My mum died.... from lung cancer

Almost 12 years ago my mum died from lung cancer and no she did not smoke. Despite being 12 years since my mum passes the topic still emerges…. Questions like what does your mum do? Or I bet you love going out with your mum? Are still prevalent due to my young age but when people asks those questions and I respond with my mum actually passed away the next logical response is “I’m so sorry to hear that, if you don’t mind me asking how did she die?” Do I mind you asking? No, not any more but do I struggle to tell you how she died? Yes, very much so because quite simply my mum died from lung cancer and no she was not a smoker.

Non- Small Cell lung cancer is the type she had, a type of lung cancer that is not directly linked with smoking like others. She battled for 18 months through chemo, medical trials and so much more, something I should almost be proud of because through her battle with cancer my mum showed me the true meaning of life, of family and bravery, she showed me how much a person can love someone and she showed me how to be a good person. Yet it is the opposite, society almost makes me feel ashamed of my mum simply because she was unfortunate and got lung cancer, through no fault of her own.

Its almost as if society says, smoking causes lung cancer and if you get lung cancer then it is your fault, even if you have never smoked, it is very much a case of tunnel vision when it comes to lung cancer. It is almost silently accepted within society to assume that those with lung cancer have done it to themselves, that they knew the dangers and yet the continued to put themselves at risk.

Every time the topic comes up I feel obligated to inform people that while my mum did die from lung cancer she was not a smoker and her cancer was not caused by smoking. To this day I feel there is a stigma associated with lung cancer, the emphasis of lung cancer being caused by smoking all be it justified is far to great. 

Every time the topic emerges I find myself wanting to tell people what she died of when they ask but an internal dialogue breaks out and I often find myself struggling to be open and honest or risk casting shame upon my mother. The words lung and cancer are closely linked with smoking and for very good reasons but with that has come a perception that you have caused this illness yourself, leaving those left behind by someone who lost the fight against lung cancer to become consumed by the feeling of challenging the stigma or almost shame our loved ones.

So, no I don’t mind you asking how my mum died but when I say lung cancer don’t glance at me with a look of shame, don’t make me feel like my mums battle was for nothing and don’t just assume she smoked! Every time I answer the question and people look at me like my mum was not good enough, you break a piece of me too.

Comments

Unknown said…
Your mum was the best, Siobhán. A true and dear friend, who still crosses my mind regularly. She lived her short life with a bright light shining from her and you can be rightly proud of how she was instrumental in moulding you into the fine, kind, caring and beautiful young woman you have become xxx. She would be proud looking down on you now and seeing what you have become and what you do to help and inspire others. She loved her family more than anything and I am glad to say that her legacy lives on in you xxx. Always remain proud of her and remember her with a smile on your face and love in your heart xx
your Mum battled to stay alive to be there for you thru horrific pain she was always a lady, funny she had had a very tough life but did she complain no she got on with life i admired her greatly weh ger and i would visit her shed never moan about poor me she wanted to know how every athlete was doing, how was i managing , how were the kids she was a woman to be hugely proud or never ever let any one feel she caused her own illness she didnt God called her and she answered she did everything she could to stay here longer came to all our competitions carrying her oxygen back pack most would have stayed at home and complained No not Your mum she was brave and caring and so so proud of each of you she looks down now at each of you and smiles <3



Anonymous said…
Everytime i read something of yours you amaze me and educate me just that little bit more.
Thank you for sharing your life with us and breaking down stigma on so many subjects.
You should be proud of yourself! Your mother most definitely would be.
Continue to be you and dont stop writing. I love learning from you, you inspire me to be a better person everyday.

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