mum help!

[Sand1974]

That's lovely, my mums just been diagnosed too, also stage 3 and it's spread to lymph nodes, she's to have chemo and then a mastectomy xx

[laura88]

thank you ladies! yes we're very positive it has been caught early and is confined to the ducts! I have ordered her some super soft flannels, and going to get cotton pj's at the weekend, thank you for all your suggestions!
I'm sure she'll have me doing the bits of house work aswell! haha.
good luck on your journeys x

[Eian01]

The way i see it is positive and it become more responsive to treatment. As merton said discussing reports will give you better understanding. Wishing all the best for her op and treatments.

Good Luck!!

[Ms Merton]

Oestrogen positive is actually good news because it means that it should respond to hormone treatments such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors.  If they are doing a node biopsy they may put a drain in but not always. I had a small seroma (pocket of fluid build up) after I had node biopsy but it went away in a couple of weeks.  You will get a full pathology report after the operation. My advice is to ask for a copy of the report and then get someone (oncologist, breast care nurse, Macmillan support line etc) to explain it to you and your mum in detail.  If the lymph nodes are clear on examination under the microscope, they may do something called an Oncotype test on the tumour which tells them more about your personal recurrence risk and therefore whether you should have chemo even if your nodes are clear.  It's a long journey and it's wonderful for your mum to have your support. The love of your family and friends makes all the difference.  I would also say to everyone that the best practical thing you can do for someone going through cancer treatment is to help them out with household chores like cleaning and making some nice healthy home cooked meals for them.  Best wishes.  Xx

[laura88]

hi
yes they are removing biopsies at the same time and it's oestrogen positive, I think they are holding off with the oncologist untill after the Surgery, I don't think they are 100% on Wether they will do the chemo or Not. so we will have to wait and see.

x

[Ms Merton]

Laura , she needs to check with surgeon but normally after this type of surgery you would need to wear a soft sports bra or compression bra - ask the BCN what is recommended. There's lots of info re this on the Surgery section of the Going Through Treatment forum, as well as more tips on what to take into hospital.  Is she having a sentinel node biopsy at the same time or has she already had this? I guess she is having chemo because she is Grade 3.  Do you know if she is Her 2 positive or negative? Have you seen the oncologist yet re what the chemo regime will be? Again there's a lot of info re chemo in the Going Through Treatment forum which you might find helpful.  Xx 

[laura88]

thank you ladies! she is having a breast reduction as she has quite big boobies, and then they are going to do a lumpectomy and take more than needed hence the reduction.
they have said she will need radio and a little bit of chemo, she's not very girly which is difficult! but I really like the cotton pjs idea, n socks etc.
will she have drains in for a reduction?

Laura x

[Anniej]

Hi Laura lovely girl, I think what I appreciated were little luxuries. I was given nice candles and oils for my room, which I have used for relaxation. I was also bought a range of unperfumed shower gels which are so lovely and cleansing. Another friend gave me baby face cloths for my poor little boob and numb arm. These are my personal favourite. I'm never going back to ordinary terry cloths. My husband treated me to gorgeous button front cotton pj's, and quite honestly , the more sets of these the merrier! Music and dvd's help pass the time, especially if you are not feeling great. I was given a sleep cd, which hasn't worked , but I still love the sound of the sea.  Lucky mum. Wishing her all the best for her op and treatments.  X

[Ms Merton]

I don't think you need anything special for lumpectomy or radio except, as Helena says, soft bras for post-op and unperfumed soap and aqueous moisturiser for radio.  My hospital recommends Doublebase rather than E45 which some people react to.  Drinking straws can be useful immediately after surgery! A packet of biscuits. Dry shampoo in case she is not showering for a couple of days? A few travel sized toiletries.  Packet of face wipes.  Overall I would go for some treats which are luxurious and feminine - e.g. A nice lipstick and powder compact.  A nice pashmina or similar can be useful to throw round the shoulders in bed.  Maybe some socks to wear in bed.  What a lovely thoughtful person you are!  Good luck to your mum. Xx

[ladybowler]

laura

Oh what a lovely thing to do, so thoughtful.

Depending on what surgery she is having, if it is a lumpectomy and she is having day surgery, I would say a lovely soft supportive non wired bra for her to wear after surgery.  She might need some paracetamol.  They recommend that you bring a dressing gown and slippers in for after the surgery and you are walking around. 

If she is going to have radiotherapy, then E45 cream, perhaps a drinking bottle as she will need to keep her fluid intake up to counter the dehydration effect from it.  Some mags for when she is waiting for her apt, I know I saw lots of people who had kindles and were reading.

I am sure that you will get lots of other ideas from the lovely ladies on here but that is all I can think of for now.

Helena xx

[laura88]

my mum has just been diagnosed, and I'd about to start her journey, she has stage 3 because of the quick growth, although lymph nodes are clear and it's been caught early thankfully!
they are going to do a reduction whilst removing the 2 tumours, n then plan is radio.
I am wanting to make her a little hospital bag with things in you have found helpfully after surgery or radio!!
if anyone could help me with have your must haves were that would be great just so I can put her a little bag together

many thanks xxx