Just found out about the Breast Cancer

Zachary

Hi my name is Zach,

My mom just yesterday found out that she has breast cancer. Ever since I was told my body feels numb. I know I have to be there for her and help her and my family, but I wish I could do more. I just want to know how the process is going to go. Someone to talk to that understands my feelings is much needed. I just feel so sad right now. My mom is the strongest person in my life and seeing her worry worries me.

mdg

Zachary, I am glad you came to this board.  There are so many wonderful people here that can support you and share their experiences.  Hearing your mom has BC I am sure was devastating, but you can help her get through this.  As a mom myself, my heart breaks to hear how you feel....my son was too young to understand, so he doesn't even know.  I do want to tell you that the road ahead may not be fun for your mom, but she can get through it.  I finished chemo last May and a year later life is really good.  No one would ever know I had breast cancer....in fact most people don't even know.  If you post more details about her diagnosis and what the treatment path is, we can share information about what to expect through her treatment.  Have faith....hugs!

LLMax00

Zachary,

I just finished my introductory post when I read yours. 

I had that numb feeling the first days after my fiancee's diagnosis, too.  There are so many what-if's and what-next's that run through your head that it can get overwhelming.  Things do get better, especially after the initial whirlwind of doctor's appointments.  Once the wheels start into motion on your mother's treatment plan, that numb feeling you have right now will go away.  Honest.

You've done one of the best things you can do for yourself, by coming here.

You'll read that searching "Dr. Google" is probably the worst thing you can do.   Those that say that are 100% correct.

Keep strong, and you'll make it though. 

Kelloggs

Zachary,

Bless your heart.  I was diagnosed in October and the hardest part for me was telling my children, two daughters 18 and 24.  They were understandably devastated but they see now that I made it through chemo relatively easily and I'm now finishing radiation.  Life will never be the same but that doesn't mean it won't be good.  Be there for her and support her and remember, this is NOT a death sentence.  Things will calm down and become less frantic when you know what her treatment plan is.  God bless you and your Mom!

GraciousGal

Zachary,

I would also add to the others' wonderful comments that you introduce her to this site and help her learn, if necessary, how to navigate around on her own. BC is a rather intimate subject to be discussing with others - even family. This board somehow eliminates barriers and embarassment that otherwise get in the way of our search for answers.  Although I do discuss my BC and treatments with my two grown children (boy, 28, girl, 30), I do not go into intimate details with them like I do with those I meet here. Support her, encourage her, but offer her some privacy too.

dlb823

Zach, the first thing you need to know is that most women who are diagnosed with early stage breast cancer and get appropriate treatment for it do just fine.  Yes, it's a shock to get the diagnosis, especially if you have no symptoms (which most women do not), and have always taken good care of yourself.  But there is excellent treatment available these days, and hopefully your Mom's bc has been caught early and will be totally cured.  It's just going to be a rough few months for her and your family.

I don't know how old you are, but there are many of us on BCO with teenage and young adult children, so we can certainly relate to the feelings of numbness and sadness you've described.  As far as how the process goes... assuming her bc was found with a biopsy... the next step is usually meeting with a breast surgeon, who will probably order an MRI, to be sure nothing else is going on beyond what they already know about.  Then she will have to decide on what type of surgery to have.  This all usually happens fairly quickly -- within a few weeks.  Whether or not she will need any additional treatment after surgery will depend on her individual diagnosis.  Some of us needed chemo and/or radiation; some of us did not.  And many of us who have had surgery, chemo & RT are doing just fine now -- maybe even healthier than before our bc journey -- even though some of those days were rough at the time.

Let us know what other questions you have.  Hopefully others who have been through what you're going through now will also be along to give you some suggestions and support.    

I'm so sorry your Mom and you are going through this, but I think it's great that you're reaching out for information.  Deanna