I'm Scared and desparate for answers. My Mom has Breast Cancer.

maryz419

I don't know what to do, who to talk to, or what to expect. We found out on New Year's Eve day that my Mom has breast cancer. They removed two tumors that showed up on the mammogram and while in there they found another that didn't show up. The results came back that the 3rd tumor is also cancer. She went back to the doctor last week and they said come back next week that he needed to talk to others regarding her case. She went back today and now they say that she must undergo chemo and then radiation. Wait two more weeks and meet with a chemo oncologist. After surgery the doctor said that if that third tumor came back cancer that he'd recommend a masectomy. Now, they say chemo and then radiation. Has anyone else gone through this. My mom is also a diabetic. I am so worried about her I can barely stand it. If someone can help shed some light, please write back.

rose1503

Dear Mary!
I am currently going through chemotherapy. Your mother's story sounds like mine. I started out with 1 tumor and grew to have 5 in just 3 weeks time--diagnosed with aggressive invasive breast cancer. I under went 4 surgeries with the 4th resulting in removal of my left breast. I, too was told at the beginning that I would need to undergo chemotherapy and then radiation. However, once my left breast was removed, radiation was no longer necessary. I have been in chemo since Sept. 03 and am down to my final 3 treatments. Oh, I have struggled throughout my chemotherapy and it hasn't been easy for me because I am allergic to the medication. Nevertheless, I continued most of my daily activities including going to work and some volunteer work while in treatment. I have also undergone reconstruction and am awaiting 2 more surgeries for completion. I am glad to say, that I have been rebuild and while my breast grew to the size of my other breast, I almost felt like a young girl blossoming. Make sure your mother knows how much she's loved, treat her like a princess, keep a positive attitude, compliment her often, hug her as much as you can, make sure she eats well (even if she's not hungry), give her all the support she needs and never give up faith. Pray every morning and evening. The doctors can help with giving her medication to help with the side effects. I have been blessed with a son who is 11 yrs old. I plan on being there to watch him graduate from college. I will continue to live for him. Hope this has elevated some of your concerns.

ckbible

First let me say hello. I very much so understand what you are facing. My mother also was diagnosed with breast cancer that had reached the size of a lemon. She had her breast removed. But she was fortunate, she didn't require any chemo or radiation. Eight years after her diagnosis I also was diagnosed with a breast cancer. I opted for the removal of just the tumor. I was lucky because I found my cancer in the first stage, but I had to undergo both chemo and radiation and I have taken tamoxifen for five years come April. I asked my oncologist why I was going to have chemo and radiation when my mother didn't require it? He informed me that although her cancer was larger it tested negative for a protein called HER2 and I tested positive for the protein. This protein tells the Dr. that the cancer is aggressive. Also I was told my age was a factor in my treatment as well. I was 41. My initial feelings were for my family not to treat me any different than what they were accustomed to doing. I wanted my life to be normal with no special treatment, pity, or fear. So be there for her. Listen to her body language. She needs your support and not your fear. I wish you both success in this battle. It is a hard battle to fight, but worth it. I have survived thus far and so have many other women. I have met so many women who have been diagnosed with this dreaded disease at various stages and I am happy to say they are all still living. Some have faught a hard battle. I hope I have helped. I will pray for your mother because I know that all healing comes from Him. I couldn't have faced it if I didn't believe He was there for me and he heard the prayers of my family and friends.

maryz419

rose1503 said:

Dear Mary!
I am currently going through chemotherapy. Your mother's story sounds like mine. I started out with 1 tumor and grew to have 5 in just 3 weeks time--diagnosed with aggressive invasive breast cancer. I under went 4 surgeries with the 4th resulting in removal of my left breast. I, too was told at the beginning that I would need to undergo chemotherapy and then radiation. However, once my left breast was removed, radiation was no longer necessary. I have been in chemo since Sept. 03 and am down to my final 3 treatments. Oh, I have struggled throughout my chemotherapy and it hasn't been easy for me because I am allergic to the medication. Nevertheless, I continued most of my daily activities including going to work and some volunteer work while in treatment. I have also undergone reconstruction and am awaiting 2 more surgeries for completion. I am glad to say, that I have been rebuild and while my breast grew to the size of my other breast, I almost felt like a young girl blossoming. Make sure your mother knows how much she's loved, treat her like a princess, keep a positive attitude, compliment her often, hug her as much as you can, make sure she eats well (even if she's not hungry), give her all the support she needs and never give up faith. Pray every morning and evening. The doctors can help with giving her medication to help with the side effects. I have been blessed with a son who is 11 yrs old. I plan on being there to watch him graduate from college. I will continue to live for him. Hope this has elevated some of your concerns.

Dear Rose,

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I will keep you and your family in my prayers and thoughts while you are going through this most trying and difficult time. It sounds like you have such a positive attitude. I am sure your 11 year old son is very, very proud of his wonderful mom. I thank you again for your very kind words of encouragement. I will keep the faith as I know it's the one thing that will keep our family together. May God continue to bless you during your road to recovery. Warmest regards. Mary

maryz419

ckbible said:

First let me say hello. I very much so understand what you are facing. My mother also was diagnosed with breast cancer that had reached the size of a lemon. She had her breast removed. But she was fortunate, she didn't require any chemo or radiation. Eight years after her diagnosis I also was diagnosed with a breast cancer. I opted for the removal of just the tumor. I was lucky because I found my cancer in the first stage, but I had to undergo both chemo and radiation and I have taken tamoxifen for five years come April. I asked my oncologist why I was going to have chemo and radiation when my mother didn't require it? He informed me that although her cancer was larger it tested negative for a protein called HER2 and I tested positive for the protein. This protein tells the Dr. that the cancer is aggressive. Also I was told my age was a factor in my treatment as well. I was 41. My initial feelings were for my family not to treat me any different than what they were accustomed to doing. I wanted my life to be normal with no special treatment, pity, or fear. So be there for her. Listen to her body language. She needs your support and not your fear. I wish you both success in this battle. It is a hard battle to fight, but worth it. I have survived thus far and so have many other women. I have met so many women who have been diagnosed with this dreaded disease at various stages and I am happy to say they are all still living. Some have faught a hard battle. I hope I have helped. I will pray for your mother because I know that all healing comes from Him. I couldn't have faced it if I didn't believe He was there for me and he heard the prayers of my family and friends.

Hello! First, thank you for writing to share your story. Secondly, I am very sorry to hear of what both you and your mother are and have been going through. I thank you for your kind words and your bits of advice. Please trust me when I say that all the advice I receive is so very helpful as I haven't known anyone so close to me that has gone through this before. I will pray for both you and your mother. We are believers too. We will keep the faith! As I start to feel down, I will remember the stories that so many people like you have been so willing to share with me. I just feel so helpless and scared right now. You are so right that this is such a dreadful disease. I am going to try and help find ways that I can make a difference. Maybe that will help me get through this with my Mom. Again, thank you for sharing. Warmest Regards, Mary

hummingbyrd

Complicated situation for sure, especially with the diabetes. Are you by chance seeing a doctor at a research institution? You know in 2 weeks, by the time you take mom back, she may want to get a second opinion.
I have a website www.urcctc.com it's Conquering Cancer Through Christ. You are welcome to visit and post a note for prayers for your mom.
God bless you and lead you in the right direction.
hummingbyrd