and hasn't looked back.

    Meanwhile, my doctor let me know that given my mom's age, I am NOT at any additional risk. While this should have soothed me (and it did), all I could think was: my mom's old. I live several thousands of miles away and had to rely on her to tell me what she was prepared to share and hope that she wasn't holding back.

    For my family the news was saddening, but not devastating. I hope the same for you and your family.

    Sending you many well-wishes and a speedy recovery for your mom.


  • amyr271
    amyr271 Posts: 343 Member
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    My mum has survived breadt cancer, twice. Once as recently as last year. As tough as it seems there is nothing you can do to help other than provide support.

    My mum wanted us all to go about life our daily routines as normal, so that she could focus on herself and getting better rather than having to worry about us all moping around and also if we were acting normal I guess she could convince herself that things were[ normal.

    She had six rounds of chemo, the last three were incredibly strong and knocked her on her *kitten* and then one surgery, then 25 rounds of radiotherapy, diagnosis was in Feb'15, she finished treatment Oct'15. It's a long road but it does end eventually!!

    If you gain anything from this experience, let it be that you are more aware of cancer and that you check yourself frequently.

    And whilst people will say chin up etc etc, know that it is okay to cry and be upset.

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