She didn't have to die at such a young age.
Over and over, we hear that early detection is the key to prolonging lives of women diagnosed with breast cancer.
But that doesn't work if the woman doesn't follow up with her doctors after the diagnosis.
That's what happened to my former shampoo girl. She was still in her teens when I met her. Her daughter just a year older than mine. She used to tell me about her dreams for her daughter and her plans to get married and move away from the city.
She did it. But last year when the diagnosis was made (she was in her early 40s), she didn't follow through. She ignored the tumor that was discovered. And because she had an agressive form of the disease, she died last month. Way too young. She waited too long to get treatment.
If only she had followed through, she might still be here. So again I say, it may be scary to hear the words that you or a loved one have breast cancer. But you must follow up. Early detection is great but only if there is follow up.
Make sure your loved one or friend is following up.
