Lisa Paul, 47, survived breast cancer in 2012 but has now been told she has just months to live after a cervical cancer diagnosis.
A brave Scot has been told she only has months to live after being diagnosed with cervical cancer 13 years after she recovered from another strain of the cruel disease.
But Lisa Paul, 47, said she “isn’t ready to die” and her devastated family and friends are now trying to raise cash for treatment abroad in a bid to extend her life.
Lisa, who won her battle with breast cancer in 2012, told our sister title Edinburgh Live: “Last October, I got diagnosed with cervical cancer and then in March it had spread to the liver, stomach, around my pelvis, bone marrow, my leg and my hip – it’s just everywhere now.
“One night before the diagnosis, I passed out with the pain and it was excruciating. It was all from the bottom, I never had any pain from the front. I went to the Royal and they could feel the tumour.
“I wasn’t completely shocked because when you’ve had cancer it never fully leaves you. I was surprised it was cervical though because it was completely random – I just couldn’t believe I had got two different cancers.
“I was in hospital for three months because they couldn’t stop the pain and I was released from hospital in February. I started to feel good and then in March I ended up back in hospital because the pain in my sides was unbearable.
“That’s when I was told it was stage four and then a few days ago I was told I only had a couple months – maybe less. I keep on pushing but time is not on my side. The cancer has just been extremely aggressive and it’s not gone in a straight line.”
She added: “I don’t want to die and I’ve said from day one I’ll never give up. I love my life, my friends, my family – and I don’t want to go anywhere. I will try everything to still be around.
“I want to travel, I want to go on holiday, I want to see my brother and sister’s kids grow up. I just think some people don’t appreciate life to the fullest and maybe take every day for granted.
“I am also just frustrated because I’m like come on, something has to work for me. Even if my life was increased by 18 months, that would feel like winning the lottery.”
Initially she was told the second illness was curable but scans started to show the chemotherapy hadn’t worked.
Last month, Lisa, from Edinburgh, was warned the cancer had spread even more and at a rapid pace. Chemotherapy is also no longer an option as it may do more damage to her health and there are no further treatment options available through the NHS.
Her main hope now is that clinical trials will become available, but a GoFundMe page has been set up for her to access more advanced cancer treatments available in other parts of the world – including Germany. A consultation alone costs around £4,500 before any treatment even begins.
Speaking about the support from her friends and family, Lisa said: “I am truly blessed. They’ve been there for me every day. It’s hard for them too – I honestly think one of the worst parts about cancer is having to tell your loved ones and giving them constant bad news.
“It’s just incredible how many people have come together to support me – I am overwhelmed with love. Time is ticking but I am doing everything I can to stay here and continue my life.”
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