Lisa Clayton has been diagnosed with cancer as many times as she’s given birth. She’s a mom of 5, and she has just heard the news “you have cancer” for the fifth time.
Her journey started in 2010 when she was first diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma. Fortunately, her cancer was able to be treated using radiotherapy which meant she was able to avoid the long and grueling process of chemotherapy.
For five years she had routine screening to ensure the cancer had not returned. For five years she received good news.
Then, in 2015, two tumors were found on her lungs.
Diagnosis #2, #3, and #4
Lisa’s operation to remove the cancer from her lung was successful but sadly, the relief didn’t last long. Soon more cancerous cells were found, this time in her chest. Again, she had surgery to remove the cancer.
Lisa said- “It’s always hard, but nothing was going to knock me down.”
Despite her strength, Lisa again faced bad news in 2017. Doctor’s found cancer in the same lymph node where it had previously been discovered. Additionally, more spots were identified on her lungs. This time, she was told the spots were in an inoperable location and she would need to undergo intense radiotherapy for seven weeks.
Lisa says that round of radiotherapy was the hardest. But just like rounds 1, 2, and 3, Lisa stayed determined and positive through the process.
#5
In August of 2018, she had another scan. The news? The spots in her lung had grown. They were now of measurable size and it was confirmed that they were cancerous. Unfortunately, again they could not operate to remove them due to their specific locations in her lung.
Lisa was told she would need to undergo chemotherapy this time. It was the first time she had heard those words during her battle with cancer.
While disheartened by the news, Lisa took it upon herself to be in as much control of the situation as she could be.
Shaving Heads
While radiotherapy doesn’t cause hair loss, chemotherapy does. Knowing that she would soon become bald, Lisa decided to take advantage of the inevitable and raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support by shaving her head before she began the treatment.
The organization has supported her and her family throughout her cancer journey and Lisa wanted to take the opportunity to give back to the group.
Lisa’s goal was to raise 1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and her family joined the cause to help her reach the ambitious goal. Two of her children and her brother shaved their heads alongside her in support. They’ve now surpassed their goal by over 3,000. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t still contribute to the cause! If you’d like to donate, simply click here.
Lisa’s journey is far from over, but her story has already inspired many.
You can read the full story of this brave mother here.
