Story
Our sister Suki was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer over two years ago. She went through six months of intensive chemotherapy, followed by surgery and radiotherapy. It was an incredibly difficult time, but her daughters gave her the strength and determination to keep going.
A year after her surgery last year in May 2025, Suki received a clear PET scan. We were all overjoyed by the good news.
Months later, Suki began suffering from severe nerve pain in her back and legs. Consultants first thought it might be related to osteoporosis or a spinal fracture weakening caused by chemotherapy, so they carried out more tests and scans.
In October 2025, during a family video call, Suki and her partner Ian shared heartbreaking news. Further scans had found that the cancer had spread to her brain. There was a small tumour at the back of her brain. She was all set to receive immediate treatment in form of gamma knife radiotherapy in London the following week and was prescribed strong neuropathic pain medication.
When Suki arrived in London, radiologists performed a detailed MRI scan before the planned gamma knife radiotherapy was to start. The scan revealed that the cancer was more widespread than first thought. It had spread to the fluid surrounding her brain and spinal cord. She was diagnosed with 'Metastatic breast cancer - Leptomeningeal disease'. We were all in shock.
The next day, Suki met with her oncologist to discuss a new treatment plan. She was offered palliative care, including 10 days of broader radiotherapy to her head and spine, and was given a prognosis of 6 to 12 months.
While waiting for radiotherapy to be re-scheduled in Cambridge, she underwent a lumbar puncture to see if she could join a drug trial in London, but sadly she was not eligible.
We spent as much time as possible with Suki and her family during November.
Tragically, the disease progressed much faster than anyone could have expected. By the last week of November, Suki lost the ability to bear weight on her legs and in a lot of pain. This disease was shutting her central nervous system down. Suki was cared for by the team at St Elizabeth Hospice. She was kept as comfortable as possible at her home surrounded by all her family and friends.
Suki was unable to receive the planned radiotherapy and sadly passed away on Friday 5th December 2025, she was only 49. She passed away within a month from her diagnosis of 'Metastatic breast cancer - Leptomeningeal disease'. The shockwaves continue to ripple.
On Saturday 9th May I am taking part in the Pink Ribbon Walk at Blenheim Palace and Cotswolds for Breast Cancer Now.