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Daughter-in-law breast cancer

FormerMember
FormerMember
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My daughter in law has had a full mastectomy she is only 32 she is still receiving chemo and has been on tamoxifen for quite a few months they are now changing that to the one that you have an injection for once a month we have been told this will pretty much shut her down as a woman and will continue for the next 5 years she has been through so much bless her will she ever be cancer free why after going through surgery months of chemo and drugs why does she have to keep having this treatment she has 3 children with my son I don’t know what to do to help her and my son I try really hard to support them I every way and wish it was me doing this for her I’m  nearly 60 it is such a lot on such a young couple this girl is so brave I am so proud of her but I need some advice about the road ahead with this new drug I am scared for them 

  • Hi Kaka,

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community.

    I see that you’ve joined the breast cancer forum, I hope that you’re finding it helpful.

    Seeing someone you care about going through cancer treatment can be very difficult  and you may have different feelings and emotions to cope with. It’s lovely that you’re looking for ways to support your daughter in law at such a difficult time.

    It sounds like your daughter in law is being treated for oestrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer. This means that the oestrogen in her body helped her cancer to grow. The hormone injection is being given for 5 years to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back after surgery and chemotherapy. It does this by stopping the ovaries from producing oestrogen ( ovarian suppression).

    Unfortunately, like any treatment, hormone therapy can cause side effects including menopausal symptoms. It may help you to be aware of these so that you can support your daughter in law if she’s experiencing them.

    Macmillan has information about supporting someone that you may find helpful. You may find it helps to give us a call on the number below and tell your daughter in law about us too. Sometimes it helps to talk things through and find out about support in your area and all the ways we can help.

     Breast Cancer Now has a service called “someone like me” where your daughter in law could be matched up with someone going through a similar experience. Some people find it reassuring to have the peer support of others in similar circumstances.

    I hope this helps a little

    Best wishes

    Rachel C.

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.  

    Our Ref: LR

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