Mom just diagnosed, and I'm having 2nd baby in a week

krodts

This is the first time I've ever posted anything on a discussion board, but I really feel the need to reach out to people who might be going through this also.

 I'm 38 weeks pregnant with my 2nd baby, and I just found out my father has colon cancer and my mother has breast cancer. It was a huge shock, and I'm on emotional overload. My mom was a huge rock for me when I had my first baby, and I know her recent cancer diagnosis means that will not be the case this time. I'm scared that I won't have the energy to care for my newborn, and help both of my parents through their cancer treatments. My mother is my touchstone, and the thought of losing her is devastating to me.

I'm looking for advice of how to cope from anyone else who has gone through this. I know I'm just starting a very long, and difficult journey and I just want to know I'm not alone.

CoolBreeze

Congratulations on your new baby!

First, there are different types of breast cancer.  Do you know what kind your mom has?  Not all women need mastectomies or chemo.  It may be your mom won't need any help at all.

I don't know much about colon cancer but I imagine there are degrees to that too.  I know a teacher who worked every day during his colon cancer treatment, except for surgery and the day he had chemo.

The only help I really needed was after my mastectomy - for about 4 days. I had trouble doing much and even moving was hard - but after that, I was okay.  Maybe your mom and dad can stagger their surgeries so that they can help each other.    I couldn't lift anything so grocery shopping was not a simple thing - pushing a full cart was hard.  But,  many grocery stores deliver now, and as a daughter, you can make meals at home and just drop them off. 

With chemo I am fine.  My husband goes with me but he doesn't have to.  I could drive myself.

She probably won't need you as much as you think.  But, don't ask her to babysit.