Bowel Cancer Treatment

Hello, my name is Meghan.

I am reaching out to share my personal cancer journey and asking for support in my battle against advanced cancer. Everyday for the past 3.5 years, I've been fighting stage 4 metastasised bowel cancer. It's been an incredibly tough journey for me and my family.

My cancer story began in August 2020, when I was 38 years old. I received the devastating diagnosis of stage 4 bowel cancer. Despite having no symptoms or pain, cancer was discovered during a colonoscopy. Living interstate at the time and away from family, I underwent bowel surgery just two days after diagnosis. Complicating matters, Covid lockdowns prevented my family from being with me, adding an extra layer of difficulty to an already challenging situation.

Following major surgery to remove the large tumour, part of my bowel and lymph nodes I had a PET scan which revealed devastating news the cancer had already spread to my liver and lungs with multiple tumours in both organs which would have been present before the initial diagnosis. I was then able to return to my family.

I embarked on chemotherapy in October 2020 with hope for a cure. In January 2021 I had my first major liver surgery removing two thirds of my liver, once recovered I returned to fortnightly rounds of chemotherapy. In September 2021 cancer had returned to my liver and I had my second major liver operation.

In December 2021, I received the heartbreaking news that my cancer was terminal.

Since then, I've endured ongoing treatments, including endless rounds of fortnightly chemotherapy, radiation, a phase 3 immunotherapy trial and Fruquintinib, all while grappling with debilitating side effects. Despite these challenges, I've incorporated holistic medicine into my treatment plan and remain determined to fight this disease with everything I have.

Now, I'm seeking support to continue my battle against cancer. Funds raised will go towards crucial treatments, medications, including a RGCC Onconomics test to determine the most effective personalised treatment plan based on my genetics, physiology, and immune profiles. My family and I are also investigating treatment options overseas, as there are more options which are not available here in Australia and I have exhausted all other treatment options here in Australia except the only option left is palliative care maintenance chemotherapy which I have been doing since the end of 2021 when I was diagnosed as non curable and the existing tumours in my lungs are still growing against the chemotherapy.

This journey has taken a toll on my finances and my family, and I'm humbly asking for help. I also have been unable to work since diagnosed due to all of the above. Sharing my story, making a contribution, or simply spreading the word can make a difference.

Though I've been told I can never be cured and I am terminal, I refuse to give up and do not accept that diagnosis. With your support, I'm more determined than ever to overcome this silent, deadly disease.

Thank you for standing with me in this fight.

With love, Meghan