When Marina was diagnosed, she worried about her children. Then she read Breast Cancer Care's book, Mummy's Lump.
When Marina was diagnosed, she worried about her children. Then she read Breast Cancer Care's book, Mummy's Lump.
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my first thoughts were for my two children, Ruaridh and Iona.
I explained my fears to my consultant and the nurse, and they told me about Mummy's Lump and gave me a copy.
I made the decision not to hide anything and be honest in what was happening. We sat cuddled up and read the book, as it was written. I then explained that mummy had her lump too and I was about to get yucky medicine to make me better.
I then re-read the book, using Ruaridh and Iona, and myself in the story. I stopped at times and explained how I had been going to the doctors and hospital for the tests.
My mum was there too. She could hear the questions they had and how I read them the story. She came through and asked if they could tell her about it, and if she could read it too.
The book has given us something to turn to that put what was happening into simple terms for the children to understand and see they aren't alone.
Ruaridh chose to dress up as the character from Mummy's Lump for World Book Day. It allowed him to open up and talk about what is happening and gives him a platform to share, “it happened to Jack but this is what is happening to me and my mummy”.
For mums who are still mothering and mums who have been lost, Mother's Day is a chance to celebrate them all.