It was heart wrenching.
It was shocking.
and it was so very relatable.
My step mum was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer two years ago and it also spread to her nimpnoids, which she then had removed. Looking back it was all a bit of a blur, nothing prepares you as a family for the battle against cancer. I do remember seeing her in a totally different light, she wasn't her usual strong, outgoing and bright self that she once was. Everything we knew changed pretty much over night.
I can only speak for myself here, I found it hard to know what to say allot of the time, I didn't know if we should carry on as normal? Do I shower her with attention or do I give her space? I had no idea how I was supposed to be.
She lost all of her hair, very quickly. Again, nothing prepares you for seeing someone you have known for a long time, all of a sudden with no hair. When it started falling out she made the courageous decision to shave it all off, so she could remain in control. For me, what surprised me most was how quickly everyone just adapts, you just get used to them with no hair.
The chemo was a bitch, in her words. It knocked the life out of her, she suddenly become a weak, frail and negative person. It was hard to see but a thousand times harder for her to go through.
She did however recover, thank goodness. She magically bounced back to the person we all knew, she fought it hard and I'm extremely proud of her. I'm not sure I could of got through it so dignified and courageously.
Emma was a healthy 37 year old, marathon runner, fitness fanatic with no family history. She just found a lump one day and that's when her nightmare began. I cant begin to emphasize how important it is to check yourself and to go for smears regularly, time and early diagnose can make such a big difference.
My step mum - Emma with my daughter back in 2012.
I count my lucky star's everyday for my health, because without it you haven't got allot. Life is precious, unpredictable and unfair.
Cancer makes no allowances for anyone.
Linking up to:
Cancer is bloody awful. Glad your step mum recovered!
ReplyDeleteSuch a good post. I lost my mother-in-law to cancer just four months after I had my little boy, she was just 55, and I still feel so cheated that she will never really know her wonderful grandson. Cancer is hell.
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Great post. Terrifying. Every time it keeps a little closer to my family I grab them up tight. Dreadful!
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I couldn't watch it because the thought of actually getting it terrifies me so much. You're right about the importance of always checking your breasts. You have to know your body and what's normal for you. #BrilliantBlogPosts
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant post. I didn't watch the programme although if it's on iplayer I might have to. Your step mum was so young and I am so bloody glad that she fought it and survived. Amazing strength that takes. Thanks for sharing your story. #brilliantblogposts
ReplyDeleteThat is so true, incredibly powerful reminder to us all that we should be observant and not take life for granted.
ReplyDeleteMy mother in law had cancer too, and survived. Luckily she knew something was wrong and made sure she was taken seriously even if the gp was trying to fob her off at the time.
#brilliantblogposts
Such a hateful Disease. I'm so pleased she won her fight a perfect reason to give thanks this #thankfulthursday http://blog.monkey-feet.com
ReplyDeleteOh my word what an ordeal and so young. Really pleased your step-mum is ok now. This program sounds really good, although I think I'd be an emotional wreck if I watched it #brilliantblogposts
ReplyDeleteI was so sad reading your post but so happy your step-mum fought cancer, I missed the drama but looks amazing and 2 outstanding leads too. Thanks for linking up to #brilliantblogposts x
ReplyDeleteCancer is awful - I lost my uncle to pancreatic cancer a few years ago and it was devastating. My mother-in-law and hubby's aunt have both survived breast cancer and I am so glad that your step-mum has recovered from it too. I saw some of the C word and it was utterly heartwrenching, inspiring and thought-provoking all at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine going through this. My heart goes out to you. I thought I had a lump in my breast once and just that sent me into turmoil. My husband lost both his parents to cancer by the time he was 25. It's probably one of the scariest things in life. Thank you for linking up.
ReplyDeletePlease visit me at www.abigaildaybyday.blogspot.ca
@susanpajaro on twitter
What a touching post. Most people don't know what to say but a friend of mine who has had a double mastectomy said these words to me the other day " please don't be afraid to ask how I am doing, as Depression is the invisible disease".... #brilliantblogposts
ReplyDeleteSo glad your step mum recovered. I was only saying to my husband the other day how lucky we are that no one close to us has been touched by cancer. But it makes me fearful too. Thank you for sharing such a touching and important post with count your lucky stars xxx
ReplyDeleteHealth is just everything, isn't it? So, so glad that your step mum got through this - it must have been an awful time for you all! Xx #countluckystars
ReplyDeleteIt's so awful, I witnessed a work colleague go through treatment for breastcancer and it was awful, literally the life sapped from her.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, health is everything.
I'm glad your step mum survived. An awful disease, gruelling treatment. You're so right we should be vigilant and take advantage of all the screening tests we are offered too - they could save your life xx #countyourluckystars
ReplyDeleteMy mum also had breast cancer - she too had a mastectomy and lost her hair. Chemo knocked her down so hard and it was tough seeing her like that. But she, too, has recovered and like you am thankful for it everyday. I've also just found out that an old school friend has passed away as her brain tumour returned - she's got two young kids. You're right - it takes no prisoners, so I try to remember to be thankful for everything I have - and the most important thing is our health. Great post and I am glad Emma recovered so well. #CountLuckyStars
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