Donna’s Story

Donna Taylor achieved an incredible amount in the last year of her life, despite living with an incurable stomach cancer which was diagnosed in October 2023. Donna sadly passed away in September 2024 aged 46, having dedicated herself to raising awareness of stomach cancer and raising money for two cancer charities – Cavendish Cancer Care and Weston Park Cancer Charity.

Donna admitted that at first she didn’t recognise the symptoms of stomach cancer when they began in 2022. Despite visits to her GP, she thought her symptoms of heartburn, indigestion, bloating and fatigue could be put down to her stressful job in social services or perhaps the menopause. By the summer of 2023, she was eating just one small meal a day, due to suffering with vomiting and gastric problems. Finally, in October 2023 she was referred for blood and stool tests.

Donna later had a CT scan and finally, with her mum and her daughter Tia, 21 present, it was confirmed that Donna had stomach cancer. A few weeks later a laparoscopy revealed that the cancer had spread to her peritoneum, the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity, which meant that, for Donna, her cancer was inoperable.

In January 2024 Donna had a stent fitted to help relieve the blockages in her digestive system which had made her feel very poorly. Having changed her diet, Donna began to feel slightly better and her 6 cycles of chemotherapy began on 31 January 2024.

Despite several treatment delays due to having to have her stent refitted and problems with her liver, Donna finished her chemotherapy in June 2024 and celebrated having her PIC line removed by finally being able to go for a swim! She spent the summer having lots of fun adventures with family and friends, enjoying holidays and planning several fundraising activities including a ball, a race night, bingo, a sponsored run and an auction. She even managed to squeeze in appearances on radio shows and national TV to raise awareness of stomach cancer symptoms in a bid to help others.

Unfortunately, Donna’s health again began to suffer and she died at St Luke’s Hospice on September 8^th. She was an unforgettable and inspirational woman. With her bubbly personality and trademark bright red hair she lit up every room and she is much missed by everyone she knew, including the team at Cavendish Cancer Care.

Donna’s daughter Tia, son Rio, her family and friends have vowed to continue the work Donna started with her Dee’s Tummy Cancer campaign. So far, their efforts have raised over £35,000 and they are aiming for £50,000 by next year.

One of Donna’s main aims was to raise awareness of the symptoms of stomach cancer, which can easily be mistaken for other conditions.

The initial symptoms of stomach cancer are vague and easy to mistake for other less serious conditions. They include:

• heartburn or acid reflux
• having problems swallowing (dysphagia)
• feeling or being sick
• symptoms of indigestion, such as burping a lot
• feeling full very quickly when eating

Other symptoms may include:

• loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to
• a lump at the top of your tummy
• pain at the top of your tummy
• feeling tired or having no energy

If you have another condition, such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, you may get symptoms like these regularly.

You might find you get used to them. But it’s important to be checked by a GP if your symptoms change, get worse, or do not feel normal for you.

For more information:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stomach-cancer/

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/stomach-cancer