Quote:
Originally Posted by troutbug
My mother in law was diagnosed with breast cancer last month. They pushed her through the scans etc as it spread to her lymph nodes and they were worried it was to her bones. She got results today that it has not spread that far but is booked for surgery to removed 1 breast and her lymph nodes.
I have never dealt with anyone who had cancer as I have no family left on my side. I was wondering if anyone here has experience with someone who has had this surgery.
What could we get that will help recovery? Anything we could buy to help her with comfort etc.
Ay pointers would be appreciated.
|
Hi troutbug, I can offer some help from a man's perspective. I, (yup, a guy) got breast cancer!!! It was back in 2015, and we lived in Ft. McMurray then. I had just retired and the cancer was discovered in September that year, just a month after discovering a growing lump in my breast, then I rapidly had numerous tests and consultations, surgery for radical mastectomy on my left breast was immediately done (in just a few days following confirmation of the cancer) because the cancer was determined to be an aggressive type and was growing very quickly. Surgery revealed that cancer had just begun to spread into the lymph nodes (1 of 22 removed was cancerous). At that point, just 6 weeks after discovering the lump, I was declared to be stage 2. If we'd have waited it would have been much more serious.
About a month after surgery I began chemo treatments following consultations with oncologists in Edmonton at the Cross Clinic. I underwent 6 treatments spaced 3 weeks apart. Had white cell tests done prior to each chemo treatment to ensure I could 'take' the treatments. One treatment had to be done in Edmonton, the rest were done in Ft. McMurray. I was not very ill from the chemo, just had a couple of bad days, and I was quite fatigued. I couldn't even walk around the block without taking 2 or 3 rests.
Lost every hair on my body too, and I'm a pretty furry guy; that was unsettling and scary, especially when the hair just started falling out one day
Most of it has grown back, just extra thin up top and I've got quite a hairless area on my left chest
.
After finishing chemo I began radiation treatments in Edmonton for 3 weeks. That was suggested as optional, but recommended as a kind of 'insurance' to help kill off any possible cancer cells. Radiation treatments were okay, just a bit uncomfortable, and I was really tired, no energy at all.
I was offered reconstruction surgery, but opted to keep my scars; having a missing nipple and scars is not a big deal for me. For women, though, reconstruction is something that certainly helps for making a person feel 'normal' again.
I continue to have an annual mammogram of my right side, and continue taking a pill of tamoxofin every day (just like the ladies do). It's recommended I take that for 10 years unless there are obnoxious side effects; 6 1/2 years later so far so good
.
Lingering side effects from the chemo treatments:
one is mental fatigue, I can't focus for as long as I used to, I get mentally 'tired' if I do too much for too long, so I've learned to pace myself.
I have loss of feeling in my left arm and down the left side of my chest, and often feel 'cold' on that side.
Also, I have some discomfort on my feet, numbness and tingly feelings all the time, and sometimes cramping in my toes , feet, and occasionally in my legs, arms and hands. Could be worse. That restricts my walking ability somewhat - can't go long distances anymore.
My faith was a great source of help in going through it all, as was positive support from family and friends. Sometimes it was hard to keep a positive outlook, but I was constantly encouraged to focus on beating it. All the medical people I interacted with while going through it all were great. They will recommend what your mother-in-law will need. There are lots of resources available, so take advantage of whatever is available.
Hope and pray it goes well for your mother-in-law.
Blessings to her and you,
Mistagin
Question- Mother in laws Masectomy (update)
Linear Mode
