Newly diagnosed - Breast Cancer

Hello,

I'm sorry your mum finds herself here but you are in the right place to find answers to many of your questions.

Firstly your worries about the normality of waiting for information.

This is completely normal. In my own case the biopsy identified cancer but all the important details came from the analysis after the lumpectomy and removal of the sentinel node . Only at that point was I given the protocol ( treatment plan). 

Secondly, at the moment most people are separating their initial treatment from their reconstruction. This is partly due to Covid19 as the mastectomy or lumpectomy can be performed quickly, usually as day surgery, which means patients do not spend too long at risk in hospital. I think there are also some advantages to the delay allowing healing but I'm sure people who have had both procedures will answer you soon with more informed comments than my own as I only had a lumpectomy and my knowledge is from reading on this site.

However, when it comes to your mum's worries which are tending towards depression, you must reassure her that nowadays treatments are extremely sucessful.It was Oct 1st 2015 when my own cancer was found by a mammogram.  I had no lumps or inverted  nipples so I had no idea. So far , each year my mammograms have remained clear. If you read the posts in this group, you will also find comments from people several years post diagnosis. It's so normal to worry. I don't think anyone who contributes on these threads would disagree but gradually, and especially after you have a definite treatment plan and feel more in control these worries are lessened. I'm not saying they will totally disappear but the further into treatment, the more informed we become and the ' what if' days become less.There are many days when you feel like crying or screaming with anger but there are also times when we learn to laugh at ourselves and our situations. You will find them on threads like the Awake thread where contributors chat, day or night if sleep evades them, sometimes very serious discussions but often having fun, a very necessary part of recovery. Is your mum able to join us herself.?If she could, it might help prevent her depression. If not, maybe you can show her some of the posts.

I hope all goes well for your mum. She does have one real asset.....You. Obviously very caring, wanting to gain as much information as possible, you will be a real help to your mum. She won't be facing her cancer alone or surrounded by family who haven't understood how she feels.

If we can help anymore, keep asking your questions.

Take care. Stay safe.

Love Karen

Hello,

I'm sorry your mum finds herself here but you are in the right place to find answers to many of your questions.

Firstly your worries about the normality of waiting for information.

This is completely normal. In my own case the biopsy identified cancer but all the important details came from the analysis after the lumpectomy and removal of the sentinel node . Only at that point was I given the protocol ( treatment plan). 

Secondly, at the moment most people are separating their initial treatment from their reconstruction. This is partly due to Covid19 as the mastectomy or lumpectomy can be performed quickly, usually as day surgery, which means patients do not spend too long at risk in hospital. I think there are also some advantages to the delay allowing healing but I'm sure people who have had both procedures will answer you soon with more informed comments than my own as I only had a lumpectomy and my knowledge is from reading on this site.

However, when it comes to your mum's worries which are tending towards depression, you must reassure her that nowadays treatments are extremely sucessful.It was Oct 1st 2015 when my own cancer was found by a mammogram.  I had no lumps or inverted  nipples so I had no idea. So far , each year my mammograms have remained clear. If you read the posts in this group, you will also find comments from people several years post diagnosis. It's so normal to worry. I don't think anyone who contributes on these threads would disagree but gradually, and especially after you have a definite treatment plan and feel more in control these worries are lessened. I'm not saying they will totally disappear but the further into treatment, the more informed we become and the ' what if' days become less.There are many days when you feel like crying or screaming with anger but there are also times when we learn to laugh at ourselves and our situations. You will find them on threads like the Awake thread where contributors chat, day or night if sleep evades them, sometimes very serious discussions but often having fun, a very necessary part of recovery. Is your mum able to join us herself.?If she could, it might help prevent her depression. If not, maybe you can show her some of the posts.

I hope all goes well for your mum. She does have one real asset.....You. Obviously very caring, wanting to gain as much information as possible, you will be a real help to your mum. She won't be facing her cancer alone or surrounded by family who haven't understood how she feels.

If we can help anymore, keep asking your questions.

Take care. Stay safe.

Love Karen

Hi ,

You and your Mum will be on a roller coaster of feelings at the moment.The diagnosis of breast cancer is something that happens to "other" people- However the treatments these days are much improved on what they were and very many go on to live a full and happy life.I found the not knowing what the plan  of treatment was the  worst part and after that was settled I felt so much better. Be kind to yourselves and take it one step at a time. Your support will be invaluable to your Mum and being able to talk about it all will help you both.Sending you both big hugs xxKwissy