Hi here supporting my mum

Hi

I was in a similar situation to your Mum (see my profile) and had to have full auxiliary clearance and scans thereafter as the cancer had ruptured some of thelymph nodes in its quest to spread elsewhere.  The scans will show if this is the case so please let them give you & your Mum the reassurance that they hopefully will.

Your Mum is in a good position having hormone positive cancer as the hormone treatment that she will be on will help keep the cancer at bay and will possibly have bisphosphonates also which help prevent the cancer spreading to the bones (as well as reversing the impact of hormone treatments on our poor bones).

So I'm fine and your Mum may also find she's in the same position (i.e. It hasn't spread).  If it has spread then the onco will recommend appropriate treatments to stop it in its tracks, I am hoping that its not the case. Chemo will help slow down/remove cancer wherever it is and rads will do the same so if it had spread these will be tweaked to target wherever the cancer may be.

In terms of what to ask onco next week I'd ask

- what are the benefits of the treatments being recommended (not sure how healthy your Mum is but some treatments may have side effects that outweigh the benefits)

- what treatments are being recommended and what are the side effects, how often are the treatments, how are treatments delivered (tablets/infusion etc.)

- what help will my Mum need and when (usually after each chemo cycle there's a rough week or so when its best Mum isn't alone & someone looks after her I'd suggest).

- can she get a port for chemo (if uts via infusion), this will make the chemo easier and save having painful viens.

- if hair loss is expected are there cold caps available, how do they work?  Also if peripheral neuropathy may be a side effects do you have cold gloves/boots available to try and avoid the PN?

- How often will Mum see the onco during treatment and how often (and when) will Mum get scans to see if the chemo is doing what its supposed to?

Best of luck to both of you and (easier said than done) try not to worry about bad news that may never be.

Sam

Thank you so much for replying to me Sam, your questions are really great as I’d never have thought of some of those. My mum is a very healthy 75 year old. You’ve give me some hope for the future. Thank you x 

So follow up, bone and ct scan clear. Such a huge relief.  18 weeks of chemo now first cycle is 3 rounds 3 weeks apart followed by 9 weekly sessions so 18 weeks in total.  Consultant said the weekly sessions will be kinder in terms of side effects as it’s a smaller dose.  Need to work now best times to support mum with first lot of chemo am thinking be there for first session from the day she has it to see how the side effects build up.  

HURRAH!  Fab news for your Mum and you, it certainly must be a hoooge relief.  Your plan sounds great and I know your Mum is in good hands, she'll be fine but do hope side effects are 'kind' to her as they were to me.

Not sure if you can accompany her, suspect not re covid as that's how it is at my hospital, but being close by is a good plan B.  The monthly chemo thread (if you haven't looked yet) is great for top tips and advise and support of others going through the same.

Sam 

Thanks Sam, no I can’t go with her which is right as everyone is so vulnerable. I live about 4 hours away from mum so will stay at hers to see how it goes from first session and then take it from there.  I’ll check out the link you mentioned as the more info the better.  

Hi Lambs all,

Sorry to hear that your mum has to go threw this. It’s difficult at any age but probably more so physically when older.

I’m sure you’ll be a fantastic help to your mum. Would she want/accept help with housework/shopping etc? My neighbour is cleaning my house a few hours a week. It makes such a difference when I don’t feel up to it. Could you talk to your mums BC Nurse about additional support for her? Even over the short term. Especially as you’re a good distance away.

Your mum might not feel she wants additional help but I’ve found chemo certainly takes out of you. 

Hope all goes well with your mums treatment.

Bluebell xx

Hi Bluebell, my mums neighbour has been great since her surgery helping with washing and housework, and a friend has been shopping for her.  If I can manage to be there through the SE then think it’ll be ok and hoping the weekly chemo is kinder so I then visit at weekends to help her.  Hope all’s ok with you x 

Hi Lambs all,

That’s great that your mum’s neighbour and friend have been helping. Makes such a difference. They will be able to keep an eye on her too.

I’m on 3 weekly chemo and the first week after is the most tiring. Hopefully the weekly chemo will be less harsh. There are lots of tips on dealing with side effects on the April/May chemo threads. Lots of moisturiser, lanzoprazole for reflux and good mouth care (soft toothbrush, mild toothpaste) have helped me. Also having ‘just in case’ medications like painkillers, laxatives, anti-diarrhoea, mouth ulcer gel etc help.

All the best to you and your mum. 

Bluebell xx

Thanks for the helpful tips Bluebell. Will,check out the conversations in the thread.  All the very best to you x 

Hi I am just waiting for results, can I ask if your moms was encapsulated papillary carcinoma or grade 3 invasive ductal  best wishes xx