Helping Rachel fight peritoneal disease

I have decided to set this up for my beloved mother who has been fighting peritoneal disease over the last two years. As you can imagine, it has been extremely difficult to come to terms with for my mum and the family. However, despite her situation, she has been doing everything she possibly can to remain positive and distract herself from her current situation.

My mum underwent an operation back in May 2021 to remove a stage 3 cancer tumour from her bowl. After months of recovery, we were informed that she was cancer free. However, shortly after numerous check-ups and scans, we were informed that it had come back and she had a rare form of cancer at stage 4 (peritoneal disease).

Following frequent sessions of chemotherapy of the first line / dose and scans at both the Royal Christy hospital in Manchester and Shrewsbury hospital. It became apparent that the first line of chemotherapy had unfortunately stopped working. My mum is currently undergoing her 12th session of chemotherapy on the second line / dose which seems to be keeping it stable.

On the 7th of March 2023, she had some news from her doctor, informing her that as she is on the second line of chemotherapy and is due to have another scan in April to see how the cancer is reacting to this type of chemotherapy. The doctor wants her to consider an operation – Total pelvic exenteration. There is a chance this may cure the disease she has, but there is also a chance that it will not work.

My mother is an absolute inspiration and we could not be any prouder of her if we tried. From giving up her job, cutting her hair off, bouncing back from her operation, maintaining normal life while having covid and chemotherapy in her system, she has always kept a smile on her face and tried to put her family and friends before herself.

With the permission of my mum, this page is a space for people who would like to kindly donate towards: travel costs, additional medication, wigs and for her to live without worrying about finances or bills.

I understand that times are difficult for a lot of people so please do not feel obliged to donate. Any messages of support are gratefully received.

Thank you for taking the time to read about Rachels story.