The Goodwin Girls

My beautiful mum was diagnosed with stomach cancer in December 2017. In January 2018 we were given the devastating news that it was terminal and she may only have 9-12 months. Mum wasn't ready to leave us and was really strong and determined and decided to start on chemo to hopefully slow down the cancer. She was doing so well for the first two rounds - the side effects were minimal and she was feeling OK considering what her body was having to go through. I was so proud of her, she took each test, investigation, medication on with force and strength - she didn't want this evil disease to beat her. She never complained, she was a real warrior and I couldn't be prouder. In March mum caught a bug and wasn't able to keep food or liquid down - this resulted in her being admitted into hospital with severe dehydration. The hospital sorted this relatively quickly but it became apparent that mum had a blockage somewhere which was causing her to be sick often. They also said she had an infection they suspected in her lungs as her oxygen levels were low. Mum had developed aspiration pneumonia where vomit and food was entering her lungs and had caused a bacterial infection. They started to treat her straight away and she seemed to make small improvements. She was nil by mouth and they inserted a pic line which was a traumatic experience for mum. Mum became very weak due to the lack of food and exercise but we were still confident that mum would fight the infection and regain some strength and return home - at no point did I ever think my mum would not pull through. I visited mum daily and when I saw her on the Sunday (10 days after admittance) she seemed to have perked up slightly, the pic line was in and she was being fed. At 10.30pm on Monday 2nd April we got the call that there was nothing more they could do for mum and that we needed to go to the hospital as she may not see through the night. Nothing can prepare you for that phone call, nothing. I didn't leave my mum's side that night - I constantly chatted to her. I asked her whether she was in any pain and she said no. She looked terrified. I think at that point mum knew what was happening. The doctors told us to keep talking to mum so I didn't stop talking to her. We were told that mum was very poorly and her condition had deteriorated significantly. Her oxygen levels were seriously low and they couldn't get her blood pressure - her body was shutting down with the infection, ultimately caused by the blockage and the stomach cancer. Mum passed away at 11am on Tuesday 3rd April - it was very peaceful and mum was in no pain. I still can't believe that my mum has been taken so soon - it doesn't seem possible that my best friend is no longer here for me to chat to, laugh with and hug. Miss you so much mum - you live on in my and my girls. Please sponsor me and my girls in raising money for Cancer Research. Cancer sucks and is really shit