Edinburgh woman undergoes over 100 chemotherapies after incurable cancer diagnosis

A woman who has undergone over 100 chemotherapy sessions since being diagnosed with incurable cancer over four years ago is learning to celebrate the every day.

Jane Barrow, from Edinburgh, first received a colon cancer diagnosis in September 2018, which resulted in part of her bowel being removed.

In June 2019, a mass was discovered on her right ovary, which was the size of a small football. For a second time, the mum-of-one needed to go under the knife to remove an affected organ.

Less than a year later, in March 2020, her other ovary had to be removed and was the size of a Galia melon.

The ordeal took a toll mentally, and on Hogmanay 2020, several areas affected by cancer were identified. She was told that it was inoperable and incurable.

A porta cath, which is a device that allows chemotherapy to be given intravenously, was inserted into Jane’s chest in January 2021.

Jane and her pet poodle Bopa J. Jane Barrow

She has since received chemotherapy on 101 occasions – an experience that has altered the 49-year-old’s outlook on life.

She told STV News: “The way I see life has changed in so many ways.

“I now want to do as much as I can with the people I love because I don’t know how long I have.

“I recently had a joint birthday party with my dad. We used be quite tight with money but we hired somewhere out because to have moments with your friends and family is priceless.

“I don’t look too far into the future because I know this treatment will stop working. I only plan up to each scan, which happens every four months.”

After being told that her cancer was terminal, Jane went to stay with her parents as she tried to come to terms with the news.

During the stay, her mum explained that although she faced adversity, she needed to enjoy the time she still had.

The Edinburgh woman explained, “I had to decide whether I was going to be paralysed by fear or live my life that is here.

“It is not ideal that my life is run by this thing that is the size of a grain of rice in my belly at the moment.

Jane donned a gold dress to celebrate her 100th chemotherapy Jane Barrow

“I just want to live my life the best I can.”

On February 11, the mum underwent her 100th chemotherapy treatment.

She wanted to celebrate this landmark by raising as much money as possible for the charities, Cancer Research, St Columba’s Hospice, Edinburgh Young Carers and the staff of Ward 1 at the Western General, who have supported her and her family.

So far, Jane has raised more than £5,000, which has left her stunned.

She said: “The whole world is crazy at the moment, which can make you see the worst in people.

“In reality, there are so many wonderful people out there. The charities I’ve chosen have helped me so much.