my mom

Heatherbelle

Hi all,
I posted a few pics of my mom on my expressions page. Since she's a part of the family on here even though she doesn't get online, I thought I'd help you put a face to the name She's so brave - she's worn her baldness like a badge of courage. Today she had a follow up appt after her LAST chemo treatment 2 weeks ago. The taxotere was REALLY hard on her - I felt so bad because i was the opposite, the AC was terrible on me but the Taxotere was much better, so here I was telling mom it was gonna get easier when her AC was done & it ended up getting worse But -she trudged through and is done. They gave her some fluids & anti nausea meds today to get her feeling more comfortable, and she goes back next week for a check up & they'll make her an appt with the radiation oncologist so she can get started with her radiation treatments. No idea on how many she has to have yet. I don't quite feel like really celebrating my own remission yet, I won't be able to until my mom's all done with her treatment also. THEN we're gonna celebrate! Thanks to all of you who have been kind enough to send her notes and cards, included my mom in your thoughts and prayers, and ask about her.
*hugs*
Heather

chenheart

You have experienced the
You have experienced the Ultimate Mother/Daughter bond, haven't you?
Not one you would have perhaps chosen, but you have absolutely risen to the occasion and are now closer in a different way I suspect. Thank you for keeping us up to date on both of you~ the celebration is going to be phenominal!!!!!

Hugs, and congrats to your mama!
Chen♥

smalldoggroomer

I am so happy for you both
I am so happy for you both that you are so close. I wish you didn't have to go through this. You have a beautiful family, your daughter are precious. You and your Mom both are very strong ladies you will be celebrating soon and forever. Take care darlin Kay

cahjah75

Heather
I'm glad your mom is getting some relief from side effects. Hopefully radiation won't be for too long. No guessing until she meets with radiologist. I have to say how different you look without the blonde wig! Nice to see pic with your girls. Hope you are getting back to some more normal family time. Your family deserves a healthier 2011!
{{hugs}} Char

linpsu

Hugs to mom
Glad to hear that the chemo portion of Mom's treatments are finished! I'm sure 2011 will bring much better health to both you and your mom. And I love all the pictures I've been seeing of your precious little girls!
Lidna

Lighthouse_7

linpsu said:

Hugs to mom
Glad to hear that the chemo portion of Mom's treatments are finished! I'm sure 2011 will bring much better health to both you and your mom. And I love all the pictures I've been seeing of your precious little girls!
Lidna

Heather, God bless you and
Heather, God bless you and you're mom. Your daughters are just beautiful and so are you!
Hugs,
Wanda

sea60

Lighthouse_7 said:

Heather, God bless you and
Heather, God bless you and you're mom. Your daughters are just beautiful and so are you!
Hugs,
Wanda

Celebrate BIG!!!
You both deserve it

Hugs,

Sylvia

Gabe N Abby Mom

Love the pic of your mom
Love the pic of your mom with Jimi! You're right, she does rock the look. I'm glad to hear your mom is done with chemo. I have a feeling the celebration will be BIG! Wish I could be there!

Hugs,

Linda

Katz77

Very happy
Glad ur moms fighting like a girl Funny how we all have breast cancer,and alot of us on the same type of chemo, but have different SE? Just proves all treatment is not the same for everyone.
Hope your mom is feeling better. You're a wonderful daughter for being there for her. Hang on to each other tightly. Ima guessing your doing well? Thanks for update. Cyber hugs to you both. Katz

pattimc

Katz77 said:

Very happy
Glad ur moms fighting like a girl Funny how we all have breast cancer,and alot of us on the same type of chemo, but have different SE? Just proves all treatment is not the same for everyone.
Hope your mom is feeling better. You're a wonderful daughter for being there for her. Hang on to each other tightly. Ima guessing your doing well? Thanks for update. Cyber hugs to you both. Katz

Hey Heather
So glad you are there to support your mom...as Chen said, I bet your relationship is better/stronger and more precious. I have two boys (in their 20's)I wish I'd had a daughter while going through the battle. Not that they didn't "get it", but it's different.

I had a very hard time on Taxotere...funny how everyone is so different with how they respond to SE's.

Love to you and your Mom!

Patti

Heatherbelle

pattimc said:

Hey Heather
So glad you are there to support your mom...as Chen said, I bet your relationship is better/stronger and more precious. I have two boys (in their 20's)I wish I'd had a daughter while going through the battle. Not that they didn't "get it", but it's different.

I had a very hard time on Taxotere...funny how everyone is so different with how they respond to SE's.

Love to you and your Mom!

Patti

thank you!!
Thank you everyone When I go see her this weekend I'm gonna drag her to the computer & let her read this thread. Then she'll probably say "I cant believe you put those pics of me up!!"....When I was first diagnosed, even though she has terrible arthritis and a degenerative spine disease (i have NO idea what it's called) - whenever Tim wasn't here with me, mom was. Helping with my kids and housework after my surgery & staying overnight with me after my first chemo. She was back in full "mommy" mode, and I was more than happy to have her babying me. When she was diagnosed, the roles reversed instantly. Now I was taking care of her, taking her to doctor's appointments, staying at the hospital after her surgery, sitting up in her bed talking for hours upon hours, giving her all the answers that I could to all of her questions, advice, reassurance. I even had my 5th chemo scheduled for the same time as her 1st. THAT was surreal. Having chemo with my mom. Having breast cancer with my mom. I STILL can't believe it.
-before i forget, i need to switch the subject for a minute - I was invited to be on the committee for my city's Relay For Life, and last night was my first meeting. My 9 yr old daughter Camryn came with. They're planning for their Kickoff event for team captains that's next month. Camryn asked if she could help greet people, and offered to pass out any flyers or materials they would have. THEN, she asked if she could tell her story. Even I was taken aback by her asking this, although she's not shy by any means, most kids get freaked out by talking in front of a classroom, let alone a room full of adults. They were so impressed with her they've invited her to come speak at the Relay for Life this summer, to give a speech from a caregiver's perspective, and she said she'd love to do it. I'm so proud of her I am glad she'll be doing that - her story of watching both her mom AND grandma go through cancer treatments at the same time is pretty uniquel. She said that she'll do whatever she can to help raise money to end cancer.
And yes, my relationship with my mom is much stronger -and we have always had a very close, very strong relationship to begin with. It's been nice to have someone who "gets it" when I want to whine or vent or just talk. Just like all of you
*hugs*
Heather

MyTurnNow

Heatherbelle said:

thank you!!
Thank you everyone When I go see her this weekend I'm gonna drag her to the computer & let her read this thread. Then she'll probably say "I cant believe you put those pics of me up!!"....When I was first diagnosed, even though she has terrible arthritis and a degenerative spine disease (i have NO idea what it's called) - whenever Tim wasn't here with me, mom was. Helping with my kids and housework after my surgery & staying overnight with me after my first chemo. She was back in full "mommy" mode, and I was more than happy to have her babying me. When she was diagnosed, the roles reversed instantly. Now I was taking care of her, taking her to doctor's appointments, staying at the hospital after her surgery, sitting up in her bed talking for hours upon hours, giving her all the answers that I could to all of her questions, advice, reassurance. I even had my 5th chemo scheduled for the same time as her 1st. THAT was surreal. Having chemo with my mom. Having breast cancer with my mom. I STILL can't believe it.
-before i forget, i need to switch the subject for a minute - I was invited to be on the committee for my city's Relay For Life, and last night was my first meeting. My 9 yr old daughter Camryn came with. They're planning for their Kickoff event for team captains that's next month. Camryn asked if she could help greet people, and offered to pass out any flyers or materials they would have. THEN, she asked if she could tell her story. Even I was taken aback by her asking this, although she's not shy by any means, most kids get freaked out by talking in front of a classroom, let alone a room full of adults. They were so impressed with her they've invited her to come speak at the Relay for Life this summer, to give a speech from a caregiver's perspective, and she said she'd love to do it. I'm so proud of her I am glad she'll be doing that - her story of watching both her mom AND grandma go through cancer treatments at the same time is pretty uniquel. She said that she'll do whatever she can to help raise money to end cancer.
And yes, my relationship with my mom is much stronger -and we have always had a very close, very strong relationship to begin with. It's been nice to have someone who "gets it" when I want to whine or vent or just talk. Just like all of you
*hugs*
Heather

Heather, while I'm sad that
Heather, while I'm sad that both you and your mom had to deal with bc, I think it's a very unique experience and so happy to read that it has brought you closer. Congrats to your mom for finishing chemo and she will soon be through the tunnel and enjoying the BIG celebration that will take place. Your daughter sounds so special, too, but then I'm not surprised with a mom and grandma like she has. Take care and keep us up to date on your doings with the Relay for Life. (((hugs)))

VickiSam

MyTurnNow said:

Heather, while I'm sad that
Heather, while I'm sad that both you and your mom had to deal with bc, I think it's a very unique experience and so happy to read that it has brought you closer. Congrats to your mom for finishing chemo and she will soon be through the tunnel and enjoying the BIG celebration that will take place. Your daughter sounds so special, too, but then I'm not surprised with a mom and grandma like she has. Take care and keep us up to date on your doings with the Relay for Life. (((hugs)))

Miss Heatherbelle -- You certainly are a STRONG and
caring WARRIOR -- in the midst of your journey - battle, you had to endure the news that the BEAST had entered into your Mom's life. How awful -- news no one of us SISTERS would ever want to hear let alone deal with -- Breast Cancer knows no boundries. I was overwhelmed by your continued support, and tag teaming with Mom at the Oncology center - dual chemo sessions --.

Your extended family as well as daughters have learned by your actions to play it forward. Be proud of yourself on a job WELL DONE.

I am PROUD to call you my Sister in PINK, Fellow Breast Cancer Survivor and WARRIOR!

Vicki Sam

Heatherbelle

VickiSam said:

Miss Heatherbelle -- You certainly are a STRONG and
caring WARRIOR -- in the midst of your journey - battle, you had to endure the news that the BEAST had entered into your Mom's life. How awful -- news no one of us SISTERS would ever want to hear let alone deal with -- Breast Cancer knows no boundries. I was overwhelmed by your continued support, and tag teaming with Mom at the Oncology center - dual chemo sessions --.

Your extended family as well as daughters have learned by your actions to play it forward. Be proud of yourself on a job WELL DONE.

I am PROUD to call you my Sister in PINK, Fellow Breast Cancer Survivor and WARRIOR!

Vicki Sam

Thank you VickiSam I am
Thank you VickiSam I am proud of myself, and my mom, and my daughter. I worked for a non-profit agency before I had my youngest daughter for 4 years, so being involved with the American Cancer Society is right up my alley, and i'm doing MY part to get rid of cancer for all of us, and our daughters, neices, granddaughters..
*hugs*
Heather

CypressCynthia

Heatherbelle said:

Thank you VickiSam I am
Thank you VickiSam I am proud of myself, and my mom, and my daughter. I worked for a non-profit agency before I had my youngest daughter for 4 years, so being involved with the American Cancer Society is right up my alley, and i'm doing MY part to get rid of cancer for all of us, and our daughters, neices, granddaughters..
*hugs*
Heather

Heather, you are just
Heather, you are just amazing! You and your family are so inspirational. And what a beautiful family! You are all in my prayers.

SusanEliz

Heatherbelle said:

Thank you VickiSam I am
Thank you VickiSam I am proud of myself, and my mom, and my daughter. I worked for a non-profit agency before I had my youngest daughter for 4 years, so being involved with the American Cancer Society is right up my alley, and i'm doing MY part to get rid of cancer for all of us, and our daughters, neices, granddaughters..
*hugs*
Heather

Best wishes to you and your Mother!
Hi Heather,

You and your family amaze me! I’m so sorry you have to go through this, and also watch your mother go through it- ugh! Although you were always close to her, I think this shared experience does somehow make you even closer. Maybe it was good that it went in this order so she could care for you and then you could be a big help to her when it came to talking to the doctors and understanding the overwhelming amount of information you go through (particularly if like my mother she’s not internet/web savy). I have never heard of another mother/daughter outing like yours- simultaneous chemo? What- you never heard of mani/pedis? lol You absolutely right- it must have been surreal. I hope the rest of treatment goes quickly and easily for her.

I can understand postponing the real celebration until your Mom is better too- it’s hard to celebrate completely when you’re still worried about someone so close. So plan something big for when you’re both done, but until then have some mini-celebrations and lots of laughs. After seeing some of your posts and pictures, I’d say you look like you have a fun family

As for your daughter- I know you must have set a great example for her by handling this whole thing with such class. You’ve shown her that you can handle whatever life throws at you, as awful as it can be, and get through it and (overall) still be happy. I was going to say that this will give her the confidence to know she can also handle anything that the future brings her, but it seems like she’s already got it! She must be a very special girl, and I’m not surprised. If you and your mother didn’t handle this with as much strength and grace as well as you did/still are, she would be too traumatized or afraid to do this. I can’t imagine speaking in front of a group at her age, and here she is volunteering! All I can say is Wow! And to you and your Mother, I say congratulations for going through this and still being great mothers and role models at the same time. You should be proud of yourselves
Best regards,
Susan

the daughter

First Time- My mother
Hi Everyone,

This is my first time posting and the first time I open my lap top to research Breast Cancer. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer this past Friday. Jan. 12th we find out what stage- they believe its possibly Stage 2B or 3A (praying for 2B). I dont even know where to begin...

My mother doesnt speak very good English- she trusts doctors and I know when we go Wednesday- and we have to make a decision on treatment- she will go with whatver they recommend. I need ot be strong and informed- please help.

They found the cancer in her left breat- nothing on the right- . They are recommending chemo before surgery- then surgery- then chemo/radiation afterwards. I didnt even know radiation therapy and chemo were two different things. I dont know if we should put her through chemo first?

My mom- as most women is into fashion and her BEAUTIFUL hair is one of her many prides- how can we avoid hair loss?

We are still in a bit of denial- but I am tryig to prepare. My mom is 52 and we are praying...

Any advice will mean the world to me...

All My Love,
Jessica- Houston, TX

SusanEliz

the daughter said:

First Time- My mother
Hi Everyone,

This is my first time posting and the first time I open my lap top to research Breast Cancer. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer this past Friday. Jan. 12th we find out what stage- they believe its possibly Stage 2B or 3A (praying for 2B). I dont even know where to begin...

My mother doesnt speak very good English- she trusts doctors and I know when we go Wednesday- and we have to make a decision on treatment- she will go with whatver they recommend. I need ot be strong and informed- please help.

They found the cancer in her left breat- nothing on the right- . They are recommending chemo before surgery- then surgery- then chemo/radiation afterwards. I didnt even know radiation therapy and chemo were two different things. I dont know if we should put her through chemo first?

My mom- as most women is into fashion and her BEAUTIFUL hair is one of her many prides- how can we avoid hair loss?

We are still in a bit of denial- but I am tryig to prepare. My mom is 52 and we are praying...

Any advice will mean the world to me...

All My Love,
Jessica- Houston, TX

Welcome Jessica
Hi Jessica,

I'm sorry you are going through this with your mother, but she is very lucky to have you to support her. I know you will get a lot of wonderful advice, support and info from the great women on this website. But I have one suggestion at this time- cut and paste your whole post exactly as you have written it and start a new topic with it. Not everybody will see it here so far down, and it's certainly a message they will be interested in reading and offering you info about. I'm not a big poster (I'm trying to improve because this board was such a help to me) but I am a regular reader and I can tell you it's worth the time to post it as a new post. I did not go the chemo-surgery-rads route although other here that have so they will be able to give you more information. There are many different treatment routes based on the individual factors in each case. But remember, most importantly there are many long term survivors! As scary as it is, breast cancer is not a death sentence- the odds are in her favor. I will add your mother to my prayers.

Best regards,

Susan

aysemari

Heatherbelle,
what is there to say, other than:

Like daughter, like mother.

You already demonstrated your strength and courage. So
we knew your mom wouldn't be much different.

You're a wonderful daughter and I can't wait to hear about
your big celebration!

Hugs,
Ayse

PinkPearl

Congratulations to you AND your mom
I can't begin to imagine how this ride has been for you both. My mom was diagnosed 35 years ago with her first breast cancer and she is now 86 so things can turn out just fine. She also survived a second breast cancer about 3 years ago-she is now 86. I admire you, your mom and your daughter--3 generations involved in helping. I wanted to let you know that posting the pictures of your mom gave me hope. It was great so see someone smiling with her dog and family during chemo. I am hoping that I will be mustering a smile too in a few weeks when I begin chemo.

Sunrae

PinkPearl said:

Congratulations to you AND your mom
I can't begin to imagine how this ride has been for you both. My mom was diagnosed 35 years ago with her first breast cancer and she is now 86 so things can turn out just fine. She also survived a second breast cancer about 3 years ago-she is now 86. I admire you, your mom and your daughter--3 generations involved in helping. I wanted to let you know that posting the pictures of your mom gave me hope. It was great so see someone smiling with her dog and family during chemo. I am hoping that I will be mustering a smile too in a few weeks when I begin chemo.

Heatherbell, what an
Heatherbell, what an inspiration you are, along with your mother and daughter. Such an amazing family. My mother had cancer back in the 1980's and I was her caregiver. She's no longer alive but I know she would have been there for me while going thru bc. Chemo was the hardest for me (I'm closer to your mom's age), so rads should not be as hard on her. Will keep all of you in my prayers and we'll all celebrate when your mom is thru her treatments.