My mom was diagnosed with stage 2, triple negative breast cancer. She had a lumpectomy on Dec 9th and the oncologist she saw suggested chemo. She doesn't want to do chemo. So she is going for a 2nd opinion and seeing Dr. Kathy Albain at Loyola. Can anyone give me feedback about this doctor and her staff? My mom is not really a "fighter" and has a negative attitude already about any treatment. She is willing to do radiation.
Also, if anyone can share their experiences with chemo (why you did it or didn't do it) and what she can expect. And what can I do to support her? I'd like to get her something - what would be a good gift (I do support her and have gone with her to every Dr. appt - but is there something you got that made chemo more 'comfortable'?)? What is the best gift you got while on this journey?
Hi Amy,
I am sorry to hear about your mom. I am sure this has not been easy for her or your family. I cannot tell you anything about the doctor, as I am not familiar with her, but I just wanted to let you know that during this time your whole family needs support. Wheather that is from one another or someone outside the family or even a support group. When I was 4 months pregnant my husband was diagnosed with Hodkins Lymphoma cancer. Our whole world just about came crumbling down. It was the hardest thing either one of us has ever gone through. I am not sure there is really a "gift" to get your mom. I think you need to talk openly with her and let her know that you are there for her and that she needs to beat this. Just be there for her, let her talk to you about her fears and concerns. Go to treatments with her if you can. Depending on how she feels offer to take care of dinner a couple of times a week or once a week, what ever you can do. As far a chemo it really depends on the mix of drugs they give you. Every person, cancer, mixture is different. Luckily my husband was better off after treatments then some other people we talked to. He was just really tired, felt sick somethimes, but never really vommitted, he already shaved his head so losing his wasn't a problem, but he did lose his eyebrows, and he really felt pretty week most of the time. He was on disability from work for the 6 months he had treatments. But then a coworker of mine went through treaments and she took off on Friday had her treatment then had the weekend to recoup and was back on Monday. Like I said I think everyone is different.
I wish all the best to you and your family.
First off, the time you are with her for these appointments is giving her a special comfort that no THING can give her. I bet that she spends her quiet moments thanking God for you and your time.
When my father-in-law had chemo and radiation (lung cancer), his skin was really dry. We made sure that his feet and hands were lotioned up all the time, and that he had chapstick for his lips that were chapped so badly.
Chemo can be really really hard on some people. I saw my father-in-law age what seemed like 20 years during his course of chemo. It was hard to watch. But the decision is a very personal one. My sister's father-in-law had lung cancer, and he refused ALL treatment. He didn't want to give up the things that made his quality of life meaningful.
I wish you and your family all the best. There are support groups for caregivers, so you should consider taking some time for yourself for support with some people in similar situations. Your local hospital may have one.
Take care of yourself!
Beverly