Scared for my Mom ***update in replies***

[MissyB1011]

This is my first post to this group. So, here's my story:

My Grandma and Aunt both beat breast cancer. My Grandma's half sister also had what we believe was breast cancer, but it was many years ago. My cousin, who is 2 weeks younger than me (35), was diagnosed with breast cancer about a month ago. It's the same kind as my Aunt. Another of my Aunts has had cysts removed in her breasts. My Mom had ovarian cysts when she was in her early 20s.

My Mom takes me and my brother to dinner last night to tell me that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She will have her MRI on Wed to determine how extensive it is and if it's in her lymph nodes.

I am freaking out! How do I help my mom? What do I do? Right now, I can just wait until the last of her tests come back. I'll also be taking my Dad to physical therapy, so my Mom can get rest. He's recouping from surgery on his rotator cuff.

I'm also paranoid about getting breast cancer. All of these women are being affected. I'm scared for me too and my daughter.

Sorry this is long. I'm just at a loss for words right now. Any advice, especially how to help my Mom, would be greatly appreciated!

[aliciajacinta]

i am so sorry,but the best thing now is for you to be there for your mom,,The MRI is important for her to determine the degree of her breast cancer.It is al normal for you as you call it freaking out for you and your daughter to receive helpfrom your mom's Dr. or your own Dr...I too have the same problem,but in my family there is no  breast cancer,that does not mean that I may have breast cancer sometime , but in my husband's family breast cancer is very high. That has me nervous to have my daughter checked before 30,but i do have friends and 1 cousin that are survivor's of breast cancer.Give her all of your support,there are alot of more treatments to help your mom.Now is not the time to (FREAK OUT),go with your mom to her Dr. visits,ask questions,learn as much as you can on how to help her,she needs you to be there for  her. Good Luck,You anad your family will be in our prayers

[jenny001]

BE THERE!   THat is the best thing you can do for your Mom.  When she gets the results of all her studies, ask questions and write down everything. There is so much information (type of cancer, type of chemo, etc) that it is hard to remember everything - especially with all the emotions. Also, she has a lot of decisions to make.  Whether to have a mastectomy or lumpectomy, etc.  You need to be her support system.  Its good you are taking your Dad to his PT.  Your Mom does need to rest and keep her strength up - she has a bumpy road ahead of her.

Now, with the history you have - you need to get the BRCA1 and BRCA 2 blood test done.  It is the genetic test for breast cancer.  If you test positive, then you have decisions to make and your daughter will need to be screened very early.  It is expensive and more insurances initially reject it... but if your doctor files an appeal and give your extensive family history as well as the type of breast cancer involved - the insurances often pay.  Mine did.

You need to know the type of cancer each family member had and at what age.  This is important for your doctor (and your Mom's) to know.  Even with a negative result for the breast cancer gene - you and your daughter need to be sincere about regular screening.  Also - read up on the "Anti Cancer Diet plan".  Avoiding hormone fed products, processed foods is important.  Even watch where you get your milk and eggs.  And sugars as well.

Praying that your Mother's MRI comes out clear and that is caught early thus making her treatment options easier and quicker to healing.

Keep us posted.

[FrancesB42]

It's hard to say not to worry but try to relax.  If you want to help you mom then you can be there for her and give her moral support.  Just having you there with her is more then enough.  I'm sure that you already help your mom out.  The day that I was diagnosis with breat cancer my mother took the day off from work to go with me.  Even though I was the one going through the different tests; I was more afraid for my mother then I was for myself.  Going through all of the treatments (chemo, radiation, surgery) it happen so fast that I didn't have time to allow myself to think.  I had a wonderful medical team and I thank them still today because I'm still here and able to watch my son grow up. 

As for you; continue getting your yearly exams and never put them off.  If you have any questions or concern contact your doctor because nothing is never too small to be treated. Just know that you're never alone.  

[MissyB1011]

I want to thank you ladies for the words of encouragement and advice. So far I have not freaked out. I'm just trying to get all the info I can, so I can help her as much as possible.

My Mom's MRI indicated that her cancer is self-contained. The surgeon gave her the option of removing just the bad part or the whole breast. As of now she's decided to just remove part. Her surgery is scheduled for 2/7 and isn't supposed to require an overnight stay. The surgeon recommended radiation but no chemo. He said there's a 15% chance of it returning. He's pretty positive that everything will go well for her.

On a side note...her cancer isn't the same kind as my aunt and cousin. Their type was negative and hers is positive. I have to investigate this more to find out what that means.