Support Jennifer Graham on her cancer journey

Hello, my name is Shakira Graham.

My mother; Jennifer Graham - has stage 4 metastatic endometrial adenocarcinoma.

This journey began 2 years ago. My mom had surgery done to remove her appendix, and her right ovary, as scans showed concerning spots. Her ovary was sent to be tested. Doctors called her and let her know that she had two different cancers (endometrial adenocarcinoma & colon) and would need a full hysterectomy, as well as a colon resection. She had both of those surgeries done about 5 months after the first surgery. The oncologists had told her both cancers were gone. In the six months following that major surgery she noticed strange bumps forming under the skin in her abdomen. She went back to her doctor, after a CT scan, they told us her endometrial cancer had recurred. Her treatment after this started as “hormonal therapy” which did nothing to benefit her. The cancer just grew. 6 months of tumour growth. At this time, her tumours were double or more the size they started at before starting the hormonal therapy. After this, began chemotherapy. My mom was working through all of this. Even during her first few round of chemo. Until I was finally able to convince her to take a medical leave to allow her body the time it needed to help her fight. She continued the chemotherapy for its full cycle which ended in June of this year. At which time the oncologist was planning surgery to remove the remaining cancer. She had a date booked. 48 hours before her planned surgery, the hospital called with dreaded news that they discussed her health, her care and treatment plans with the tumour board and they decided they would not be doing the surgery, and that at this time the cancer was stage 4. This was the most heart shattering, gut wrenching news ever. A few days later, she was given a prognosis of 12 months, and was told to “enjoy her summer before resuming treatment in the fall”. In October, she began immunotherapy. She is still currently receiving immunotherapy. We are all remaining positive, but we are aware times are difficult.

Since my mom has been off work, her income is 1/4th of what it was while she was working. She is always stressing about medication costs, and how she’s going to continue paying her bills on time, parking costs, etc. I’m hoping to raise money for my beautiful sweet mama to help alleviate some of the financial burden she is experiencing so she can focus on her health.

My mom is the most kind, caring and loving person I have ever come across in my life. Always doing for others, always so selfless. She sees the beauty in everyone, and every thing. She lost the love of her life 4 years ago to cancer also. She cared for him at home until he passed. 24/7 everything he needed.

My brothers and I help in any way we can financially, but it isn’t enough to remove the financial burden. My mom is my number one person in this world, and I’m devastated at the thought of this potentially being her last Christmas with us.

My brother Micheal, and his wife Leeza, have been such an incredible team in my mom’s journey. She moved into their home with them and their 2 daughters. They make sure she’s eating on days she doesn’t want to eat, and they help her with anything else she may need, at any time. I’m truly grateful for them, and I know my mama is as well. My other brother Jonathon, assists the most financially, and is a huge emotional support for her. I am usually the one to go to every appointment, as well as being there emotionally, mentally, and physically as much as I can be. We have all been my mom’s biggest cheerleaders. One of us is with her at every appointment, right down to just needing bloodwork.

My lovely momma has 10 gorgeous grandchildren, and she means the absolute world to every one of them. This long difficult path we’ve been walking has been so strenuous on all of us as a family, including the children who are seeing the growing changes in their nana.

Thank you so much for reading this far and thinking about donating to my mom for this amazing cause ❤️ We are devastated thinking this is the last Christmas even staying positive it’s in the back of everyone’s mind.

please help us make this Christmas and next few months merry and bright for her beautiful soul.

God bless, and merry christmas