My mom was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She has already had a lumpectomy, but now she faces a mastectomy, as well as 8 chemo sessions. She's feeling sad, and I want to know how I can help. I already help around the house, and we have a very strong love between us. Is there anything else I can do? I've tried to relay that I understand what she's feeling (I've had recent health problems myself), but I also understand that that rarely helps.
2007-03-12 12:39:35 · 10 answers · asked by Why Not? 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
i'm not sure you can cheer her up per se, but just be there for and be a good listener or just be quiet - if that's what she needs.
maybe look for and inspirational book or sayings and place them around the house or hospital room.
sometimes in times of crisis like this, our parents become like our children and we have to treat them with the love and tenderness that we would have for a child.
some nice things to do for her is give her a massage, lotion on her skin if she gets dry skin or is in the hospital, massage her feet, give her mini manicures or pedicures (paint her nails), get some dry shampoo if she will be bedridden and brush her hair for her, put up photos of family and friends, have them call her (but don't let her get too tired out), play some soothing music - just be there.
get her treats that she may like to eat - even if she doesn't feel like eating them once she gets them.
2007-03-12 12:48:59 · answer #1 · answered by island3girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lol, I start to laugh because my teacher just told us about how she got breast cancer. She told her story of how she went to the doctor and got the bad news. She said she waited 2 days before telling anyone. "I had to think about how I was going to tell everyone and I had to compose myself so that I won't look a wreck," She said. I started thinking of all the positive things about having breast cancer. Doing the most teacher-like thing, I started a list of the positives of breast cancer. 1) No more bras and underwire 2) I'll have to go get chemo but then my hair will probably fall out and I WONT have to worry about fixing my hair everyday. 3) Everybody will feel sorry for me so i'll get it easy around the house (maybe I can get the kids to clean their rooms now, and even get my husband to take me to a restaurant) 4) I may be able to get breast reconstruction and get the breasts I've always wanted ( I can blame the breast cancer, and say its my reason for getting it) 5) Chemo? Doesn't that make you loose weight? Great now i'll lose those thunder thighs I have and my kangaroo pouch.
She probably had more on her list but she said after she finished it she was actually somewhat looking forward to it and at least accepted it and was ok with it. She said on the 3rd day she told her people, her husband was shocked, horrified, scared, everything you would expect.............he couldn't believe she was sooo happy!
Well, she is sooo fine now and you wouldn't beleive she ever had it. She has beautiful brown hair, unfortunately she gained all the weight back and a few more (I wouldn't say it to her face lol) but she is great! Well at least to me she looks healthier then before.
I hope this helped. For whatever reason, God decides to give us challenges in life and you don't have to meet that challenge 100% you just have to put up a fight. You have to keep going and with people like you with her fighting all the way ....I'm sure she'll do just fine. Good luck to you and your family.
2007-03-12 12:54:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your mom is going to go through chemo, then you know shes going to lose her hair. What you can do is shave your hair completely off and stick by her whenever she goes through any of her chemo sessions.
Also, you can buy her a present that she can mess around with to take her mind off the cancer. Here are 3 things you can buy her to really help her out.
1-If she likes pets, buy her a Aquarium. Buy her a 30 gallon tank set and some tiger oscars.
2-If she doesnt like pets, take her on a small vacation like a spa or Vegas if you can afford it.
3-You can also buy her some small gift like candles or sweets to lift her mood.
I hope i helped, best of luck to you and your mom. Remember, the happier she is, the better her chances of making a full recovery after the chemo.
2007-03-12 12:51:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been where she is. 7 years ago I had breast cancer. What she needs is a support group to talk to. Other women who are or have gone through the same thing. You are there for her, helping her and giving your time and love. That is the best you can do for her. But you haven't been through this yourself. She (or you) can contact her oncologist's office. Their staff will have ALL the support group information for her area. I really suggest this and think it will help her a lot.
2007-03-12 12:44:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would do more research about breast cancer and try to understand her more. Maybe books or the internet!! Flowers and a nice conversation that is not about breast cancer will help! Talk about yourself... it will get her mind off the pain and you guys will have some time to bond!
2007-03-12 12:44:26 · answer #5 · answered by lynette 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what you just said in your question sounds already great to me. sometimes its hard knowing what to say. just being there, loving her and helping around the house is great. sounds like you are already helping her. keep up the great work. what your mom is going thru is hard and she needs to be sad sometimes. just take care of each other.
2007-03-12 12:51:19 · answer #6 · answered by havingfun 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do as much as you can for her in her time of need... tell her how much she means to you... and always remind her how much you love her !!! Just be there for her and spend time reminiscing about the better times of your youth and growing up !!! Tell her jokes... laughter is truly the best medicine !
2007-03-12 12:53:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try your best to comfort your mother. Let her know that your there for her and try not to argue with her at times. It can cause her to stress out. Spend alot of time with her and that will make her happy :)
hope i have helped!
2007-03-12 12:45:09 · answer #8 · answered by colorfulgarden 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IBC Hospital:
http://www.cancure.org/international_bio_care_hospital.htm
http://biocarehospital.com/
IBC is the only place in the world that offers the Alivizatos cancer treatment:
http://www.alivizatos.com/
2007-03-12 13:57:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
spend a lot of time together and give her all the love she can possibly get...talk about things and listen to what she says â¥
2007-03-12 12:48:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋