Bad news with a call for advice

[iambeav2 0]

Tried to last as long as possible without posting this...but I just picked mom up from the hospital...she's 51, I'm 23 and it's always been just the two of us (no I don't live w/ her, just growing up has been us). Problem, scarriest thing I've dealt with...she's been dx w/ Breast cancer and already had one lump removed. Sure I can go on the support sites, but I want my dot commers, those w/ experience to tell me what's up. What am I to expect, hows the best way to deal w/ this stuff?

Beav

...it's not the fact that you don't appreciate what you have until it's gone...it's the fact that you don't appreciate what you have until someone appreciates it for you!

[iluvtofly 0]

I'm so sorry to hear that. I don't have any personal experience, but my best friend's mom was diagnosed with breast cancer a little over a year ago. She's still fighting hard after a masectomy, chemo and radiation. My thoughts are with you and your mom.

[DFWAJG 4]

Diet plays a huge role in development and prevention of diseases. Countries where large quantities of dairy are consumed have higher rates of osteoporosis and breast cancer. Read The China Study by T. Colin Campbell. While your mom may need to undergo chemo for now, she'll want to change her diet to minimize her chances of recurrence in the future.

[woady 0]

1 in 3 women will be effected by breast cancer. I've always been a big supporter of breast cancer awareness, I usually donate about $200 a year (I know its not much) because we all need to save the TaTas :) A lot of my family and friends have had it and I'm in Paramedic class right now and love this shit. Here is what I know and what I would suggest.

Breast cancer is highly treatable. She's obviously been treated for this before and as I don't know all the specifics of your mother's condition it sounds like they got an early jump on it. (If you have a family history of ANY type cancer you need to start getting checked for cancer at or around the age of 35 or sooner. Blood tests to check for your body's cancer fighting cells can be done and your doctor will check your thyroids.) Being able to effectively treat the disease really depends on how early on it is found. Cancer is a very scary disease to have, with the treatments its not only physically draining but emotionally as well. Stay in the positive mind set that everything is being done. I highly recommend getting second and even third opinions. I really can't give any more advice without knowing more about your mom's past medical history and more about her situation and type treatment.

I'm probably stating a lot of stuff you may already know but if you don't it can only help. There are different types of breast cancer; In situ and Carcinomas, In situ can be very similar to your skin Carcinomas (malignant and high successful treatments). Your Carcinomas are more likely to not remain in the localized area by entering and traveling through your lymphatic and circulatory system (practically the same thing as your lymphatic moves through your circulatory) which is known as "metastasizing". This is not good as when the cancer is treated in one area and the cancer appears to have subsided it may start growing somewhere else only to come back in a more serious place like the lungs or brain. There is no good news for people who get lung or brain cancer as there isn't a very well know success rate of treatment as these are vital organs. The best advice I can offer is stay positive. I see a lot of people who are successful with treating their cancer by simply having a good an optimistic point of view. Be as supportive as possible with respect to your own well being. If you need to talk or have questions about anything hit me up. I have no problem being honest and I'll be as helpful as I can.

I wish you and your mom the best of luck.

You know what's similar between Cops and Firefighters? They both wanna be firefighters.

[iambeav2 0]

Thanks guys(gals, w/e). I knew the medical stuff, but only from dealing with it at work. I make chemo for the patients, and I've seen what happens to the families...and I hate it. It's just my mother and I, and I just didn't expect it. We do have a history of Booby cancer on the women's side, so we'll see. Thanks again for chatting, any more will be a help.

...it's not the fact that you don't appreciate what you have until it's gone...it's the fact that you don't appreciate what you have until someone appreciates it for you!

[chaoskitty 0]

I'm sorry to hear about your mom's dx. I've been through it with several friends and family members. It different for everyone, but the hills and valleys are consistent.
I raise money for breast cancer resarch/awareness every year. (see my clicky below.. already over $1000 for the 3 day.. almost halfway there.)

Not sure what else to tell you other than be strong and be there for your mama. You'll need each other to beat it... which is what you're going to do.