Hello everyone,
I am new here, my family have just found out my mum has breast cancer. We are unsure where the cancer is exactly but she had her MRI today to look for it. She got her diagnosis after a biopsy on a large lump she found however that lump doesnt seem to be the cancer.
She had a lot of information given to her and because of her little understanding of it all i think some bits are jumbled and misunderstood. She told me the following:
* There are three tests and the cancer has responded well to two which include oestrogen?
* There are 4 treatment options but currently waiting for the last test to create her treatment plan?
* she has Grade 2
* She will be on hormone tablets for 5 years?
The news came as a massive shock, she has had 2 mammograms in the past 5 years that have shown nothing so she's worried she has had it for a very long time as it hadn't shown on the mammogram this time either.
Would like some advice on how i could support her and what our family could be doing to support her and my dad.
Hi Amyfos and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your mum's diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis in the family can be such a challenging and stressful time but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' cancer type and support challenges will help a lot (I have a totally different type of cancer)
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Cancer Specific Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) and I do see that you have already joined and put up a reply on a post in our dedicated Breast cancer support group. This is a safe place to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from family members who are navigating the same support journey...... so do put up your own post in the group using the information from this your initial post.
As for the practical and emotional challenges of supporting your mum you may benefit from joining and posting in our Carers only support group where you will connect with others navigating the exact same support challenges.
To connect with a group click on the “Bold Italic Links” I have created above then once the group page opens click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)
You can then put up your own post when you’re ready by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post. You can also scroll through other members posts and click “Reply” to get involved.
It is an emotional time supporting family so you might find this Macmillan information your feelings when someone has cancer helpful as well as this link getting help with your emotions.
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and support all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
