Pre warning: this blog talks about cancer and may be upsetting for some people.
I am 28 years old. In those 28 years I have experienced a lot. Unfortunately not all good experiences, but hey who can say their life has been perfect. This week I went through an experience that reminded how those bad experiences have shaped who I am today. I know this sounds very cliché but it is true.
This week my mama bear was called in for a hospital appointment. After having cancer 3 times my mama is always in hospital for one appointment or another so I didn’t really think anything of it, nor did she. That was until at 9pm the night before she actually read the appointment letter properly. The appointment was for a breast tomosynthesis. She wasn’t sure why she had been sent for this, after some googling by me we discovered it was similar to a mammogram. It was like the super duper advanced version of a mammogram that created a 3d image. I assured my mama the invite must of been extended to her as she has had breast cancer in the past, so their just being extra safe. I didn’t think that really, I lay awake most of the night thinking there must of been something wrong on her last check up. It turned out , despite my reassurances earlier in the evening, she stayed awake thinking much the same thing.
She went in for the procedure alone, the first thing she did was ask, “why have I been invited for this”.
They told her quite matter of factly there was a suspicious area on her mammogram which was being investigated as a cause for concern. Imagine being told that with no warning. Now imagine being told that with no warning less than a year since you got the all clear from your third fight against cancer.
When she came back into the waiting room my heart sank. Her eyes were glassy and unfocused. She had gone quiet, uttering a couple of words every so often about how she was’ fine’. I grabbed her hand and squeezed it, it lay limp and clammy in my palm.
At this point all I could think was I’m 28, I have had to manage the thought of losing my mum 3 times maybe about to be 4 and I’m only 28. I know this sounds horribly selfish, I know some people lose their mamas even younger, but that’s just how I felt. I was angry that she was having to sit in a waiting room, feeling this dread again. Suddenly I noticed everything screamed cancer.
A lady walked in wearing a headscarf, clearly having chemo, there was a huge Macmillan display, there was a lady saying how frightened she was about her diagnosis. My mum was staring at the window oblivious to anything around her, but I still felt like I needed to shield her from these glaring reminders of the big C.
A nurse came out and called her name. She jumped up and practically ran after her, I turned to watch her go and I will never forget her eyes. They were filled with fear and the scars of what her body had already had to fight. I smiled at her every second until the door shut, then I cried. I sat in a waiting room with other people with tears rolling down my cheeks. I didn’t care if anyone saw.
I realised I wasn’t upset that she might be sick, I was upset that such a beautiful person was getting kicked by the universe again. I was angry that we had to see her go through this again.
The 5 minutes she was in there felt like forever. Each time I heard footsteps I looked for her. All the memories of the first time she had cancer came flooding back. I remembered being 11 years old just home from school. I knew my mum had been at hospital but I didn’t know why. When she came in I could see she had been crying. Her and my dad went straight into the garden without saying anything, I ran upstairs and ease dropped from the bedroom window. My mum was sobbing and I heard the words breast cancer. My world had crashed down then and I was terrified it was going to do the same now.
Finally her door opened. She was smiling, crying, but smiling.
The universe wasn’t kicking her for the 4th time. I didn’t have to face losing my mum for the 4th time. We didn’t have to see her go through this for the 4th time. The suspicious area was scar tissue from past surgery.
I can’t explain the feelings we experienced from then. We were elated. It was as if she had just been given the all clear from something she hadn’t actually had. We got in the car, put the radio on, held hands and cried with relief.
My mama has shown me to fight. All 3 times she has fought cancer she has took the diagnosis and stood strong. I don’t know how she does it, but she does. Even when her treatment has worn her down she always held it together in front of me. Always told me she is going to beat this fucking disease.
Mama bear, I love you. Xx
Sidenote - I can never thank the NHS enough. They made a mistake by not telling her beforehand why she was there, but they more than made up for it with their handling of the situation afterwards.
oh honey, I am so glad that it turned out ok and wasn't cancer - you both must have been so terrified waiting to find out xx
ReplyDeleteWe really were.
DeleteCancer has taken my dad so I can fully empathise with you. I'm so glad the appointment was a more positive one. I completely agree the NHS are wonderful. X
ReplyDeleteThey truly are. Sending my love x
DeleteStrong - keep it up!
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteGlad to hear that it had a more positive outcome! Also happy to see a more positive review of the NHS, as i've only had negative experiences (I'm originally from Germany) all my best to both of you xoxo
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteOh I read this with my heart in my mouth - thank goodness all is ok. What a terribly worrying experience for you both. Kaz x
ReplyDeleteIt really was. Very draining morning.
DeleteOh I am so pleased the results were OK, but it's still such an awful experience to go through. Cancer is close to nearly all of us, any checks will always be scary. Here's hoping one day it will be easier to treat, and quicker!
ReplyDeleteI hope that too.
DeleteThank goodness the results were fine. Sorry you've been through so much. You and your mum both sound like amazingly strong people.
ReplyDeleteShe defiantly is. I have my moments.
DeleteSo glad the results were ok, I've lost my dad to cancer and it the worst experience in the world. You and your mum are amazing and I'd just say enjoy every moment you can x
ReplyDeleteWe will and I'm sorry to hear about your dad. Sending love.
DeleteI'm so glad for you that she had the all clear. I have lost a few loved ones to cancer and it's truely horrible and wouldn't want anyone to experience that
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
DeleteGlad you got out on the other side, after the scare...! We must keep a positive outlook on life and how we look at our health. Tanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteJulie Syl Kalungi
We defiantly must.
DeleteYour mum sounds like such a strong lady! I lost my mum to cancer a couple of years back and this post really resonates with me - it's such a weird feeling when you first hear the word cancer in relation to someone to you - I just shut down completely myself. It's such a horrible, horrible disease and bless your mum for fighting it for so long, I'm so glad she doesn't have to go through it again x
ReplyDeleteI'm glad too. I'm so sorry to hear about your mum. Sending love.
DeleteOh gosh I had my heart in my throat the whole time, I am so pleased for you both, wow x
ReplyDeleteThank you. Sorry to scare you.
DeleteMy mum had cancer so I know how you feel. Glad to hear its good news
ReplyDeleteIt's an awful feeling. Sending love.
DeleteOh lovely. I'm so sorry you, your mum & your family have had to go through all of these. Life is so cruel. I'm glad it was good news though!
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteI'm so glad that your mom is ok, and you and your family don't have to go through all that pain all over again.x
ReplyDeleteMe too. Thanks
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