Support Barbara's Cancer Journey to help pay for Treatment

Hi, my name is Barbara, I'm located in lovely part of Northern NSW Australia. That's me right of the photo! I am a mother, Nan, Sister, Aunty & friend.

From the very beginning I have put my heart and soul in search of resourcing non-toxic alternative treatment, nutrition, knowledge & understanding of this complex disease Cancer.

The last 18 months has been a rollercoaster of hope and disappointment. This disease not only impacts you as a person but has ripple effects on your whole immediate family. As it's them the most you need to lean on when your emotions are up and down, a shoulder to cry on, and still put on a brave face to go about doing all the things you need to do to stay on top of your health and well-being, and family matters. But that's me, I'm a no nonsense person, everything has to make sense! and I soldier on and go about my day. Keep enduring no matter what!

'When you find yourself in the midst of a relentless health challenge, that tests your resilience and spirit. You face each obstacle with courage and fortitude'.

When a routine bowel test returned, could you redo test for a more accurate reading (this was during the covid lockdown period 2021), I remember looking at it and thinking, ok I'll get back to that. (And I never did) I had so much going on at that time in my life, (work, loosing mum to cancer, death of my daughter, and lovingly taking on the challenge of bringing up my grandson, who was suffering trauma). And I just recall heading to the doctor's, it seemed like every week because of not feeling 100%, and being sent off to several specialist, and Dr's to no avail. When I look back, it was just a crazy time. I felt grief on a level I'd never experienced. I was mentally and emotionally drained, and exhausted.

Enough was enough!! late 2022 I changed doctor's, its here I meet Dr Louisa, and so so thankful that she listened to my health concerns, a number of scans later, and meeting with a Colorectal Specialist for a colonoscopy, my fears were realised. Shocked, and in disbelief.

In March 2023 I was diagnosed with stage 4 appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma. The cancer had spread from the appendix to the lower caecum bowel and developed a mucinous in the peritoneal of my abdomen. A well known surgeon Professor Cherry Koh (Chris O'Brien Life house) who specialised in this particular cancer was requested to perform the operation, following consultations and meetings, I travelled to Sydney, in June 2023, I had a major 10 hour operation @RPA Sydney, which included a Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC. I spent 3 weeks in hospital, before heading home for 6 weeks of recovery. This followed by 8 cycles of FOLFOX chemotherapy, an implant portacath, which commenced in September 2023.

The effects of chemo were taking its toll on my well-being, I needed time out. In January 2024 I requested a break, where I sought-after a local Gold Coast Naturopath Dr Katrina Ellis, who had beaten cancer, her book 'Shattering The Cancer Myth' was a hopeful and inspiring read. I contacted Katrina's business (Wholistic House) and through this I was able to have a consultation with her, a supply of quality products and a nutritional plan to help beat this disease. To this day I continue to use her products and continue to be guided by her, her knowledge and expertise is gold.

In February 2024 I had a recurrence in my right groin area, I was annoyed, knowing I had been so consistent conventionally and holistically. My oncologist switched me to FOLFIRI for 8 cycles, once again the effects of chemo was making me feel very ill, ongoing hair thinning, neuropathy pain in feet and fingers, fog brain, fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea (which have become my constant companions in this challenging journey) I requested another break. Days spent in bed, I just couldn't do it anymore!!

In May 2024 I was given the consideration by Dr Cherry Koh, of having another smaller surgery, which took place in October 2024 @RPA Sydney, where a nodule was removed and a 5cm resection of my bowel. I have since returned home knowing that the recommendations from my surgeon and oncologist is to start chemotherapy for 3 to 6 months (which commenced in November 2024, this time I was given an option with tablet form Capectabine, along with the orinotecan, which I tried, and became really sick, I stopped taking the tablet) and possibly talk of more surgery in 6 months' time after review. My tumour markers have risen after surgery, so a lot of questions? and doubts about where this is all going.

I have now made a choice to stop chemotherapy and if can help it no more surgery!

I realized I needed a change but unsure about the financial commitment that integrative cancer treatment necessitates.

I am not in a position to be able to finance this journey overseas and need your help! I am asking family, friends, strangers to donate a 'Gold Coin' to help fund my journey to an overseas Cancer clinic that does holistic Integrative Treatment. Your support means the world to me, whether it's sharing my story, contributing or simply spreading the word - every bit counts.

I am surrounded by a beautiful supportive extended family, who are helping me with you to achieve this goal. The power of Prayer. I thank you all for your support, love and kindness and hope I can be someone in the future that could help you.

The funds will support alternative holistic cancer treatment, with non-toxic therapies, to achieve the most comprehensive healing.

Love you All xo

Aroha Nui Barbara