Hi ladies. On Friday night, my parents called my boyfriend and I to let us know how my mom was doing after a procedure she had earlier in the week. Nothing could quite prepare us for hearing that they found stage one breast cancer and would be doing some further testing.

I pretty much started crying instantly and had no idea how to process the news. My SO, who considers my parents his in laws already, had some tears in his eyes but remained strong as I was in an emotional tailspin.

While my mom has my dad, who has been such an oak in their almost 40 years of marriage and a great strong presence for our family. I want to be able to do something extra for my mom, because I know she will definitely be going through radiation and potentially chemo.

My mom is nearing 60, but has aged gracefully, and loves going to the gym, bicycle riding with her girlfriends, and volunteering with their church. She had great pride in her marriage, household, and family. She instilled in me a lot of the RPW philosophy without knowing it by that name.

I just want to see her happy and healthy. I know she might have a challenging journey ahead and I want to be able to help her (my dad too!) out. While she is positive and still full of energy now, I know the toll radiation (and chemo if it comes to that) can take, physically and mentally. My SO also wants to be supportive too.

Any suggestions or has anyone gone through this before?