Shannon's Cancer Journey

Two weeks ago our world got turned upside down when after 6 months of being in and out of the GP's my 19 year old daughter finally got sent for a scan of her stomach where they discovered a massive tumor. We were told by our GP to wait for a referral but as a mum I knew something was really wrong and the next day took her to the Middlemore Hospital Emergency Department. We were so lucky that day because the best surgeon happened to be rostered on. She took one look at my daughters medical records and took her straight into surgery where they removed my daughters left ovary (which had ruptured) and Fallopian tube - she was diagnosed with stage three Ovarian cancer. Since then it has been a whirlwind of CT scans, blood tests, x-rays, hospital stays and now the journey of Chemotherapy. Not how she expected to be celebrating her birthday that's for sure. Because the pathology showed the cancer had spread microscopically Shannon now has to undergo 12 weeks of intense Chemotherapy at Auckland Hospital. For her first week of chemo, Shannon started off great the first two days but has really struggled since then with nausea and sadly got sick the first day out of hospital. My beautiful daughter has gone from being a fit, self employed personal trainer working every hour available - to struggling to get off the couch and so sick it's hard to function. To beat her cancer, Shannon will be unable to work for the next 6 months. It has been a new journey of discovering what is involved with having cancer and we now understand what people with Cancer have to battle - not only the disease but so many unexpected expenses that come with it. There are multiple hospital visits, special diets to by food for, hospital car parking, wig, medications, emergency visits to A&E to name just a few. As a mum I am trying my best - I still work full-time while juggling Shannons treatments and will need to continue to do so but we are struggling. Shannon has been incredible - her positive attitude has already inspired so many (her story can be seen on instagram @shannonmenger.pt). She is determined to beat this and I am determined to do all I can to help her - she is so young, she is my daughter and I love her so much. Give-a-little is not something I would do but my sister has said I should. If you have read this and you are able to help we will be so very grateful. I hope you get to see Shannon's story on Instagram and who knows, down the track meet her in person. She is an amazing young lady and I am very proud of the person she has become.