Forum Discussion

citizen_erased's avatar
citizen_erased
Member
13 years ago

New

Hi all,

My mum was recently diagnosed and has had 2 surgeries, removing part of the breast and 10 lymph nodes.

Although it was 'early' breast cancer - 5mm, it already spread to the first lymph node - 4mm. She has many other health problems already (56yo, but has had a very hard life), and is trying to decide whether to have chemo.

It would be good to be sure, especially since her other breast is now feeling like the one with cancer did last year; but the flip side is the chemo seems to be very harsh, and all the symptoms they talk about (rashes, itching, muscle and joint aches, arthritis, diarrhoea, etc) - she already has!! So it seems like all of those will just be exacerbated, and even more will be added.

Anyone been in a similar situation?? 

Thank you. I hope all your journeys are going well!!

2 Replies

  • LeanneI's avatar
    LeanneI
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi - so pleased that you have connected in the forum.  There are many women here that have so much experience which for your will be a great source of support. As Lee mentioned above, would be great for your Mum to connect in here also if she felt like it.

    It seems that any treatment has side effects that some experience and others not so. I didn't have chemo so can not speak from my own experience however my Mum had it 25 years ago and is something that I will never forget. 

    Is a difficult thing for a daughter to watch and feel like you can't do anything to make it better...

    I am sure that there are many in here that can offer tips to help your Mum get through the side effects, and many in here that can provide support to you also.

    Best wishes

    Leanne :-)

  • LeeS's avatar
    LeeS
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi. Its great that you thought to connect online here at BCNA. Hopefully, at some stage she might join us here too. There's advice and comfort here for you both.I absolutely struggled with the side effects of chemo. It was horrible but worthwhile. I'm sorry to hear your mum is so unwell already. I hope she is able to continue through the discomfort.