Yesterday my mum went in for a second appointment at our screening clinic and this time for an ultrasound as the first appointment and screening showed some areas of concern. I managed to take some time off work and went with her thinking that it was all nothing and that perhaps they weren't able to get a proper picture the first time...how wrong was I. After what felt like forever waiting for my mum I could see her coming back to the waiting area but as soon as I saw her face I knew something was deadly wrong. She barely was able to mutter a single word when I asked her what was wrong.
Shortly afterwards, together with my mum we were informed that the ultrasound had picked up several lumps in the right hand side of her breast and these were solid masses, no cysts. We are no waiting anxiously for the biopsy results and my mum is quite simply beside herself.
I keep telling myself that 9/10 of such cases are benign and that there is chance that everything could be ok. However, at the same time, I find myself preparing myself for the worst fearing that if I don't I won't be able to be strong for my mum. As the eldest child I feel an overwhelming pressure to keep myself together, not just for my mum but also for my younger siblings.
We are waiting for the clinic to call back to arrange an appointment once the results are in. It's like waiting forever and its been a day.
My sister was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when she was just 16 but she is now 23 and has been in remission since then. We as a family have been through so much already and sometimes I feel like we won't be able to cope if it is bad news. It's just my mum because dad didn't want to know - she is the life and soul of our family.
Any help and support would be much appreciated.
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