Mums Cancer

September03

My mum got diagnosed with breast cancer over 9 months ago now and after radiotherapy she is now experiencing nerve damage all within her arm, armpit and breast. She has many different tablet she must try out to see if the can numb the pain but if not she is looking into getting the nerves numbed.

Seeing your mum not being able to return to work, not being able to do the day to day things she once was, not being able to be herself has finally caught up on me. She hasn't had any help or support through Macmillan or all these support things you hear about, I cry for her every single night. I can't talk about it with her because I know how much it will upset her but I also feel like I can't hold it in for much longer.

Does it ever get easier?

Georgia1

Oh, September, I am so sorry. Nerve damage can occur after lumpectomy, but mine improved a lot after consistently doing the exercises assigned. And I am only on day five of radiation so have no experience I can offer. I have heard, however, that sharp pains, numbness, etc. do occur (from surgery and radiation) but get better over time.

So sweet of you to care for your mum, but darling do take care of yourself too. Caregiving and stress are draining, so try to keep up a schedule of light exercise and healthy eating if you can.

Hoping someone with more experience can chime in but I did want to offer my sympathy.

Moderators

September,

We are so sorry to hear that your mum is in so much pain after treatment, this is understandably really affecting you to see her suffer and witness how much this has negativity impacted on her quality of life.

As Georgia said, supporting and caring for a loved one with BC can be challenging and it is also important that you care for yourself too, whether that's through doing things that you love, taking exercise or talking about your worries with others.

You might like to look at the Forum we've added below to link in with others who are supporting a loved one.

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/144

Do come back here often and let us know how your mom is doing.

Sending both of you gentle hugs