Julia's Journey so far...

This is a story about my big sister, I know there are many cancer stories and many people suffering, but this one is very personal to me.

In the Summer of 2019, aged 38, Julia was diagnosed with rare cancer in the nasal septum, a growth that turned very aggressive. So aggressive in fact, that after failed chemotherapy in November 2019 she had a total rhinectomy (full removal of her nose) and removal of her top palate and lymph node glands to her neck.

Recovery was slow, but with the all clear in January 2020 and radiotherapy sessions underway she looked forward to getting on with her busy life as a fiancée to Nick and dedicated mum to her three children, Tom (16), Joel (12) and Eleanor (5).

In April this year a scan had revealed a second tumour was present and she underwent more surgery to her maxilla, removing most of her inner cheek and top jaw.

Ever positive, she continued to battle on with the recovery and reconstruction of her mouth and nose.

Then, devastatingly just last month she learned of a further cancer being present, but this one was deeper in her head where surgery is unfortunately not an option.

Currently undergoing immunotherapy treatment, Julia remains positive and strong with her entire focus on controlling this tumour and being the best mum possible to her children.

Julia dreams of making her family unit complete by marrying her long term partner Nick, but due to a year of surgeries and treatment, all savings and planning for their special day have been postponed.

They have now been advised by the oncologists to get married whilst Julia is still able to, and enjoy family trips whilst she is still well enough.

This is where this fundraiser comes in.  Julia turns 40 on July 26th and after such a horrendous year, we think Julia truly deserves the best wedding and honeymoon that is achievable in the current circumstances, as well as any additional financial assistance we can give her and her family going forward.

So, if you can spare even the smallest amount to help, I am sure her young family would be eternally grateful.


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Julia was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 38, this is her journey so far:

April 2019 - Julia found first growth in her nose.

28 May 2019 - Growth was removed.

June 2019 - Julia was diagnosed with cancer in the Septum (nose).

July 2019 - Nasal septum removed.

August 2019 - Further growth found and removed.

September 2019 - Confirmation that cancer has now spread to the whole of her nose.

September 16th - Julia gets engaged <3

End of September 2019 - Julia starts chemotherapy.

2 courses of chemotherapy were unsuccessful. Leaving the only option of full removal of Julia's nose.

18 November 2019 - 2 weeks in Southampton Hospital where they performed a full rhinectomy including lymph node glands removed from her neck. The tumour had now spread to the roof of Julia's mouth, leaving surgeons no choice but to also remove the top palate of her mouth.

January 2020 - Confirmation that Julia was cancer free!

Started 6 weeks of gruelling radiotherapy.

February - Start on road to recovery from surgery and radiotherapy, as well as starting reconstruction of face, including prosthetic nose and mouth plate.

20 April 2020 - First MRI scan since surgery. Discovered second tumour in Julia's left Maxilla (cheek/gum area).

18 May 2020 - Surgery to remove tumour in Southampton hospital.

18 June 2020 - PET scan which revealed cancer to the rear of nose cavity.

6 July 2020 - Started immunotherapy treatment. This treatment is long term and will hopefully control the tumour.