Please help me keep fighting.

I had an investigative colonoscopy in November last year. Coming out of my anaesthetic, I was ushered into a small side office and delivered a crushing blow. “I’m sorry Amber, I’ve found a large mass, a tumour”. Life changed irreversibly that day. Since then I’ve had 28 radiation treatments, had most of my colon removed and done 6 months of Capox chemo - with another3 years of close monitoring ahead of me.

As a Mum, there is no greater fear than not being around to watch Beau grow up. I need to do everything I possibly can to preserve my health.

My bowel cancer was advanced when we found it and my recurrence risk sits at around 80% or higher.

I am currently receiving my last round of chemotherapy - and then my body is on its own to defend any lingering cancer cells.

A scan in a couple of weeks will tell us how a spot (potential metastasis) in my lung is looking and there may be another treatment plan following that result.

I have more surgery booked for September. After that, I will have CT scans of my chest and pelvis every 3-6 months and monthly blood tests checking my tumour markers.

I am under the care of an excellent Medical Oncologist who supports my continued pursuit of integrative treatments to try to improve my overall health. Unfortunately, cancer treatment is expensive and these integrative options are bloody expensive too!

Surgeons, anaesthetists, tissue pathology, CT scans, PET scans, MRI, blood tests - it all adds up and takes a massive toll both physically and financially - even with health insurance!

There is the fantastic NIIM Clinic in Melbourne offering a range of treatments that I hope to benefit from including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, hyperthermic therapy, IV vitamin therapy at around $3000 per week for 3 weeks at a time.

I realise that we are all struggling with the financial pressure of COVID - but any dollar you might  donate will be a great help to continuing my fight against cancer.

For my loved ones who have supported me on this journey (even from afar due to COVID), I am eternally grateful. It’s been good, bad and ugly and you’ve been there every step of the way.

❤️ Thank you so much ❤️