Current:Home > MyMama June Shares Why Late Daughter Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell Stopped Cancer Treatments -Blueprint Wealth Network
Mama June Shares Why Late Daughter Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell Stopped Cancer Treatments
View
Date:2025-04-16 20:27:55
June "Mama June" Shannon is reflecting on a difficult time for her family.
The reality star detailed the last months of her eldest daughter Anna "Chickadee" Cardwell's cancer battle and decision to enter hospice before she died in December at age 29.
"It was difficult watching her have to go through chemo," June told E! News in an exclusive interview. "Having to go through radiation and having to do immunotherapy, and then trying to get into hospice long before we actually could."
"It wasn't the fact that she was tired of fighting because even to her last day, she fought," the 44-year-old emphasized. "She was a feisty one even during her last days."
But June recognized the emotional and physical toll fighting stage 4 adrenal carcinoma was for Anna.
"I think she was just over it," she recalled, "and she just wanted to spend her last days doing what she wanted to do."
The Mama June: Family Crisis star—who is also mom to Jessica Shannon, Lauryn Efrid and Alana Thompson—admitted it was difficult convincing Anna's doctors to approve hospice care.
"Watching her try to say, 'Okay, I'm done with treatment, I just want to live the rest of my life the way I want to live it,'" June shared. "They wouldn't listen."
Anna—who was mom to Kaitlyn, 11, and Kylee, 8, the latter of whom she shared with ex Michael Cardwell—continued her pleas until doctors relented.
"She said, 'Okay, I'm just not coming back and I want to do home health hospice,' and they finally signed off," June explained. "We tried to for a long time before that."
In January, June and her husband Justin Stroud were granted temporary custody of Kaitlyn, who she said moved in with her a month before Anna died and that she's been caring for her since.
"I tell Kaitlyn all the time, 'I'll never replace your mother,'" she told E! News. "I say this all the time, but Kylee shouldn't have to be raised by Kylee's dad. I shouldn't be raising Kaitlyn. Anna should be here raising her children. It's not fair for any of us that Anna's gone, especially for her children."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (5527)
Related
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- After Helene’s destruction, a mountain town reliant on fall tourism wonders what’s next
- California governor signs law banning college legacy and donor admissions
- Dartmouth College naming center in memory of football coach Teevens
- Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
- 7 Debate Questions about Climate Change and Energy for Pennsylvania’s Senate Candidates
- Kristin Cavallari Says Custody Arrangement With Ex Jay Cutler Has Changed
- Pac-12 building college basketball profile with addition of Gonzaga
- Megan Fox's ex Brian Austin Green tells Machine Gun Kelly to 'grow up'
- US job openings rise to 8 million as labor market remains sturdy
Ranking
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Erin Foster Shares Where She Stands With Step-Siblings Gigi Hadid and Brody Jenner
- This year’s MacArthur ‘genius’ fellows include more writers, artists and storytellers
- Sean Diddy Combs Accused of 120 New Sexual Assault Cases
- Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
- What's next for Simone Biles? A Winter Olympics, maybe
- Will anyone hit 74 homers? Even Aaron Judge thinks MLB season record is ‘a little untouchable’
- Lady Gaga Details “Amazing Creative Bond” With Fiancé Michael Polansky
Recommendation
US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
Sean 'Diddy' Combs appeals judge's denial of his release from jail on $50 million bond
As SNL turns 50, a look back at the best political sketches and impressions
Selena Gomez Shares One Piece of Advice She Would Give Her Younger Self
Why we love Bear Pond Books, a ski town bookstore with a French bulldog 'Staff Pup'
Mike McDaniel, Dolphins in early season freefall without Tua after MNF loss to Titans
US job openings rise to 8 million as labor market remains sturdy
Hurricane Helene Lays Bare the Growing Threat of Inland Flooding