I Still Wear Teal For You

                

My Gramma died from Ovarian Cancer in April of 2004 at the age of 56. It's hard not to miss her still. 

For my Gramma I wear teal to help spread awareness of Ovarian Cancer. It's known to be a silent killer and often misdiagnosed. In fact for years, my Gramma's doctors misdiagnosed her cancer as vaganal dryness. Towards the end, they even punctured her one good lung which we believed is what eventually killed her.  Thankfully she died at home, alone with my grampa, while in bed. In fact, it sort of looked she was sleeping. 

My Grampa (who died of a broken heart heart attack in August 2004) was the rock of the family. He was tough, and really never let his feelings show. He was so heart broken when my gramma died, that he couldn't help but cry. I've never seen him show that that sort of emotion.

I was only 11 years old when she died. It was my first experience with death and I quite frankly I was so scared. I did not know how to react when I first saw my Gramma's body. The whole family was there , all saying there good byes before the coroner came to get her body in the evening. I had to be removed from the room she was in because I was freaking every one else out with my reaction. 

                


It really makes me sad that so many people are unaware of Ovarain Cancer, so women, boyfriends, husbands, and sons please read!

"Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries. Women have two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries — each about the size of an almond — produce eggs (ova) as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen. At this late stage, ovarian cancer is more difficult to treat and is frequently fatal. Early-stage ovarian cancer, in which the disease is confined to the ovary, is more likely to be treated successfully.

Surgery and chemotherapy are generally used to treat ovarian cancer.

Early-stage ovarian cancer rarely causes any symptoms. Advanced-stage ovarian cancer may cause few and nonspecific symptoms that are often mistaken for more common benign conditions, such as constipation or irritable bowel.

Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:

• Abdominal bloating or swelling
• Quickly feeling full when eating
• Weight loss
• Discomfort in the pelvis area
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
• A frequent need to urinate" 

- The MayoClinic  

                

As far as the poem goes I was really trying to keep an innocent, but yet sad, almost childlike feeling as I attempted to describe my first experience with death. 

I hope you guys enjoy my poem and story and even learn a thing or two.

As always comments, critiques, and question are always welcome. Thanks for reading!