Disclaimer: I have a tricky relationship with my mother (lots of childhood abuse) so am fully prepared for people to say IABU.
A fortnight ago my mum (59) went to hospital with discharge from her breasts. They sampled the discharge and it contained abnormal cells; as a result they are going to do an expliratory operation and remove her milk ducts. She has no lumps and her mammogram was clear. I know that potentially she may get a diagnosis of cancer, but equally they may be benign. me and my siblings have pretty much taken the line of reassuring her that everything should be OK, and if it is not we will tackle it then.
My aunt, however, has become almost hysterical. She summoned her four children from all parts of the country to come and visit my mum in her "hour of need" telling them that she had googled it and that my mum "definitely has cancer". They have been paying homage to my mum, bringing teddies, huge bouquets of flowers, chocolates, cards etc. My mum has her operation in two weeks time. My aunt is furious with me and my siblings for not taking it seriously enough and has been bending my mum's ear about what dreadful children we are and how hers obviously love my mum more.
I spoke to my mum earlier and she was laughing about them coming to see her, but didn't think to tell them that there is still a good chance that she will be completely fine. The cousins are now planning a good luck party before her operation.
So, AIBU to just wosh that they could all just stop being so bloody melodramatic and just wait and see what happens. I am tempted to contact my most sensible cousin and try to explain that it might be OK, but would that, as my mum and aunt would say, show just how "heartless" I am?
As I say, I don't have much perspective when it comes to my mother so all views welcome.