I write to you as a devastated granddaughter. After a short yet courageous battle with breast cancer, I had to say goodbye to my grandmother. Although her passing wasn’t completely unexpected, the emotional toll of losing someone you love, especially to cancer, is something that cannot be fully prepared for. Cancer faced a formidable opponent in my grandmother. At 84, she was determined not to let it dictate her final days. As my brother wisely remarked, “Cancer may win this battle, but Grandma will arrive in heaven saying, ‘You should see the other guy.’”
Her diagnosis came in February, and she was resolute in her fight, surrounded by a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and family. Sadly, it was too late; she had triple-negative breast cancer that had spread to her lungs. At her age, chemotherapy and surgery would have only prolonged her suffering. In her last moments, she was already fading before her body finally gave out. I will never receive her birthday call in August again, and the thought of that is paralyzing.
My grandmother deserved more; she wanted to leave on her own terms. Anyone who knew her would describe her as a fiercely protective and stubborn woman. I remember when I was eight years old and a man in a van started following me home from school. I ran as fast as I could and told my grandmother what happened through tears. My superhero grandmother went searching for the man and his van, probably saving me from further trauma by not finding him.
The type of cancer she had is among the most aggressive forms of breast cancer. She was the first known case of breast cancer in our family. We were all shocked at her diagnosis and how rapidly the cancer advanced. Following her diagnosis, I immediately consulted my physician, who recommended a baseline mammogram. Fortunately, my insurance covered it even though I’m not yet 40. Thankfully, nothing alarming was found, but I was informed that I have fibroglandular density, which could increase my risk. I’ll be monitored closely moving forward.
You don’t need me to share statistics about breast cancer; they become irrelevant when you’ve been personally affected by it. Instead, I urge all grandmothers, mothers, daughters, aunts, sisters, cousins, and friends: please get your mammogram. Initially, I was apprehensive, but I discovered that the screening was quite manageable—it took less time than a routine dental cleaning. Most insurance plans cover it completely, and if you lack insurance, there are resources available to help you obtain a mammogram at little or no cost.
We owe it to the generations that came before and those that will come after us to get screened for breast cancer. If you’re hesitant about visiting a medical facility due to COVID-19, reach out to your doctor to discuss alternatives. Please honor my grandmother’s memory by prioritizing your health. I feel lost without her, and the emotional pain is something I would never want anyone else to endure. Current recommendations suggest women her age should be screened every other year. She did everything right, but cancer shows no mercy, and it’s crucial that we fight against it.
With heartfelt sincerity,
A Grieving Granddaughter
If you’re interested in learning more about related topics, check out this blog post and this resource for more information. For those looking into pregnancy options, this excellent resource can provide valuable insights.
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Summary:
This heartfelt letter from a granddaughter urges women to prioritize their health by getting regular mammograms, especially in light of her grandmother’s battle with breast cancer. It emphasizes the importance of early detection and encourages women to overcome any fears regarding the screening process. The author reflects on personal loss and the urgency of taking care of one’s health for the sake of loved ones.