Seeking timely medical advice

[sygnus21]

I’m normally a very private person when it comes to posting anything about my family but I’d like to post something that may save someone’s life out there.

Friday Night my cousin passed away from what doctors call a rare form of breast cancer.

My aunt (her mother) had noticed that my cousin couldn’t keep anything down and hadn’t been feeling well. She kept telling her she needed to see a doctor but she refused.

Well, by the time my cousin decided to see a doctor it was too late.

Somewhere along the line she decided to keep the diagnoses from the family but as her health deteriorated she eventually told her immediate family who eventually told the rest, but by that time no one realized she had less than 4 months.

She entered ICU (Intensive Care Unit) last Monday and passed away Friday night. The rate at which she deteriorated those last 5 days was shockingly fast and took everyone by surprise, including her doctors. No one had any idea she was going to pass that night when we went to visit her that day.

The point of this post is to say that if something doesn’t feel right see a doctor. You never know, and if you wait, it could be too late, even fatal.

One other thing, my cousin had long discussed procedures to take should something like what happened happen, Including whether or not to prolong the inevitable, so that in the end the decisions made were a lot easier as her wishes were met.

She was 54 and is survived by her parents, 2 daughters, 4 grandchildren.

I post this as a tribute to my cousin in hopes that this story helps someone.

R.I.P. Tawanda, I love you.

 

[The Howling Wolves]

Sending our deepest sympathy for the loss of Tawanda.

Your post should remind all of us that when one is not feeling right, for whatever reason, don't delay in seeking
medical help. An early detection is a vital when it comes to saving your life.

Thanks for sharing.
THW

 

[Athene]

I'm sorry to hear about your loss; my condolences to you and your family.

 

[Kari]

My condolences, Sygnus. Sound advice, hopefully people understand how important it is to take care of themselves.

All my best to you and those left behind.

Kari

 

[pparks1]

Deepest sympathies man. Cancer is no laughing joke.

Coworker of mine just lost his wife, who was 34 to cancer about 4 weeks ago. She was fine, no problems...started to get a sore back, but attributed it to a long motorcycle ride she had taken a few days before. One night, she went to bed and woke up in a puddle of blood. They rushed her to ER, did a bunch of tests and determined she was stage 4 breast cancer and nothing they could do. They gave her 6-18 months, she made it about 4 weeks. It just sucks, no if ands or butts. He is 35, has 3 kids and they have lost their mother. Sad, sad, sad.

 

[Corazon]

That's awful My deepest condolences to you and your family...may you find strength and solace through these times.

 

[sygnus21]

Thanks to everyone here for the kind words. I just can't help but think what might have been had she been seen sooner. Maybe things still would have turned out the same but.....

I guess it's the luck of the draw but you increase the odds in your favor by getting an early exam. As a cancer survivor myself, my doctors kept telling me how lucky I was that I saw them when I did. They caught mines early. She ended up with stage 4 cancer.

Anyway again, If something doesn't feel right, see a doctor….

Again, for the kind words.

 

[seavixen32]

Thank you for sharing this sygnus21. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

I lost my father to cancer in 1968 and my father-in-law in 1988 to the same disease.

In both cases, the time from diagnosis to death was short and measured in weeks, but you're absolutely right in your advice to seek help straight away if anything is amiss.

Cancer is a wicked disease and can strike anyone at any time and all we can do is support those who are trying to find a cure.

 

[sygnus21]

Cancer is a wicked disease and can strike anyone at any time and all we can do is support those who are trying to find a cure.

100 percent agree.

I lost my mother-in-law to breast cancer in 2008. In her case she put up the good fight for 8 years.

 

[A Guy]

My deepest sympathies Drew. My best friend has beaten cancer twice. I know this is far the exception then the rule. My best to your family. A Guy

 

[Joan Archer]

My condolences to you and your family Drew, a friend of mine is battling cancer, she's had both breasts removed she's had other cancers as well, in fact they've just found another growth on her bowel which she's had to go into hospital for.

It's worse though when it's someone young who dies, even though it's bad at any time, especially if they leave behind a young family, sending you my very best wishes during these sad times.

 

[sygnus21]

Joan thank you for the kind words. I pray that your friend gets better.

Thanks.

 

[Britton30]

My condolences to you Drew, your family and Tawanda's family.

I've lost two very close friends to cancer, one had seen a doc early on but it was still too late. The other was under medical care for 8 years for a gastric issue which never improved. This was in fact a cancer, by the time he went to another doc and discovered it, he died within 2 months.

 

[sygnus21]

To close

We had the funeral for my cousin on Monday, October 24 2011. We celebrated the day by humoring ourselves of stories and memories shared with her. It was what she would have wanted, expected. So we celebrated the rest of the day in her honor.

Family, friends, co-workers all said the same - she was a strong, true, honest, hardworking woman who loved her children and spent all her time with her grandchildren.

As dedicated as she was to her grandchildren she was equally so with her job. They have now renamed their annual excellence award in honor of her name. Well done girl...

Rest Tawander, we’ll miss that big beautiful smile that would light up the darkest days.

Know that your girls will honor you going forth, that your grandchildren are in good hands.

Rest my friend; you are in a better place. Peace.

Andrew

 

[smarteyeball]

Drew, I am truly sorry to hear that mate.

May you; and especially your family, find strengths you didn't know you had to help each other through this next step.

Pat




Terminal illnesses is like a living hell. But so is being left behind. Check - If not for yourselves, but for your family.

 

[sygnus21]

Thanks Pat. I'm fine now. I'm just glad she's not suffering anymore.

Peace

 

[profdlp]

I'm sorry I missed this thread until now. Sygnus, I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I'm very sorry for your loss.