Hi There
I am new to this site and feel that after reading some of the other posts I would find some understanding support out there.
My mother was diagnosed with breat cancer in May last year and after a double mastectomy and gruelling chemo and radiotherapy we thought that we were out of the woods. However we have recently had the devastating news that the cancer has returned at the original site with a spread to both her lungs. She had an appointment yesterday and was advised that there is no cure for her the best that can be offered is an attempt to control her symptoms with regular checks. She therefore begins chemo again in a couple of weeks.
Has anyone out there had a similar experience? What can we expect in the future. It is very hard not to think the worst but I am being as strong as I can for both my parents and family. Mum is devastated and I wish I could say something that would make it better but I don’t know what.
I will be grateful for any support.
Thanks
I have also posted this in the friends and family area as wasn’t sure what would be best.
AL x
Dear annelou
Welcome to the forums, I am sorry to read that your Mum has been diagnosed with lung secondaries and am sure you will receive valuable support and information from the forum users very soon. In addition, you may find our factsheet about lung secondaries helpful to read to help you to understand more. You can access this under the ‘Information’ tab on the homepage then under ‘Secondary breast cancer’. Alternatively, our helpliners will be able to send you this and other useful information out to you and you and your Mum are very welcome to give them a call for further support and a ‘listening ear’ during this difficult time for you and your family.
Please call our freephone confidential helpline if you feel that you would like further support or information at any time. The number is 0808 800 6000 and it is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-2pm.
Kind regards
Joe
Forum Host
Breast Cancer Care
Hi
I’m sorry to hear of your mum’s new diagnosis.
It is a huge shock especially when it returns so quickly. I don’t think anybody can underestimate the shock of secondary cancer and it feels like you’ve reached the end of your life. However, there are lots of women here who have lived for a long time with a secondary diagnosis and I’m sure they will be in contact with you to give you hope.
I was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in april 05 and had the usual rounds of chemo, rads and surgery but by september 06 found out I had secondaries in my bones, liver, lungs and lymph system.
Since then I’ve been on regular chemo which has helped considerably with my symptoms and has helped me with my quality of life. I’m at work at present so there is life after secondary diagnosis.
No-one knows how each cancer will react to chemos but there are lots of options and I don’t know if your mother has hormone dependent or her2+ but that increases the options of treatment as well.
Your mum is lucky to have a caring daughter like you and I’m really sorry that this has happened.
Just post as often as you want to and we will try to help you.
Kate
Thank you Joe and Kate for your kind words.
It’s stories like yours Kate that trully give me hope and it’s stories like this that I will have to turn my thoughts to when I’m finding it hard to be positive. I wish you all the best in your journey which is how I find it best to describe it as there have certainly been a lot of ups and downs so far as I’m sure you’ve experienced also.
I’ll post as often as I can and once again thank you.
Anne Louise
Hi Annelou
Just wanted to say I was so sorry to hear about your Mum. I was diagnosed with a liver secondary 2 months ago and I know the shock is dreadful for everybody. My original dx was nearly 5 years ago when my children were all teenagers and I felt I had to support them then as much as them supporting me. This time (perhaps because they are that bit older) they have all given me so much support (practical and emotional) which has been wonderful and has helped me get on and face the future with much more strength. You sound as if you are giving your mum so much support as well. Don’t worry about not knowing what to say to make it better. Just be there for her and listen when she needs to talk - and give her lots of hugs!
I’m sure you’ve read many of the stories on this site and will be able to draw strength from them, as I have. I found it hardest to wait for the treatment to start (I’m having weekly chemo) but now although the treatment is gruelling, I feel more positive that I’m “fighting back” and I’m determined to enjoy life as much as I possibly can. I’ve also found it a real lift to have something “booked” in to look forward to every few days, even if it is only a trip to the cinema, lunch at the pub or a window shop with one of my 2 girls.
Hopefully the chemo will work well for your mum and give her many years to come with you - that’s what I’m hoping for. Do you know yet what chemo she is having? Let us now how you are all going. Kay