Sheri Fairbank, age 44, from South Africa. Hobbies: Yoga, Art, theatre, time at the beach, meditation. I am a very hands-on mum of two young teenage girls. I find immense joy in spending time with my family and needing a full life with them on holidays, school projects and house projects. I would describe us as a closely tied, loving and outdoors family.
How were you diagnosed and how long did it take?
I was diagnosed towards the later part of December 2023. The initial diagnosis took approximately 2 to 4 weeks. When I was told that it was neuroendocrine cancer, I had a very different idea in mind as to what I would be dealing with. I have two friends who have low-grade NETs. So, my assumption was that I was in the same boat. I was very wrong, unfortunately. It was the 12th of January 2024 that I was informed that I had high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma, of an unknown primary location. Tumors were found on the lymph nodes, which were the first symptom – one on the pancreas, one on the gallbladder, and the real shark came with the results of my MRI that showed it has metastasized to a very large fist-sized tumour on the brain. On the 15th of January 2024 I had a brain resection to remove the brain tumour.
What treatment have you had and how did it affect you then and now?
To date I’ve had double platinum chemotherapy of six cycles, one round of irinotecan and I am now on temozolomide daily and cisplatin once a week. The initial effects of chemotherapy were mild and I handled it very well, being able to exercise daily, manage a normal eating routine and my weight very well. Unfortunately, the cumulative effect of chemotherapy does add up and weight loss, appetite loss and general nausea and lack of wellness adds up. I try and manage a strict diet at the moment of healthy eating and mild exercise when possible. I have also started immunotherapy, atezolizumab in particular, and have had two rounds of this successfully. The intention and hope is that this will make all the difference.
What impact has the diagnosis had on your personal life?
This has been life-changing experience, impacting my husband and children and myself equally. I’m challenged energy-wise, health-wise and in my ability to function as the person I once was. I do believe that this is a temporary setback whilst I go through treatment and manage the current high-grade components. I’ve had to take a break from my career, which thankfully has been very supportive and obliging under the circumstances. What I have come to realise is that, as a patient we understand the impacts of cancer to our own lives intimately, but it is just as important to check in and comprehend and understand the impact that this diagnosis has on our loved ones around us.
What lessons have you learnt along the way?
Slow down. This has been my greatest life lesson through this journey. Being able to pace myself career-wise and as a parent. Meditation has been integral in this part of my journey.
Who’s been your hero? Perhaps it was you!
My heroes come in the form of many different people particularly the tribe of women who have up themselves around me and guided and supported me through this journey. I’ve had to step up and learn as much as I can about this disease. The idea of depending on what the oncologist has to say about it seems absurd when we have to learn to advocate for ourselves. On many occasions I have taken suggestions to the table that were not heard of or considered in our country. My ability to research, understand and make resolutions around my own health have been both empowering and reassuring.
Did you get any help from a patient organization during your journey?
Yes, I did, I managed to connect with Susan Meckler-Plummer in Miami and found tremendous compassion and support from her group both on social media and in the monthly zoom meetings that I attend.
How are you now?
I am currently working through new chemotherapy and hoping for a very positive result from immunotherapy. Healthwise I have both good and bad days, as can be expected. I believe that with a positive mindset, self-advocacy and determination this can be managed.
