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My mother was recently diagnosed w/ breast cancer. Thing is, she didn't just get it randomly; it is a "side effect" of a medication she's been on for years. Pretty major side effect, if you ask me!
She's asked the doc about the med several times after reading articles on its dangers, and he told her repeatedly that the benefits outweighed the risks.

She told me and my sisters about the breast cancer when I came home for spring break (I'm away at college).
First day back at college after sb, in my favorite science class, the prof starts talking about the medicine my mom was on, and how dangerous it really is.

I asked him more about it after class, and he enthusiastically talked about how it's stupid the med is still legal when its counterparts were banned 30 yrs ago for causing breast cancer. He even joked about it. Then I told him about my mom (and had to turn around and take several deep breaths), after which he was immediately contrite and remorseful.

My prof has been very gracious, and even let me take home an in-class exam that was to be at the exact same time as my mom's mastectomy. He said to take as long as I needed to do it.

I was working on it last night, and researching a question online (allowed, NOT cheating) when I came across an article about the dangers of the same med. The realization of what it's done to my mom hit me all over again, as it does about every time I run across more info.

Also, the topic has been discussed at length in class several times in the past few weeks, and it's painful every time.

So here's my problem: I don't know how much longer I can stand hearing about why and how my mother has breast cancer in class before I break down. Any ideas???

I'm so sorry to hear about what you're going through. We can't change that your mom was perscribed the medicine by her doctor, but we can try and prevent that others have to take it and go through the same thing. I don't know what medicine this is, but I hope that if it's not already banned, that it will be SOON! I'm glad your mom has you and your sisters for support. The best thing you can do is be there for her. Sometimes I think that people with cancer and their families are more strengthening to me than I could ever be to them with their will to live and grow stronger. I know it's hard, and I hope this doesn't sound sappy, but I find that praying helps so much. Just laying my problems in the Lord makes me feel so much better. Your mom is in my prayers, sweetie ♥

Oh, and I hope this info can help prevent this horror for someone else; here's the medicine my mom was on that is so dangerous.

Prempro, a conjugated estrogen/progesterone.

*EDIT*: I said Premarin before, but I was mistaken. My mom was on Prempro, which is basically the same thing, except Prempro has only conjugated estrogen and no progesterones. Premarin is generally safe to use, while Prempro should never be used by someone who is "at risk" for breast cancer.

Estrogen, used as a hormone therapy, was banned 30 years ago for its high rates of breast cancer.

Conjugated estrogens/progesterones (aka estrogen- and progesterone-mimicking compounds) are currently used as a hormone therapy for post-menopausal women. They reduce hot flashes, mood swings, and anxiety, and also increase the absorption of calcium (which decreases the likelihood of osteoporosis).

On the surface, conjugated estrogens/progesterones like Prempro seem like a miracle drug. The problem is, they are structurally very similar to estrogen, which is why they can do the same things as estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors in the body. Therefore, they cause the exact same side effects as estrogen, including the higher rates of breast cancer.

Research has shown that conjugated estrogens are safe to take if taken alone (like in Premarin), and conjugated estrogens/progesterones are safe if taken at the minimal dosage for a year or less.
My mom's prescription, however, lasted indefinitely. She's been on it for 9 years. The doctors say her breast cancer has been growing to a detectable level for the past 7 years. You do the math.

IMPORTANT: Please check with your own mother if you think she is on a similar medicine (check the main ingredient). If so, just ask her to check with her doctor about the risks. You never know.