The Day After...

So. Serious stuff now.

Yesterday, the 14th March 2011, my mum told me that she has breast cancer. Oh.

My mum is one of those people that never goes to the doctors, fights through viruses and infections that leave me in bed feeling no end of sorry for myself. One of those people who has a remedy or reason for everything, someone you could go to for anything and know you are in safe hands.

I knew something was "wrong" when I got home, my sister was there without her partner or children which is very unusual, especially during the week. Mum shared the news after tea, which almost made a reappearance (sorry, TMI). We talked and went through the options and cried and hugged. Mum has the option to go for surgery, or for chemo then surgery, she has opted for the latter. After the initial shock we tried to make mum laugh, discussing what wig she could get, or even a bandana decorated so she could be Cheshire's Jack Sparrow! She appreciated the giggles.
Monetise
So now we are left with the shock, the uncertainty, the... the. We don't know how to feel, none of us. I can only speak for myself but that is something I do know.

How do you react to that news?
How am I meant to feel?
What can I do?

I don't know the answers to any of these. I don't think I should know the answers to any of these. I need to be strong for my mum, she needs my support more than ever. The tears will stop eventually, we will have plans and ways to look forward as a family.

Telling people is the hardest, the hardest thing to say is "My mum has cancer". Its even hard to type. So hard.

I have also signed up to take part in the Race for Life. I did my first charity walk last year for the Alzheimer's Society, doing another one for Cancer Research UK seems fitting.

To anyone who may read, please share your experiences. And thanks for reading.