Mother-of-four stomach pain cancer tragedy
Fiona, 33, dies weeks after shock diagnosis
A young mum has died just weeks after her “pregnant belly” turned out to be cancer.
Fiona Gallacher, 33, had been experiencing stomach pains for around two months before she was told she had stage four adenocarcinoma – a cancer that grows in the glands of vital organs – on January 8. The mum of four, from Holytown, in Lanarkshire, initially believed she was having another baby when she began to suffer with bouts of sickness and her tummy became swollen. The results of a pregnancy test were negative, so she took herself to A&E. Doctors quickly realised something was seriously wrong and Fiona underwent emergency surgery to remove parts of her bowel and ovary.
Days later, tests found she had advanced cancer and she was given six months to a year to live. She sadly passed away on March 22.
She leaves behind her children, Graham Hastie, 16, Kevin Hastie, 15, Emmaleigh Goldie, seven, and Charlie-May Mcfarlane, three.
In a moving tribute, sister, Kellyann, 37, said: “Fiona was an incredibly selfless and amazing mum, her kids always came first. She also had a great sense of humour. Up until her very last day, she was making us laugh.
“Our sister was a true inspiration and someone we will miss for the rest of our lives.”
Fiona’s family has shared her story in the hope of raising awareness of the condition.
Kellyann said: “I would urge anyone experiencing abnormal stomach pains not to think twice about getting it checked out.
“Don’t leave it until the last minute – get it checked by your GP as soon as you possibly can.”
She added: “Fiona said on the day of her funeral she wants all of the kids to go and do something fun once they say their final goodbyes.
“We’re thinking of taking them to Flip Out so they can remember their mum for the fun spirit that she was.”
The siblings are now being cared for by Fiona’s other sister, Sarahann, who has moved into their family home.