My mum told me today that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She will have to have an operation and go through radiotherapy. I'm so worried- she will have to be in hospital for 4 days then go once every day. I'd be thankful for any information about the symtoms of radiotherapy and cancer, ways to make her feel better about it and any other things that would be useful. Thank you.
Solemnstar answered Friday February 18 2005, 8:11 pm: my mum got that and shes completely fine they got it before it was too late and it was simple to go through scince we knew that whatever happened she loved us and had no regerts
Solemnstar [ Solemnstar's advice column | Ask Solemnstar A Question ]
AKSherma answered Friday February 18 2005, 7:53 pm: My mom had breast cancer 3 times. The first time they just took the lump out and then used radiation. The second time, they took out more of her breast and the lymph nodes in the armpit. The third time she had a full mastectomy on her left breast + chemotherapy.
Your mom is going to be fine- the reason for the long hospital stay is just to make sure that she has recovered from the actual operation and start the radiotherapy. Nowadays the radiation is very focusedx on the breast and doesn't get to the other places around that (arm, other side of the chest etc.). She may feel very tired after the radiation and then her skin might become like it is very "sun-burned" like. Cancer is a horrible disease that can be caused by a lot of things, but in general cancer is when cells grow uncontrollably but are not functional tissue. The most that you can do for your mom that she would love is to show her that you love her. Be with her, rent movies and watch together, take her out to coffee and be the best child that you can be.
Together you can get through this and feel that you've really bonded.
CraziForRey619 answered Friday February 18 2005, 6:33 pm: Sorry to hear about that. You can't really do anything for it except sit back and help your mom through it. My uncle died of lung cancer last Christmas, and there really isn't anything anyone could do. If it just started, it should be alittle "easier" to get "rid of". But if it has been there for a longer period of time, it may be alittle difficult. Go To breastcancer.com to find out some more information. Besta Luck [ CraziForRey619's advice column | Ask CraziForRey619 A Question ]
gavinhenson4eva answered Friday February 18 2005, 3:50 pm: my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer this time last year and she just got the all clear.im nt goin to lie to you its gonna be hard but you will find a way to cope..you just need to be there for her and not show that your upset all the time cos she dusnt need you to worry about.talk about things you can do wen shes better.im not to sure whats the symptoms of radiotherpy bcoz my mum had chemo so she lost all her hair.go on a search engine and type in symptoms of radiotherpy.you also need to find sum1 for you to talk to maybe a aunt or a friends mum? just remember that you need sum1 for you to get thru this aswell.i know its gonna be hard but youl get thru.the best thing you need is a sence of humour!hope i helped.good luck loadsa love xxxxx let me know how things go [ gavinhenson4eva's advice column | Ask gavinhenson4eva A Question ]
EpMeg2010 answered Friday February 18 2005, 3:15 pm: Awwww I'm soo sry to hear that! Not to worry you but my grandmother died from breast cancer. But she was sick a long time and did nothing about it untill it was tooo late! Good luck with all!!
MakalahLea answered Friday February 18 2005, 2:46 pm: Below is information that I found about chemotherapy and radiation therapy at WedMD. If you want further information just click on this link : [Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
I have 2 aunts who are breast cancer survivors. One had to have surgical intervention plus chemo and the other just had chemo. Both have been in remission for decades. You mom will be sick after the chemo/radiation, she might lose her hair (not everyone does), she will be rather lethargic due to the treatments and anemia resulting from the treatments. To cheer her keep her from talking to anyone who annoys her on the phone or in person. You and your family can split up the household chores (if it is just you and her ask a friend or extended family member to help). Tell her stories about other women who have fought this and beat it. Tell her constantly that you love her and are going to be there for her through this, that the two of you will beat this together. Keep your chin up, if you are brave it will be easier for her to be. Go to doctor appointments with her as much as possible so that she doesnt have to go it alone.
I know that it is a tough situation but I have faith that your Mom will be fine. You have faith too.
Contact me anytime. Best Wishes!
Update: Please do add me to your list. You are very sweet. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Mom.
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping the cells from dividing. When chemotherapy is taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle, the drugs enter the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body (systemic chemotherapy). When chemotherapy is placed directly into the spinal column, an organ, or a body cavity such as the abdomen, the drugs mainly affect cancer cells in those areas (regional chemotherapy). The way the chemotherapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. There are two types of radiation therapy. External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the cancer. Internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer. The way the radiation therapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated. [ MakalahLea's advice column | Ask MakalahLea A Question ]
xObEaChbAbEoX answered Friday February 18 2005, 2:29 pm: My mom had cancer and i was crying when i found out i was so worried my mom also had radiation and kemotherapy. Had to get an operation, etc. but you should try to cook dinner for yourself and sibilings because your mom will get really overwhealmed just from the radiation and kemotherapy, clean up the house if its a mess, and comfort her [ xObEaChbAbEoX's advice column | Ask xObEaChbAbEoX A Question ]
zoey707 answered Friday February 18 2005, 1:34 pm: Im sorry I really dont know anything about that i just wanted to say im sorry bout your mom im sure she will be ok
BeautifulMadness answered Friday February 18 2005, 1:19 pm: Radiotherapy can make the patient feel kinda tired and sometimes sick, but the symptoms vary from patient to patient.
When she's feeling sick (if she does) you can look after her and let her sit down and get her a towel and a bucket and some water, stuff like that. If she gets tired, then do some of the housework for her and look after any pets/siblings you have :)
And keep her positive!! Cry if you want to when she is crying but otherwise be strong! Tell her it's all gonna be OK and give her lots of hugs. Maybe take her shopping or to see a funny film? People with positive attitudes are medically proven to be more likely to recover from illnesses!
Blessed Be,
Rach xxx [ BeautifulMadness's advice column | Ask BeautifulMadness A Question ]
bAhAmAmA0250 answered Friday February 18 2005, 1:01 pm: Both my grandma's have cancer right now and they are doing radiation or kemo-therapy or whatever. You mom will probably feel really tired and not really good. Just let her relax she will need alot of that trust me on that one. Just help her out majorily around the house and be there to lend her a hand-trix [ bAhAmAmA0250's advice column | Ask bAhAmAmA0250 A Question ]
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