Story
Sadly, we lost our beautiful sister Suki, to breast cancer just a few months ago.
Suki was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, an especially aggressive form, a little over two years ago. What followed was a long and challenging journey - six months of intensive chemotherapy, then surgery, and radiotherapy. Undergoing treatment was an incredibly difficult time for her and yet she remained strong throughout the course of her treatment. Through it all, her daughters were her light and her anchor, giving her the strength, courage, and determination to keep moving forward each day.
Last year in May 2025 was a year after her surgery and Suki received a clear PET scan. We were all overjoyed by the good news.
Some months later, Suki began suffering from severe nerve pain in her back and legs, she experienced shooting head pain as she used to describe it and not a headache. Consultants first thought it might be related to osteoporosis or a possible 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 and anti-inflammatory 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 in the lining surrounding her brain and spine. 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 to control the growth and symptoms. However, she was also given a prognosis of 6 to 12 months. This was extremely difficult to accept and for the rest of the family to hear.
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.
Tragically, the disease progressed much faster than anyone could have imagined. By the last week of November, Suki lost the ability to bear weight on her legs and in excruciating 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.
At this point Suki was too unwell 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 loss continues to ripple through all of us - her partner, her two young children ages 12 and 7, our family and friends, and she is missed more than words can say.
On Saturday 9th May I am taking part in the 10 mile Pink Ribbon Walk at Blenheim Palace and Cotswolds for Breast Cancer Now.
We are walking in honour our sister’s life, and the courage and strength she showed throughout her illness. Even while suffering in pain, she continued to give strength to others. She will forever remain in our hearts.
Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page and sponsoring my Pink Ribbon Walk for Breast Cancer Now, in memory of a much loved daughter, sister, aunt, partner and mum.
Taj x