My mum's just been diagnosed with breast cancer - success stories please

[bookthief]

Feeling very numb. My parents have known for about a month but didn't want to tell my brother and I until they knew something about what they're dealing with.

Two tumours in the one breast but small. She actually went to the doctor because of a lump in the other breast which has turned out to be benign. They'll decide what to do over the next couple of weeks - definitely mastectomy but possibly some chemo first.

Apparently the tumours are oestrogen responsive (?) Anyway, consultant says this is a good thing.

My mum was upset because she doesn't want us to be worried and sad....

I'm trying to be positive as I know she will be. I'm not ready to lose her but I know you never are.

Thanks Nappies. Will have a look.

she did all sorts of things she never would have dreamed of trying beforehand like chrytal faith healing and lerning how to be a reflexologist and stuff - v normal working class woman, not some hairy flairy middle class hippy (i know plenty of them too)... there was abv a lot more to it than that, but it all started after she took on board what was in the book.
whatever i think of crystals and reiki (not a lot! tho i do subscribe to some other alternative health methods, not many of which i understand or neccessarily 'get') her recovery was nothing short of astounding.
i guess, as she was definately dying, she had nothing to lose by giving it all a go. inspiring.

My mum had breast cancer about 4 years ago (she's had 3 clear annual check ups now and gets a present from my step-dad each time!). She had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy, although she declined the chemo they suggested. Something about it damaging the bit in your stomach that absorbs nutrients and she was trying so hard to eat all the right things. Also the odds they gave her for the chemo working weren't that amazing compared to how ill it might make her.

My mum and my friends mum read as much as they could about alternative therapies and diet and I think it helps people to feel in control of things like that, when so much else feels out of control.

My mum was also lucky enough to be able to attend Penny Brohn Cancer Care (it was Bristol Cancer Help Centre at the time).

Good luck. It sounds like you have a lovely relationship with your mum and I'm sure your love and support will do her the world of good.

no wise words from me but i wanted to send you a (((HUG)))

Thank you

bookthief - so sorry to hear this - kind thoughts to your mum

My mum is now 12 years post breast cancer. She had a mastectomy and now wears a prosthesis. Has been in good health ever since (she is now 70) excepting only that, because of lymph node involvement, she has to wear a compression sleeve on her arm to prevent uncomfortable swelling. The prostheses and the sleeve are all NHS supplied.

I hope all goes well for your mum.

MIL had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy a couple of years ago, then had cancer a second unrelated time in the other breast [seriously unlucky emoticon]. After a mastectomy, chemo and radiotherapy she's getting herceptin and she's living a completely normal life apart from regular check ups. She's been through an awful lot but is doing fine now.

One nice idea is Look Good Feel Better - she got to meet women who'd been through similar and it definitely helped with regard to the hair loss she experienced during chemo.

Wishing your mum all the very best.