My SIL has just been diagnosed with breast cancer

[pinkchampagne1]

My DH is away skiing with friends this week and last night he rang me in tears as his dad had just phoned to say his sister has been diagnosed with breast cancer. This came as a big shock to us all as we didn't realise she had been for tests.

6 months ago she had the all clear from her mammogram but she had recently started suffering with pain in the breast and thought she felt a lump so went to the GP. They then referred her to the breast clinic and she got her results yesterday. She is obviously scared and upset. We are all hoping that they caught the cancer before it has spread but we won't know until further tests are done.

We are all feeling pretty shaken by this news so it would be great to hear some positive stories from others who have been through this.

Anyone?

My mum had breast cancer three years ago. Hers was caught on the mammogram, followed by biopsy and ultrasound. She had surgery to remove part of the breast and some lymphonodes in the armpit. Hers was an early stage.

Treatment for young people will be different than for seniors. Keep in mind there is not one type of breast cancer but many, so whatever story you hear, good or bad might not apply to your SIL.

The diagnosis is terrible. Shocking for everyone. And scary. But surgery options have improved a lot and now immunotherapy is also becoming a very promising alternative in some of the worst cases.

On Mumsnet, you might receive more answers on this topic www.mumsnet.com/Talk/life_limiting_illness or in this lovely thread with amazing women www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/2816118-CANCER-SUPPORT-THREAD-58-New-thread-new-year-but-the-lacies-are-still-here-Please-join-us-if-you-have-any-sort-of-cancer-or-are-waiting-for-test-results .

2012 was ar of the Jubilee, Olympics and I found a lump. IT turned out to be breast cancer. Good news, I'm still here!

Breast cancer is not automatically a death sentance. The majority of people (85%?) survive it, and you are very unlucky if you get a nasty version. The NHS is brilliant for breast cancer, and she will receive treatment quickly. Not everyone needs chemo (I didn't) but those who did have it said it wasn't the nicest of experiences, but doable.

(Mid 40s when I was diagnosed, no family history)

It is a scary time, but once you get more information, a treatment schedule etc, things do get better.

for you and sil

My mum was diagnosed in her mid-40's and is currently getting her 5 year all clear!
Once the doctors have all the information they can come up with a game plan but there are so many ways to treat breast cancer now.
Dependant on the type there's loads of new drugs etc. my mum was getting treatment alongside a woman who's had spread, but the type meant drugs could keep it under control possibly for the rest of her life!

Out with MN I found breast cancer care really helpful. They'll speak to sufferers and family members if you feel you need to speak to someone too.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for your SIL

Breast cancer diagnosis is not necessarily the 'worst thing to happen' that it used to be. With good treatment, many make a complete recovery. Each case is different and it will depend on the type of breast cancer and its severity. Wishing your SIL well. Take care yourself x

I know quite a number of people who have had it and are now doing great and made a full recovery.

Thank you all. It is reassuring to read so many positive outcomes.

We were all in shock when we found out but are starting to absorb it all a bit more now and feeling more positive knowing that many get cured.
We are going round to dinner at my in laws tomorrow and my SIL will be there so we will get to see her. I am not sure if she will want us to talk too much about it or not. She may want to take her mind off it a bit so I am worrying about how I should handle it as I don't want to upset her. What do you think?

I'd be guided by what she wants. Let her know you are happy to talk about it if she wants to but if she doesn't that's fine too.

I hope she makes a full recovery-as others have said depending on the stage and type it can be compleyely curable.

I would probably offer some sympathetic remarks regarding the diagnosis, and offer your support. Then be guided by what she says. Some people like to,talk about it, others want to keep it private.