mum has breast cancer - any advice?

[eliselady]

Hi all. My mum had a mastectomy yesterday after being diagnosed with breast cancer just a week ago. We only lost my Dad a couple of years ago and so both stunned, cant believe it is happenning again. Although she us doing well, I am very worried about the psychological effects of losing a breast and also about what her health will be like going forward. Anyone with any advice please?

contact breast cancer charities they should be able to recommend someone. i'm sorry i can't help more x

I'm so sorry eliselady, nothing constructive to say but didn't want you to be ignored.

all i can say is my Aunt had a breast removed and went on to have a full and happy life.

eliselady, no advice but a positive story - my mum has had breast cancer twice and has fully recovered both times.
Hope this gives you a more positive outlook and doesn't seem insensitive.

Hi eliselady.
Sorry to hear your Mums news. My Mum lost a breast in 1999 from cancer too.
She is free from cancer now and she hasn't had any other problems so far. She took tamoxifen tablets(sp) for 5 years after the op.
She had reconstructive surgery shortly after which involved an implant and skin/muscle taken from her back, although there are many options. she wears 'normal' bras and tops etc. She has her self concious days and does have down days, but in general she seems happy.

When she first had the mascectomy she went to a support group run by big c. Maybe you could find out if there are any n your area. She was also given some false implants to use in her bras on the NHS if she wanted to wear them. Many department stores train a mamber of staff in their lingerie depts to fit mascectomy bras.

I can't imagine how it feels to lose a breast, can only guess from my Moum's experience.
HTH

Thank you so much for all your advice and positive stories. I am going to be far more positive about this now, just because it is cancer doesnt mean that there has to be a sad ending.......thank you all!!!