The widely circulated medical horror stories experienced by women - whilst surely all valid in their own right - led to my own mother avoiding medical attention for both a (thankfully benign) growth on her own breast, but then also refusal to see a doctor for anything, including deepening dementia.
Thank you for encouraging people to engage with doctors - my experiences are in the UK where cost isn't even a barrier. But the impact (on loved ones) of people becoming alienated from proper medical treatment terrorises me and I'm sure many others. I have nightmares about it daily.
While I'm here, I'd like to submit my own 'cat of yore'. Mia died of heart failure caused, I think, by a steroid the vet gave for her weakness/wobbliness at 16, following a vestibular disorder. They refused to accept any fault. Losing her broke my heart. Thank you for all your positive messaging.
I'm so sorry. 💔
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you are comforted by lovely memories of your time with Mia.
Sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful girl.