Photo Credit: Sharon Daley
A seemingly minor toe injury led to a devastating diagnosis for 55-year-old Sharon Daley, who has been given just 12 months to live due to stage four stomach cancer.
In early March, Sharon was preparing for a holiday in Tenerife with her sister when she stubbed her toe against her bed. Despite the pain, she decided to proceed with her trip, spending a week hobbling around the Canary Islands.
Upon her return to the UK, Sharon’s persistent pain led her to visit A&E, where routine tests revealed her blood levels were alarmingly low. Further examinations confirmed the presence of a bleeding stomach ulcer, which was later identified as malignant.
“I was there with my sister, and we were gobsmacked,” Sharon recounted. Initially, doctors considered surgery to be a viable treatment option. However, on May 17, Sharon received the heartbreaking news that her cancer was incurable. With chemotherapy, her prognosis is 12 months; without it, she has only three to six months left.
Reflecting on the months leading up to her diagnosis, Sharon noted that she experienced mild symptoms starting in February, such as nausea and stomach aches, which she initially dismissed. Her focus was on managing her mental health condition rather than suspecting a serious physical ailment.
During her hospital visit, additional blood tests and X-rays were conducted after she mentioned experiencing shortness of breath. The results necessitated two blood transfusions, but Sharon did not fully grasp the gravity of her situation at the time.
Subsequent scans led to her stomach cancer diagnosis two weeks later. “I thought, ‘How has this happened and why?’” Sharon said. “I go for my mammograms and I do my bowel samples, so I actively get checked for cancer, but stomach cancer just isn’t something they screen for.”
Sharon’s oncologist initially suggested surgery might cure her condition by removing part of her stomach and pancreas. However, a laparoscopy on May 1 revealed that surgery was not an option. The final prognosis delivered by her oncologist was devastating: Sharon had limited time left.
“It was hard telling my 21-year-old niece; we are very close,” Sharon said. Supported by Macmillan Cancer Support, she has decided to undergo chemotherapy to prolong her life. To show her gratitude, Sharon has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the charity and has been overwhelmed by the community’s response.
As she faces this challenging time, Sharon’s priority is to spend her remaining days with her loved ones, particularly her sister and niece. A keen traveler, Sharon hopes to visit Portofino in Italy, ride the Orient Express, and fulfill a long-held dream of visiting Salzburg, Austria, inspired by her love for “The Sound of Music.”
Stomach cancer symptoms can be elusive, making early detection difficult. The NHS and Cancer Research UK advise seeking medical advice if experiencing
Sharon’s story serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of paying attention to seemingly minor health issues. She remains grateful for the support she has received and is determined to make the most of her time, surrounded by those she loves.
Credit: The Sun
