Hi all,
For the past few weeks my dear Mum has been treading the well-worn path to receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. She went for the results of her biopsy yesterday, my Dad went with her, but neither of them can remember anything much about what they were told.
I’m naturally really worried about her, and I wonder if the treatment plan she’s been told she’s likely to follow sounds typical. She’s got to go for an MRI, then will have a follow up with an oncologist the following week and it sounds like she’ll be starting out with chemo, followed by surgery and radiation. She’s also been told that treatment will be a year.
She thinks they said it was a slow-growing cancer, but she also said it was Grade 3, which I’m not sure is right?
I’m also freaking out that they’re looking for metastasis with the MRI.
I’m really trying to stay calm and positive for her sake (and my daughter who is upset by the news) but internally I’m panicking and I thought I’d come here for some reassurance.
Just also want to add, that the support, knowledge and kindness that I’ve seen on this forum since I’ve been lurking (a few weeks now), is wonderful x
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Hi, sorry to read about your mum. It is a difficult time. They pathway you describe seems about right. I also had an MRI scan after diagnosis and believe it is just to double check things. Your mum will be assigned a breast care nurse and she can phone them for clarification. You can also contact the nurses on this forum who will great help and advice.
Hope all goes well x
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Hi @mum-a-lums30,
Firstly, welcome to the forum - I’m so glad that you’ve been finding it helpful as you navigate your Mum’s diagnosis. It really is a wonderfully supportive place.
I’m so sorry to hear what you, your Mum, and your family are going through, this must be so difficult as you try and be there for her and for your own daughter, while also processing your own emotions.
If your Mum is confused, I would really recommend her ringing her breast cancer nurse, or the person she had an appointment with yesterday. They should have her notes and be able to recount what she was told. For any future appointments it may help if she takes a long a notebook and pen, or if someone attending with her does.
If you or your Mum or anyone affected by her diagnosis ever need someone to talk to, please know that you can reach our nurses on our free helpline 0808 800 6000 or ask them a question in Latest Ask our Nurses your questions topics - Breast Cancer Now forum
Sending all the love,
Alice 
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Hi @mum-a-lums30
My understanding is that the MRI scan will provide more information about the size and location of the cancer so aid decision about surgical options. Plus, if your Mum is having chemo before surgery, it is likely she will have a further MRI during the treatment to assess if it is working. They can compare it to the pre treatment MRI to see if the tumour has reduced in size. X
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Hi MrsJelly, thank you, that does make sense. I think the fact that she’s been told that chemo is the first treatment has us all a bit shook x
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Thanks poorlyBoob. I think my mum might not want to know all the info at this stage but I would like to know as much as possible (just so I can give her the right guidance too). The consultant said she’d put it all in a letter, so we’ll know soon enough x
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How old is your mother @mum-a-lums30? If you can bear it, I think it is a good idea to be the lynchpin with regard to the treatment plan and path for her. I have a very dear friend aged 50 who just cannot bear to know any information about her diagnosis or treatment but her husband is fully across all of it and makes sure he can reassure her that everything is being done, remind her of her appointments and answer basic questions as they occur. It does help. It might be something to consider if you have the time to go to appropriate appointments, like results sessions with her so you can take notes and ask questions of the medics. That way your father can concentrate on being moral support. I’m so sorry that she and you are going to have to go through this. I was a carer for my mother who lived with dementia so I understand somewhat the stress and upset of seeing your beloved mother going through an ordeal.