My Mum has breast cancer

[Standback]

Found out today my Mum has breast cancer. I can't even believe I'm saying that. She had a routine mammogram and they found something penny size. They are going to remove it and then she will have radiotherapy but she doesn't know how many sessions, and then tablets (she didn't say what) for 5 years.

My Mum is my best friend. She is my rock, I need her. She's only 57. She's never ill, and now she has cancer. I don't even really know why I'm posting this, except I don't want her to be worrying about me worrying.

Does anyone have any good stories or tips to support her? Thank you

I didn't want to read and run, I'm so sorry you have had this news today. I went through something similar in February and honestly it's crushing, I have up and down days as does my mum. I don't have any words of wisdom but just wanted to know that you aren't alone.

I found it helpful on the McMillan website, you can chat to a nurse and ask all the questions you have to give some reassurance without worrying your mum.

It's scary but at least it has been found, it just goes to show how important these appointments are.

Sending love x

We had this shocking news exactly a year ago with my mum. She had a lumpectomy, radiotherapy and is 6 months into a 5 year course of tamoxifen. I was devastated but she was treated so quickly and well and I was in awe of the NHS. She's older than your mum at 68 and has come through fine, all clear a year later - she just had a mammogram. I understand exactly how you're feeling, please PM me if you want to chat.

Two years ago this week I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The hardest bit was telling my DC of 22 and 24.
I had surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I'm clear now (though they never say cured).
It was important to me that my children didn't change their life plans because of me. Of course I needed their support but I didn't want them to miss opportunities for me.
Your mum will be fragile and her treatment will go on for a long time. People get bored of it, you learn who your real friends are. Breast cancer takes many forms and everyone has different treatments. Learn about it so you know exactly what she has and what is happening to her.

Thank you for your replies. I think we both will look up macmillan. I never thought I would have to say that.

The hardest bit was telling my DC of 22 and 24. My Mum said similar. She said she has been fine with it but worried about telling me. I don't want to be something extra for her to worry about though.

I have 3 children, one is just 9 weeks and I'm terrified he won't remember her if anything happens. I know she will probably be ok but I have been crying on and off all evening. Hopefully get it out tonight so I can be more sensible when I talk to her in the morning!

I hope all of you and your families are ok too

For breast cancer in particular the best website is Breast Cancer Now. I found that once I had the diagnosis and treatment plan felt better and wanted as much information as possible.
It's not a death sentence, in most cases its a treatable illness.
The tablets will probably be tamoxifen or similar, very effective treatments which suppress oestrogen. This is when the breast cancer is ER+ or hormone driven.

What a shock you have all had. Like pps said, it is treatable, it’s been found and they can treat it.
Try and stay positive, she will be fine xxx

I agree re: Breast Cancer Now. - a very good site.
I have breast cancer so from knowing nothing about it a few months ago, I’m not very familiar with stages, grades, chemo, surgery etc.
It sounds very, very positive (if you can say that about cancer) that your mum just needs a lumpectomy and radiotherapy. It’ should, be a fairly quick and not too difficult process.
Wishing you and your mum all the best.

I am a year younger than your mum and have just gone through breast cancer treatment. Mine was small, like your mums, it was removed by lumpectomy, I had 5 sessions of radiotherapy and am on Tamoxifen for 5 years. Everything was dealt with swiftly and efficiently. I cannot praise the NHS enough for the treatment and care I received. It involved a lot of appointments which due to covid I had to attend mostly by myself but for the ones where I was being given results my husband was allowed in with me for support. Breast cancer is one of the most successful cancers to treat with very good prognosis. I hope your mum's experience turns out as positive as mine did, just be there to support her and even though I know it is easier said than done try not to worry too much and focus on the excellent results breast cancer treatment brings these days. Good luck to you all.

Sorry to hear this. My ex mil had a very similar story and has been clear for 15 years now. The success rates for treating breast cancer are very good now if it’s caught early. I hope your Mum recovers well and the treatment works.

My BC was also picked up by mammogram 8 months ago.
Last week I got the all clear. On the tablets for 10 years.
2 operations and 15 days of radiotherapy.
It's a shock when you are told that you have BC. But she
will get her treatment and fingers crossed she will come
out the otherside.
Best wishes to your mum.