Cancer can affect anyone at any time. Unfortunately, it doesn’t only just affect the patient but also affects the family. 

My mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in September 2018. She was 40 years old and it came as a huge shock. My mom had no family history and it was her very first mammogram. 

At the time she didn’t tell my brother and me because she didn’t want to upset us. She had two surgeries and 34 rounds of radiation. She thankfully did not have to have chemotherapy. I remember bits and pieces of this time and her telling me she was having surgery on her shoulder and that the burns from the radiation were skin irritation. My mom was so brave. 

My mom and dad decided to tell my brother and me about the breast cancer about one year after she was diagnosed when she had gotten the all-clear for one more year. I remember feeling sad that she hadn’t told me but she knew that I would worry too much about her and she wanted me to focus on school and hockey. I love her for that!

As time goes on and we are almost to the 5-year mark of her being cancer free, I still worry about her all the time especially when she has a new ache or pain. I see the anxiety it gives her as well and how she struggles with it. It makes me so sad. But now I am able to help her at least and tell her that it will all be okay. 

I wish every day that my mom never got diagnosed with cancer but I do think with the fear also came strength for each of us and for that I am thankful. I can’t imagine my life without my mom and I hope I never have to.