What happens when a family of healthcare professionals faces cancer within their own ranks? Ellie, a University of Wisconsin-Madison student who works in a hospital laboratory, opens up about her grandmother's battle with a complex blood cancer diagnosis and the profound choices that followed.

The conversation takes us through the deeply personal journey of Ellie's grandmother, who after just one month of chemotherapy made the difficult but conscious decision to prioritize quality of life over extended treatment. "At 80 years old, you just want to be happy and be with your people," Ellie reflects, capturing the essence of a decision many cancer patients ultimately face.

What makes this story unique is the medical expertise that surrounded her grandmother's care. With both Ellie's mother and aunt working as nurses, the family provided direct care without requiring hospice services—a blessing that came with its own emotional complexities. Through this experience, Ellie gained powerful insights about cancer screening, early detection, and the critical importance of supporting caregivers who often put their own grief on hold while caring for loved ones.

Perhaps the most touching moment comes when Ellie describes gently taking her aunt by the shoulders after her grandmother's passing, reminding her that it's okay to both mourn and acknowledge her own efforts: "You can take a breath, you can take a moment." Her message to anyone supporting a family member through cancer resonates clearly: "Make sure you take care of yourself too." If cancer has touched your life as a patient, caregiver, or family member, this conversation offers both validation and valuable perspective.

Open house intro