Hi @Elise1489, I am so sorry for your family's ongoing battle with this insidious disease. Life just seems so unfair at times and your family has already gone through so much for 3 generations now battling breast cancer.
I am sure that you will hear all sorts of platitudes - "Such dreadful news at this time of year " (a bc diagnosis is NEVER good news, at any time); "I know someone who had breast cancer and they are well now" (that someone is not your Mum).
In some respects, your Mum has perhaps had this fear hanging over her for so long now, especially having watched her Nanna and her Mum go through this. In 2014, my Mum passed away with secondary bc in the bones at 78, so I can absolutely understand yours and your Mum's fear.
I was diagnosed with early bc in 2003 (er+) and had a lumpectomy followed by chemo and radiotherapy. I had a recurrence in the same breast in 2007 and had a mastectomy then.
Last year I was diagnosed with secondary bc in the bones and have had targeted hormone therapy and radiotherapy to several sites where the pain was quite pronounced and bony mets severe.
Apart from a 3 week stay in hospital earlier this year due to a few complications, I have bounced back quite well.
I have to say that 15 months on from diagnosis, following the above treatment I am relatively well and able to work 4 days per week.
I wish your Mum all the very best for her surgery today and also the follow up can be so difficult with the wait - it can seem so interminably long especially with the public holidays etc.
So glad that you have reached out to the online forum and welcome. It is not a club that any of use wish to join if it was our choice but there are so many people who share their stories that hopefully you and your Mum can find information, a sounding board, somewhere to vent etc.
Also check if your Mum has received a BCNA Hopes & Hurdles package - that is really helpful. Maybe our wonderful admin team like @Di_BCNA can help. Or you can contact the breast care nurse. BCNA or check the website here.
Your Mum is fortunate to have a wonderful daughter like you. Elise, my hope is for you and your family to enjoy the festive season together (as difficult as it will be) and look forward to spending many more together.
Big hugs to you and your Mum.
Sheryl xxxx
