Hi. My mom started this journey July 2008, same stage 3C, in all her lymph nodes. I'm her primary caregiver and I don't have sisters, aunts, or others to help. But I do have an awesome husband who is very supportive. We haven't had a lot of breaks, but I can tell you that although it feels totally overwhelming right now, you will learn and understand more and more over the next few months. This is a great forum for information or just to vent. The surgery was actually the hardest part for my mom. She has tolerated chemo pretty well, although it's not working as well as we'd hoped. She began a different round a few weeks ago and hopefully this will be the magic combo. Just love your mom, and be with her as much as you can through this. You may need to be her "ears" at the doctor appointments as she is likely overwhelmed also.
It's a hard road, but you have just become part of a community of some of the toughest women I know. We're all here for you.
Denyc
Hi. Do you have relatives that can help? Brothers/sisters? I have 2 brothers and my dad and myself (im the only girl and the youngest). My mom just had her first chemo treatment on Thursday and we are still learning something new everyday. My brother bought books and did a lot of research on websites, but it also helps to talk to other cancer patients about what they went through so you know what to expect. You will also learn that not everyone reacts the same to chemo and not everything you are going to read is good. Right now my mom is barely eating and not drinking much at all, we think she is dehyrated so this is a concern for us. We know to watch her temperature, if it gets to 100.4 we need to take her to emergency. Also, talk to the chemo nurse at the hospital - they are helpful and can answer your questions. Make a list of questions and concerns and ask the doc / nurses all of them. The next day Im sure you will have more, just keep an ongoing list and a journal of what is happening this can help you remember things as well. Its a long road and you need to stay strong. I know you want to be there for her but you are going to need a break at sometime. Let someone help you if they offer.
Good luck with everything
Shari