ABOUT ME
Did you know that colon cancer is no longer an old person’s disease? “Nearly double the number of young adults under 55 are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer than a decade ago, and more are dying from the disease each year”, as reported recently by the American Cancer Society. The fastest growing population is women under 40. The common signs of colon cancer are: bloating, cramps, blood in stool, diarrhea, constipation and gas.
Kama is a devoted single mom to AJ, 11 years old. Since 2005, she’s taught at Alberni District Secondary School, Eighth Avenue Learning Centre, South Surrey/ White Rock Learning Centre and John Howitt Elementary School. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, hiking and sharing her favourite local restaurants, social causes and local businesses on social media as a blogger.
Kama had experienced bloating, painful and heavy periods, and was told it was “just something women go through” and asked if it was something she could live with. Her answer, “Well, it’s uncomfortable, but yes I guess I can live with it”.
In July, Kama suddenly came down with severely painful cramps and very low iron. Something was seriously wrong. Five trips to Emergency later, her concerns were finally taken seriously and an emergency hysterectomy was scheduled for early August.
While she was opened up, the surgeons discovered what turned out to be stage IV colorectal cancer with metastasis to the peritoneal lining and liver, with a BRAF mutation. Part of her colon was removed, including a lime-sized tumour. When Kama woke up, it was a shock to receive this news, along with a very poor prognosis.
Kama chooses to believe the diagnosis, but not the prognosis!!
As dire as this situation is, there is a lot of hope with new treatments and surgeries. She is currently on a harsh FOLFOXIRI triple chemotherapy regimen, every two weeks. She is also doing everything she can for anti-cancer nutrition, mindset and natural healing as well— all out of pocket.
Canadian Ronnie Campbell recounts in her book, “Racing For A Miracle” that she spent $90,000 to heal her stage IV colon cancer with a combination of traditional and natural medical treatments. (She was on the same chemo Kama is on, with supplements, Vitamin C IV’s, Mistletoe Therapy, Hyperthermia Therapy, Reiki and Accupuncture).
Two and a half years ago, Kama and her son moved back home to Port Alberni after leaving an unhealthy relationship. Because she lost all her seniority when she moved away, she has only been able to secure a half time position until January.
This equates to a 75% pay cut as she is not able to work or TTOC (Teachers Teaching On Call) right now. She is hoping to get hired in January, for partial salary and medical coverage. Fingers crossed! She misses working and laughing with her students and co-workers and would love to return to work when she’s healthy enough!
We also accept cheques or etransfer to ethigalkama@gmail.com
Donations of grocery store gift cards, wild fish, or local restaurants are also gratefully accepted!
Your donations will go towards basic living bills and natural treatments. Any leftover funds will go into an educational fund for her son AJ, and donated to CCRAN- Canadian Colorectal Resource and Action Network: https://www.ccran.org
