Ok, to start with yes pain is now seen as a possible symptom of breast cancer. Not common but it can be an early symptom in some types. It can also be a symptom of mastitis which is common even in non lactating women. Cysts can also present with pain.
Most women who are referred to the 2 week wait breast clinics do not have cancer.
Your DM’s GP has done the right thing by referring her but it doesn’t automatically mean she had cancer.
Please don’t take this the wrong way but as a recovered breast cancer patient it is really difficult when everyone around you is catastrophising while you are still waiting to go for your initial appointment.
I remember the look on people’s faces, the one where they are mentally choosing the outfit they will wear for your funeral. Please don’t be tempted to share your mums condition unless she is happy for you to do so. The last thing you want during the diagnosis phase is a bunch of well meaning cheerleaders telling you you’ll be ok, you’ve got it, you’re a warrior, you’re brave. It is probably the most scariest process I have ever been through and I am normally as strong as steel. No one, apart from your breast care team can tell you. So the less people that know at this stage the less stressed you feel.
Firstly, don’t mentally bury your mum, she’s not dead yet and breast cancer is both curable and treatable. Even if caught late the treatments available can extend life for decades.
Yes, it’s scary but if you’re going to get a cancer breast cancer is one of the better ones.
My sister had breast cancer at 34 and survived 22 yrs cancer free. Unfortunately she died at the end of October of pancreatic cancer, no link to her original breast cancer. The sad thing is if she had had a recurrence of the breast cancer she could have had another 10-15yrs using modern palliative drugs.
There are two bits of advice that I was given. Firstly cancer diagnosis and treatment is 90% waiting and 10% action/treatment. Secondly, what will be will be.
Finally, stay away from Google. It will not give you any answers that will help your anxiety or fear. Once your mum has been seen just be there for her.
There is a great support site on Facebook but it is for the patient not the family. Your mum may benefit if she is diagnosed but I just found it very scary until I knew I had cancer.
There may be sites for family but they don’t encourage non cancer sufferers on the main site because it can be upsetting for family to read about how we are actually feeling. We are often barely coping, and a lot of what is discussed we wouldn’t admit to family.