A television presenter battling stage 4 breast cancer has stated she has had to “fight” for adequate care.
Mari Grug, a 41-year-old mother of three, received a diagnosis of the disease in 2023, noting its spread to her liver and lymph nodes.
In a documentary broadcast on the Welsh language channel S4C, Grug revealed that she had to advocate for operations and scans after initially being offered palliative care.
Grug expressed her desire to live “as long as possible” for the sake of her children. The Hywel Dda health board has responded, affirming its commitment to providing optimal care and support to patients.
Grug, who appears on Heno and Prynhawn Da, has undergone a double mastectomy and continues to receive chemotherapy every three weeks.
“I thought, upon hearing the word cancer, that treatment would be readily accessible,” she said.
“While I have received treatment, I have had to advocate for operations and continue to push for certain scans.”
“I’ve had to battle and challenge, constantly being on the phone. Not everyone has the energy to call and persistently follow up.”
She added, “That has been the main shock following my diagnosis.”
Grug has documented her experience in a program titled Mari Grug: Un dydd ar y tro (Mari Grug: One day at a time) to raise awareness.
“The thought of not being here for them breaks my heart. That’s what makes it difficult,” said Grug, who resides in Mynachlog-ddu in Pembrokeshire.
“When I was informed that the cancer had spread, I was told, ‘there’s not much we can do except for palliative care.’ That was a significant blow.”
“However, in reality, this type of care has advanced significantly.
“Perhaps the terminology needs to be re-evaluated, as hearing that word at the outset can be incredibly upsetting.”
Grug mentioned that her younger sister, Lisa, was also diagnosed with breast cancer last year.
“Unfortunately, Lisa was diagnosed last year. My younger sister and I both have a faulty RAD51 gene,” she said.
“It’s been a very challenging period for the family. However, we’ve been able to support each other.”
She emphasized it was her “duty” to promote awareness about the disease.
“One in two of us will develop cancer. One in seven will develop breast cancer,” she stated.
She further noted: “The documentary is Mari Grug – the mother, the wife, the daughter, the sister – and, of course, the presenter, which is a significant aspect of my life.
“All the emotions are present throughout the documentary, and I hope that viewers will appreciate that.”
Grug said she intends to continue treatment as long as it remains effective.
Sharon Daniel of the Hywel Dda health board commented: “We are always receptive to feedback and open to discussing a patient’s treatment with them, to provide reassurance and explore alternative options.
“We view each of our patients as an individual and are dedicated to offering them the necessary care to support them on their path to recovery.”
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