Worries about my mum who has just been told she has breast cancer reacurrance after mastectomy 14 years ago

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Hi, I would really appreciate some advice please. My mum has just been told she has a breast cancer reacurrance after having a mastectomy 14 years ago, I spotted a visible lump on her chest wall whilst we were on holiday a few weeks ago. She is waiting for her biopsy and CT scan results and is beside herself with worry, I would be so grateful if anyone can help me with any advice on how I can support her and if there is anyone on here who has had the same thing happen xx

  • Hi Possibly,

    I had a lumpectomy some months ago and lymph nodes removed, I  finished my radiotherapy recently and have now been told I am clear. Hopefully, your Mum’s results will turn out okay, but if it’s the worse case scenario, then tell her not to panic. It is a shock when you are told, but it is important that she takes a bit of time to let it register and sink in. The strides made in modern cancer medicine these days is amazing and they can do so much for her. However, there is so much she can do for herself too.

    You have made the first big step by finding the Macmillan site, also do visit your nearest Macmillan centre, a list is on here, or ring them on 0808 808 0000, they are superbly helpful and give you lots of great info, do walks, talks, help with benefits, bills, open 10-4 Mon-Fri for coffee and chat and lots more. Please also get a good support structure in place for her, family, friends, good work colleagues, I’ve lived on my own for nigh on forty years, but realised you can’t do this on your own. I also go for a short walk every day (British weather permitting) and do a daily diary, this is mega helpful, as it gets everything off your chest and out of your system. It is important during the day to keep herself occupied, hobbies, interests etc., it stops you from dwelling on what is going on. She may also find it beneficial to listen to a meditation podcast, they really help you to relax especially when you are trying to get to sleep. I use one called ‘Go Gently’ by Christine Elizabeth Smith, it does a lot for me. Whatever she does, tell her not to visit Dr Google as there is so much conflicting information, her head will spin and it will stress her out, she must  listen to her medical team and ask her breast cancer nurse as many questions as she wants. Also, she will get great support on here.

    I know it’s hard sometimes, but tell her to try and keep as positive as she  possibly can, have positive people around her and dump the negativity, above all, be kind to herself  - I promise you, she will get through this. She will NEVER be alone and can always come and chat to us shower in here.

    Keeping fingers and everything crossed for her.

    Take care and big hugs to you both. xxx