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Dear Moms: Please Get a Mammogram
by Sarah Thompson
Updated: July 4, 2021
Originally Published: July 4, 2021
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I’m writing to you as a heartbroken granddaughter. After a courageous battle with breast cancer, I recently had to say goodbye to my grandmother. While her passing wasn’t entirely unexpected, you can never truly prepare yourself for the emotional impact of losing someone so dear, particularly to cancer. My grandmother, at 84, faced her diagnosis with an unwavering spirit and a determination that left a lasting impression on all of us. As my brother put it, “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, supported by a dedicated team of medical professionals and family. Unfortunately, it was too late; she had triple-negative breast cancer that had spread to her lungs. Considering her age, chemotherapy and surgery would only prolong her suffering. In her final moments, she was still herself, even as her body began to shut down. Knowing I won’t hear her voice on my birthday in August is a heavy burden to bear.
My grandmother deserved so much more. She wanted to face her end on her own terms. If you knew her, you’d understand how fiercely protective she was of her family. I still remember a time when, at eight years old, a man in a van followed me home from school. I ran as fast as I could, and when I got home, I told my grandmother through tears. She immediately set out to find him, a true superhero in my eyes.
The cancer she faced was one of the most aggressive types, and she would become the first known case of breast cancer in our family. We were all shocked by her diagnosis and the rapid progression of the disease, given her previous good health. Afterward, I made an appointment with my doctor, who swiftly referred me for a baseline mammogram. Thankfully, my insurance covered the screening even though I’m not yet 40. Fortunately, nothing alarming was found, but I learned 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 mean little unless you’ve experienced it firsthand. Instead, I urge all grandmothers, mothers, daughters, aunts, sisters, cousins, and friends: please, get your mammogram. Though I felt anxious initially, I found the screening process to be quick and less daunting than a dental cleaning. Most insurance plans cover it at 100%, and if you’re uninsured, there are resources available for low-cost screenings.
We owe it to those who came before us, and those who will come after, to take this step for our health. If you’re worried about visiting a medical facility due to COVID, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor to explore your options. Help honor my grandmother’s memory by taking this important action. The emotional pain of losing her is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
The current guidelines recommend women of my grandmother’s age have screenings every two years. She did everything right, but cancer is indifferent to our efforts, and we must continue to fight.
Sincerely,
A heartbroken granddaughter
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