My eldest brother died yesterday of bowel cancer that spread to his liver aged 56 years old. He was diagnosed too late in May 2015, after the doctor refused to test for cancer at the beginning, his outcome may have been different. He was diagnosed 8 months before my diagnosis of breast cancer in January 2016 age 44. Luckily my tumour did not spread and after chemo and rads I had the all clear but I am on tamoxifen for 10 years.
My dad has also had prostate cancer and now has bladder cancer. He was given only 2 years to live about 4 years ago, but the doctors are able to scrape off the cells so they don't spread so he has beaten the odds.
It was hard to see my brother go, painful to watch my parents lose a child. My mum kept checking for any signs of life, hoping for a few more moments so she could care for him, we were hoping he will be here a few weeks longer, it was very quick and he was in so much pain, but peaceful at the end. My mum also had cancer and my uncle died from cancer 7 years ago, so we do not feel shocked with the C word. They tell me it doesn't run in families, but I fear my children getting it. My grandparents also died from the disease.
Now I have pain in my spine, backache for weeks. I've got an appointment in January with my GP, also got my yearly mammogram. It could be anything I know, but the aniexty is always there, cancer doesn't stop because treatment stops, stays with you for life. I want to see my children grow into adults, be apart of their experiences and memories. I don't want my parents bury another child.
My other brother lost his wife 3 months ago to difficulties relating to lung cancer and lung disease. He not coping well, its all a shock, she went to suddenly.
I hope 2019 might be an easier year for us all. November 2017 my brother told me my eldest brother had a year to live, I was preparing myself for his death since, thinking he will be the next funeral but been to 3 other funerals in the last 4 months.
Lets remember all that has been through cancer and fight on to the end. Care and love each other and appreciate every quality time you have with your family and friends.
RIP Bro1963-2018
