history: When my mom had breast cancer a few years ago. I wanted to do everything I could to be there for her.  When my mom had breast cancer a few years ago. I wanted to do everything I could to be there for her. That's terrible to hear. Were you eventually able to be there?
current: I was and she was had a full recovery. 
next: That's great news. I don't know what I would do if my mom passed.