Wendy's Cancer journey ~

Wendy was diagnosed with Terminal Stage 4 Bowel Cancer in June 2017.

Soon after the diagnosis Wendy began Chemo - Radiotherapy at the Rosemere in Preston Royal Infirmary, Lancaster. During this time she lost most of her hair, her appetite and her energy. She frequently could not eat and even mention or smell of food made her feel sick - all of which made managing her treatment more difficult. Throughout this process our little Norfolk Terrier puppy Rusty brough us both much relief and comfort.

It was decided that Wendy may benefit from Chemotherapy treatment and so Wendy underwent two courses of 3 months each Chemotherapy at Lancaster Royal Infirmary. This treatment also made Wendy more exhausted physically and she was frequently emotionally overwhelmed. Nevertheless being Wendy, whenever health allowed she was out chatting with neighbours and friends.

Both a liver resection operation and a bowel operation were now planned but following a CT scan that revealed the cancer had spread faster than anticipated, the liver operation was given priority. The liver resection which removed half of Wendy's liver took place at Blackburn hospital and following an infection Wendy remained there for 14 days. She then returned to her lovely home in Kendal to continue to recouperate before the bowel operation which was planned to remove the primary tumour from the bowel and install an irreversible stoma bag. Wendy has found the stoma bag to be very helpful and a great relief.

At this stage we believed that Wendy had moved onto a curative care path and that with ongoing treatment many years lay ahead of us.

However, following a CT scan to review the state of cancer in Wendy's body, it was found that the cancer had returned and spread vigorously. The cancer had spread throughout the peritineum with various localised mets near the stomach area, as well as into the lungs and liver.

We returned at this point to a palliative care path to manage Wendy's symptoms with least discomfort and pain.

Soon after these developments, Wendy became very ill and her stoma bag stopped working for two days. We rushed her to Lancaster hospital who over a period of weeks were able to stabilise her condition by managing and adjusting her medecines and pain relief treatments. At this point Wendy became very yellow in her skin and the whites of her eyes - this jaundice is a consequence of the liver failing and impact on overall physiology.

Wendy then returned home under the care of the palliative care nurses, the district nurses and the local GP.

Born in Barrow In Furness and raised and educated in Ulverston, Wendy has always loved the Lake District since she was dragged about on weekly mountain hikes as a small child by her family. Having returned to live in Kendal after some years abroad and in London, Wendy particularly loves all the walks near to Kendal, but the views from Kendal Castle have long been a firm favourite of hers. With this in mind, the idea of a memorial bench to allow others who may have similar health restrictions as she has had to enjoy a rest seemed a wonderful idea.

Rather than send flowers and cards to the forthcoming funeral, Wendy would prefer that friends and family donate now towards this memorial bench instead. She is taking great pleasure from being involved in setting up this helpful and practical memorial for others to use.

We are aiming to cover the cost of the bench plaque, any extra funds gathered will be donated to the wonderful and very supportive Kendal Cancer Care who have provided much relief and comfort to both Wendy and the family during this difficult process. They have given Wendy counselling, Alexander Technique therapy, Aromatherapy Body Massage and are still giving endless buckets of goodwill and support.

Wendy continues her palliative care at home surrounded with her loving family and friends. We have been told by the specialists to expect short months or long weeks only for her to live and so we are all doing everything we can to make this time as lovely as possible for Wendy. Hospice care will be provided at the home in due course but not needed yet as at August 3rd.

With much love to all our family, friends and everybody who has helped along the way, Wendy & Titus, Lorren & Taylan + Rusty xx