Meghan McCain, 36, Shares Important Message for Those Facing Cancer-Related Grief: ‘Let it Hurt, Let it Heal, and then Let it Go’

Now, Meghan, 36,  is sharing an empowering message with her Instagram followers. She posted a quote that reads: “Let it hurt. Let it heal. And then let it go.” For all those going through the grief journey, these words are a great reminder to not let feelings of grief overwhelm you, and derail your emotional life.

John McCain’s Brain Cancer Battle

Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) underwent treatment for glioblastoma (GBM) brain cancer starting in July 2017, and he ended his treatment before passing away in August 2018. Glioblastoma is the most aggressive primary brain tumor.

Related: Sen. John McCain Stops Treatment for Brain Cancer Making the Excruciating Decisions

Despite its aggressive nature, Duke University Medical Center neuro-oncologist Dr. Henry Friedman tells SurvivorNet in an earlier interview there is progress being made in treatment of the disease.

Dr. Friedman his Duke colleagues are investigating a new therapy that combines the modified poliovirus and immunotherapy. "The modified poliovirus is used to treat this tumor, by injecting it directly into the tumor, through a catheter. It is designed to lyse the tumor and cause the tumor cells to basically break up" he says.

"I think that the modified poliovirus is going to be a game-changer in glioblastoma," explains Dr. Friedman, "but I should also say that its reach is now extending into melanoma soon to bladder cancer."

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Coping with the Loss of a Parent

Losing a parent to cancer, as Meghan McCain has, is incredibly difficult. Many people find that the grief journey can be helped with support resources, such as therapy or support groups.

Related: Dealing With Grief After a Cancer Diagnosis

In an earlier interview, Camila Legaspi explains how helpful therapy was to her after she lost her mother to breast cancer. “Therapy saved my life,” says Legaspi. “I was dealing with some really intense anxiety and depression at that point. It just changed my life, because I was so drained by all the negativity that was going on. Going to a therapist helped me realize that there was still so much out there for me, that I still had my family, that I still had my siblings.”

Related: 'I Have Been Without a Mother for 56 Years': Filmmaker Ken Burns on Losing his Mom to Cancer and Using Grief as a Motivator

“The reality is, is when you lose someone, it’s really, really, really hard,” says Legaspi. “And it’s totally OK to talk to someone. And I’m so happy that I talked to my therapist. Keep your chin up, and it’s going to be OK. No matter what happens, it’s going to be OK.”

"Therapy Saved My Life": After Losing A Loved One, Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help

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