Breast Cancer Community

Hello,

I was diagnosed with first stage breast cancer Aug'2009. I had the lump removed in Sept'2009, and another surgery two weeks later to make sure all the cancer had indeed been removed. I started radiation two weeks after the second surgery and chemo two after the radiation. Again I caught the cancer in it's first stage, but because my cancer was an aggressive type cancer the doctors felt a need to treat it aggressively. I have remained cancer free for three years now and my life never skipped a beat. I never stop working and I continued to live my life as normal as possible. I hope I said something to encourage you.

Mrs. Morrison

I had stage 1 ductal carcinoma. I had a lumpectomy followed by chemo then radiation. Mine was early stage cancer 1.5 yrs ago and I am doing fine now.
The normal course of therapy is surgery usually followed by chemo then radiation. Some women have chemo before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor.
But it sounds like your mom is having the usual prescribed course of treatment.
Do you think you could offer to go with your mom and dad to the next dr. appointment so you can ask some questions. Or have you tried speaking to your mom. Or could you call the dr. and ask him and explain your situation to see if he will give you some answers.
You sound like a wonderful, concerned son and you need to understand that your dad is terrified right now and he needs time to come to terms with your mom's cancer. A breast cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence - it is scary, and the treatment is exhausting - but they have come a long way in being able to treat breast cancer and there are many women who have survived breast cancer for many years, and hopefully your mom will do so too.
I hope you get some answers - please let us know how you are doing and what you find out.
Good luck,
Judy

There is always something special about posts by folks who are concerned about someone they love. Knowing that another who is facing cancer has folks beside them who not only care, but who care enough to find this site and to ask questions, means a lot!! There isn't one member who who doesn't feel that any individual who makes such an effort is a real treasure!! So, to begin with, Thank You!! You will be one of the best meds your Mom will have!!

I hope that from the previous posts you can see that despite the diagnosis, your Mom may have a very good prognosis. And Judy offers some very good ideas on ho w you might be able to know a little more about what is happening. Knowledge is key!! Whenever we are in limbo, waiting for a test result or a diagnosis, we are very worried. Some how knowing exactly what we are dealing with and then having a treatment plan helps restore the loss of control which any serious disease tends to take from you! Now, perhaps yoiur folks are not filling in the blanks for you because they fear burdening you or making your worry more...If you share with them that you were more in not knowing, they may feeler to let you know what all is happening.

It may also be that Dad is unsure of exactly what is happening, and, if you can speak with the doctors, you might be able to help both of them as well as yourself with what you learn. (Mom will have to tell her physicians that it is okay for you to know what is happening.)

Please feel free to return here with any other questions, and do let us know how you and your folks are doing. You will be in our thoughts.

Blessings.
Rachael

I had stage II invasive ductal carcinoma, chemo first to reduce the tumor, then lumpectomy, then radiation for 36 treatments.
Your mom is lucky to have you for support. It would be good to go on an appointment to take some notes as all the informatin at once is truly overwhelming.
It will be a tough road, but there IS light at the end of the tunnel. I finished my treatments 5 years ago.
I know it is all so overwhelming, please come back with any questions and concerns. There are lots of awesome women here ready and willing to provide info for you!
God Bless ~
Jenna

Thank you so much for replying, all of your responses were definitely helpful and very much appreciated. My mom had her first surgery last week to remove some of the cancer. She is recovering very well from it. Unfortunately, the pathology report came back today and it wasn't good. They weren't able to remove it all during surgery and it seems to be much for aggressive than they hoped. For now the plan is a double mastectomy followed by chemo and radiation. Thank you again for posting, it means a lot and I was able to get some great information out of them.

We continue to send good thoughts and hopes Mom's way. Please be kind to yourself as well. Sometimes being a caregiver is one of the toughest jobs! You are in my heart as well.

Blessings.
Rachael

Jenna you give us all hope and insperation! hugs Barbara

Hi lotsofquestions,
I am glad your mom is recovering well from her surgery. As I said before, the road will be long, but you take things one step at a time, and there IS light at the end of the tunnel! So many hear can attest to that.
Please let us know what her regimen of treatment is so we can suggest some possible foods to eat or ways to ease symptoms.
Your mom and your entire family remain in my thoughts and prayers!
~ Jenna