Hi

This is siobhan. Lorraine’s daughter. I’m going explain about my mums journey and where we are at (be prepared it’s long) Because this legend deserves the world and I’m trying to think of ways to give it to her. All you lovely people are asking to help and send money but I don’t feel comfortable taking it directly and this way and through the Facebook group I can keep you updated on mum as well as the progress on the house which I will explain a bit more about later. This is hard for me as I like to keep my cards close but I feel I need to do it for mum so she can see how much she is loved. She also knows you all want to know what’s happening and this is easiest way to update you

18 months ago mum had a hysterectomy and radiotherapy to treat womb cancer. The surgery was successful and we were under illusion that it was contained and she should recover well.

Fast forward to January this year and mum found a lump in her stomach. The GP shrugged this off as a hernia (despite her history) but on speaking to her cancer surgeon weeks later he was not so convinced. Subsequently a CT was done where we found out the worse news. The cancer had metastasised and spread to her stomach, liver and lung.

We were referred back to velindre where Dr Hudson (oncology) wanted to start mum on a trail. This trial would consist of chemotherapy or immunotherapy to treat this particular cancer. Based on where she was randomised. We were hopeful and mum showed so much courage. She wanted to face it head on. We read all the success stories around the new immunotherapy and we were keen to start. Mum at this point had very minimal symptoms and was encouraged to go on her cruise that had already been booked and they would begin the treatment the second she returned (1 week)

The Monday after mum got back was suppose be just routine blood work ready to start the treatment on Thursday. However, Mum is pulled by Dr Hudson to a room where she was told the disease had now spread to the bowel and there was multiple spots throughout (we were told prior to this in a previous CT that the bowel was clear)

in addition, she was also told that day that she was not successful in getting on the trial. But her consultant was very keen to keep moving and was willing to continue on the immunotherapy and chemotherapy simultaneously as mum was so fit. So again our hopes continued

That very same night just after the Monday appointment. Mum began to vomit with severe abdominal pain that continued into Tuesday until I insisted she go to GP to book her in to SDEC emergency same day surgical care. She was very poorly at this point. As I feared she had a complete bowel obstruction. After a lot of waiting, fluids and pain relief. We were told around 2am that the disease had progressed in the bowel further and was causing a complete blockage and she would need emergency surgery. This surgery was very high risk and not guaranteed to work due to how advance the cancer is. However we’re told it was our only option. We were also told that chemo or immunotherapy could not go ahead till she was no longer obstructed. So everything was on hold!!

So we gear up to fight on and for the surgery to go ahead, mum being the warrior she is was willing to fight tooth and nail. Fast forward the next morning (when surgery was suppose happen) we see another surgeon who states surgery isn’t the best option as they are pretty sure it won’t work. That bowel rest is now our best option. Surgery will cause more harm than good and with enough rest something will hopefully start moving independently.

We have had our ups and downs with this and a few set backs but we are slowly improving and we are hoping through small baby steps we can get mum well enough to start the very important chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Mum is still fighting and I’m in awe of her resilience courage and a sprinkle of stubbornness.

So that is where we are! she is currently still in Hospital. Not able to eat and has to remain nil by mouth. This is hopefully changing soon. We still need to rest the bowel and have plenty of fluids. We will continue to fight. I refused to give up. We will get mum well and we will get that bowel moving so we can get her to chemo. Home is her main focus and regardless how Things go that will always be the case. The professionals are in support of this

This brings me to why Ive set the go fund me up. I hate this sort thing but people want help and I thought at least people can see where the money going I don’t like thought of just taking money. A lot have asked me what they can do, help in some way or how to support mum. I need to be able do something for mum and because she can’t go very far from home and it’s is where she will spend most of her days. I thought making her house accessible and looking great is a small thing I can do for her. She has always dreamed of a garden makeover so I want her dreams to come true

My idea is to get her house (specifically her garden) looking tip top and accessible. My amazing husband will be doing most of the labour with help of some family and friends. My amazing cousin and husband have already been on the case ♥️

No one needs to do this and don’t feel obliged it’s just for anyone who feels they want to do something as I’ve had many messages saying as much. I’ve only put a rough estimate of what I think materials and skips cost. I don’t really have a clue but work will involve:

removing all rubbish and old equipment

getting rid of the shed,

rebuilding the side fence,

remove the very dangerous steps and putting in new steps potentially some decking.

Remove the biggest Xmas tree you ever did see

if there is any money left over or if we so happen to go over. it will go to mum to help with her cost of living so it is one less thing she has worry about

we appreciate all well wishes. Please direct questions to me as mum is getting overwhelmed with it all and struggles to text or speak at the moment but messages of support to her are welcome just no questions

thank you everyone for reading

the daughter of a warrior