My Mom was Just Diagnosed

sunflowers14

Hello everyone,

My mom just told me today that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. We aren't sure what stage yet, all we know is that she has it. I have already accepted it and I am 1000% committed to helping her. She is my best friend. I told her she was going to be just fine and we are in this together. I have much younger siblings that she hasn't told yet, I think she's waiting until school ends. My question to you wonderful people is: what should I do to help her right now? Also, how do I cope with it without showing my fear? I cried only a bit in front of her today but I want to be strong. If any of you have even the slightest bit of advice, I would greatly appreciate it.

Love to you and your loved ones.

Kindly,

Sunflowers14

Moderators

Hi Sunflowers-

We're so sorry to hear about your mom's diagnosis, but we're glad you've found us, and hope you find support for the both of you!

Being a caregiver means different things for different people. Helping her during treatment with little things like cooking and cleaning, attending her doctor's appointments with her for moral support and to ask questions she might miss, being there to listen when she needs a sympathetic ear. Just being there is probably a big help already! And it's equally important to take care of yourself, and take time to process this; you're going through this too, and it can be very scary and overwhelming.

We wish you both luck, please keep us posted on how she's doing!

The Mods

sunflowers14

To The Mods-

Thank you very much! I appreciate your help. This is terrifying and overwhelming, but knowing that I have this site is a big relief.

-Sunflowers

ElaineTherese

sunflowers14,

You know your Mom best. What are some things SHE liked to do? What are some things she struggles with (keeping the house clean? getting dinner ready? running errands)? My kids play in the mud all the time; it was nice to have my house cleaned on Fridays by a professional. Before treatment, once I found I needed chemo, I enjoyed going wig shopping with my daughter. I was really looking forward to trying out some new hair because my natural hair was stringy and thin. While I was undergoing treatment, people volunteered to pick up my daughter from softball practice. That was a huge help. People also brought dinner for our family on chemo days, so I could just relax after treatment.

You're lucky to live so close to your Mom. My family lives thousands of miles away; I had to rely on friends. Best wishes to you and your Mom!