“I Was Gobsmacked” Woman, 55, Diagnosed with Terminal Cancer Following Toe Injury

Just weeks after suffering a seemingly minor injury by stubbing her toe, Sharon Daley’s life took an unexpected and drastic turn. The 55-year-old from Brighton, East Sussex, was looking forward to a vacation in Tenerife, Spain, with her sister when the accident occurred. Despite the pain, Sharon decided to proceed with her holiday, hoping the discomfort would subside.

However, upon her return, a visit to the A&E revealed a dire reality far beyond a simple toe injury. Initial tests indicated Sharon’s blood levels were alarmingly low, leading to further medical investigations. “While I was there, I mentioned I had some shortness of breath, so they did some blood tests and X-rays,” Sharon recalled. The situation escalated quickly, and she found herself undergoing two blood transfusions without fully grasping the severity of her condition.

Subsequent scans revealed a bleeding stomach ulcer that was later confirmed to be malignant, diagnosing her with stage four stomach cancer. Originally, doctors were optimistic about treating her cancer surgically. However, by May 17, the devastating news was delivered: the cancer was incurable. With chemotherapy, Sharon was given a prognosis of 12 months to live; without it, only three to six months. “I was there with my sister and we were gobsmacked,” she expressed, as per reports in The Scottish Sun.

Reflecting on her health prior to the diagnosis, Sharon noted, “I probably wasn’t the healthiest person in the world, but I wasn’t ill—at least I didn’t think so.” Her condition was a shocking revelation, particularly since she actively participated in routine cancer screenings, though stomach cancer screening was not among them.

The impact of this news was profound, especially when sharing it with her 21-year-old niece, to whom she is very close. As Sharon awaits a date to begin chemotherapy, she is supported by Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity that has been instrumental during this challenging time. Grateful for their help, Sharon has initiated a GoFundMe to raise money for Macmillan, overwhelmed by the generous response.

“Having worked in the charity sector, I know, particularly in the current climate, fundraising is an issue. But Macmillan’s work has really helped our lives, even in this short difficult period, so this means so much,” she shared. As Sharon faces her prognosis, her focus is on quality time with loved ones and fulfilling some of her dreams.

While trips like visiting India have become impractical, she hopes to travel to Portofino, Italy, and experience an overnight ride on the Orient Express. A fan of “The Sound of Music,” she also dreams of visiting Salzburg, Austria—a plan she intends to expedite with a friend. In the face of adversity, Sharon is determined to make the most of the time she has left, surrounded by family and friends, cherishing every moment.