This article contains discussion of cancer which some readers may find distressing.
Losing a loved one to cancer is devastating, especially when it is a rare form of the disease. Martin Keelagher recently shared his heart-wrenching experience on LinkedIn, urging others to be aware of the signs and symptoms. His beloved wife, Claire Elizabeth Keelagher (nee Comer), lost her life at the age of 36, just six months after being diagnosed with Krukenberg tumours – an uncommon cancer that affects young women.
On January 10th this year, Claire peacefully passed away, leaving behind a two-year-old son and a grieving family. Martin, from Greater Manchester, expressed the devastating reality that this particular type of cancer primarily affects women in their prime, in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
In honor of Claire’s memory, Martin aims to establish a non-profit organization called Claire’s Wishes. The main objective of this organization is to support and educate individuals about Krukenberg tumours, the rare cancer that claimed Claire’s life. Martin’s hope is that through this initiative, people will become more aware of the warning signs, facilitating early detection.
Claire’s Wishes, a testament to the incredible woman Claire was, aims to provide support to her young son and Martin, who miss her dearly. They are joined in their grief by her parents, family members, friends, and colleagues.
Understanding Krukenberg Tumours
Krukenberg tumours primarily affect individuals assigned female at birth, typically between the ages of 27 and 65. These aggressive tumours usually originate from gastric or breast cancer and develop in various areas of the body such as the appendix, colon, small intestine, rectum, gallbladder, urinary bladder, biliary tract, and pancreas.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Early diagnosis plays a critical role in managing Krukenberg tumours. Some common symptoms to be aware of include:
- Abdominal mass that can be felt under the skin
- Pain or discomfort in the pelvis or lower abdomen
- Pain during intercourse
- Bloating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Excessive hair growth in atypical areas like the face, chest, and back
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
Martin has launched a fundraiser to support Claire’s Wishes and raise awareness about Krukenberg tumours through their own charity. If you wish to contribute, you can visit Martin’s [JustGiving page](insert just giving page link here).
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, available from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.
