Mum's Fight Against Cancer - Kim Nohe Shadrock

I'm reaching out with something heavy on my heart about my mum, and it's not an easy story to share.

Meet my mum, shes 45 and been married to my dad since they were practically kids at 15. Together, they built a life with us four kids, and recently, the newest joy in our lives, my daughter Lotus, Mums first grandchild.

Mum is a hard worker, known for her great work ethic, unwavering loyalty and an outstanding reputation in our community. You might even recognize her as the strong, fit lady at the gym, living a healthy and active lifestyle, and competing as a female figure bodybuilder.

In Jan 2023 Mum began experiencing Dysphagia, eating was a real challenge. At first she thought it was just indigestion and heartburn until it reached the point where even water became a struggle to swallow.

Concerned, she headed to the GP for answers. After a series of laparoscopies, gastroscopy, and numerous scans and blood tests, the heartbreaking truth emerged – Mum was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic gastrointestinal cancer on March 17th, 2023.

It hit us all like a ton of bricks. Our family, once carefree is now grappling with the reality of cancer.

Our Mum the soldier that she is began treatment that consisted of fortnightly sessions of – 12 rounds of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and participation in a clinical trial, which started on the July 3rd, 2023.

Life, as we knew it, was put on hold as we focused on helping Mum get better.

The past six months have been a rollercoaster of hope and then disappointment. Mum's resilience in the face of relentless side effects is nothing short of inspiring. Every fortnight, she battles through one week of illness, followed by a week of recovery, only to bravely start the cycle all over again.

Painful neuropathy in her face, hands, and feet, brain fog, loss of her taste buds and appetite, have become constant companions in this challenging journey.

Despite our collective efforts, the results have been heartbreaking. The tumours have grown in Mums upper stomach, spreading to her lower abdomen and both her ovaries. The reality is harsh – the oncologists have told Mum that her cancer is incurable, and cannot be surgically removed.

Mum was scheduled for another 12 rounds which kicked off just after Christmas last year, but time is slipping away. They have told Mum should she continue with the current treatment plan she has roughly 12 -24 months left with us, but our Mum is tough and she refuses to accept this or let this disease beat her!

Refusing to accept defeat, and after much research Mum has decided to seek alternative treatment overseas in Mexico. It's a chance to extend her life beyond the given timeline.

I never thought I'd find myself asking for help, but here I am. We need to raise funds to get Mum overseas for this crucial treatment. Unfortunately, the specialized care she needs is not available in Australia, and seeking help and treatment in Mexico is an expensive journey we're forced to embark on.

Your support means the world to us. Whether it's sharing our story, contributing, or simply spreading the word – every bit counts.

So if you can lend a hand no matter how small every donation, will help to give our mum the precious gift of time and life.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Shadrock Family