Stage 4 Oesophageal Cancer

Hi my name is Sammy and I'm hoping to raise some funds to help me through my cancer treatment.

In July 2019 I was diagnosed with an invasive breast cancer tumour and DCIS. My diagnosis was a complete shock and I was devastated. I was told by the breast surgeon the only option I had was to undergo a masectomy and then 15 rounds of radiotherapy. This was devastating news as at the same time my mum was terminal with oesophageal cancer and we were told she had 3 to 6 months. My whole world just collapsed. I went into hospital on the 2nd Aug 2019 for my masectomy after saying goodbye to my mum at the hospice, telling her I would see her the next day after I was discharged. I never got that next day with her as after a video call with my mum when I came out of surgery, she closed her eyes and was taken by the angels. My family and I were devastated but had to try hard to carry on to see me through my treatment. This was successful and I was in remission. It took me a long time to come to terms with my diagnosis and the huge changes in my body plus grieving for my mum. But I held onto the fact I was in remission.

In January 2022 I started to have painful heartburn and indigestion with pain in my chest and upper back so went to see the GP as it wouldn't go away. I thought it was possibly due to stress. The Dr referred me for an endoscopy in January and I chased this appt every month as I didn't hear anything and even though I was on strong meds for the pain it wasn't working. I eventually got my appointment in July 2022, 7 months later! I had the endoscopy and afterwards I was told I had a large tumour in the junction of my oesophagus and stomach. I would need a PET scan to see if there was any spread. Another wait then another blow, it had spread to my liver but I also had 2 suspicious nodes in my chest wall on the same side as I had the masectomy. I had a biopsy of the liver and was advised it was stage 4, they couldn't operate and I am now having chemo starting next week. One IV chemo every 3 weeks and an IV chemo every day for 6 months. I'm trying so hard to stay positive and have spoken at length with my oncologist and cancer specialist nurse about the side effects of the treatments. My one biggest fear was losing my hair, I know this sounds so vain but after all the changes I've already had to my body the one thing I really wanted to keep was my hair. I have spent so much time and research looking at wigs from the NHS ones to the privately funded ones. Unfortunately the ones on the NHS are not too great and itchy. I would love a human hair wig but have seen these cost a fortune so I have looked at synthetic wigs which are very light on the head, comfortable to wear and dont look too wiggy (if you know what I mean). But as everything, these come at a cost.

I know times are hard for everyone right now in this current climate of rising bills of shopping, energy costs, rent etc. But if you would like to fund me just for a few pounds it will be very much appreciated xx