WOMAN, 52, WITH NO SYMPTOMS DISCOVERS STAGE 4 CANCER DURING ROUTINE CHECK-UP — NOW FIGHTING TO BUY MORE TIME

A 52-year-old woman who felt fit and healthy has revealed how a routine medical check changed her life after doctors discovered a large tumour in her liver.

Sandra Standing, originally from Hadlow, Kent, was living in Portugal when she attended a routine health examination connected to an insurance policy.

She had no obvious symptoms and believed she was in good health.

But a blood test showed abnormalities in her liver function.

Doctors ordered further tests, including an ultrasound, which revealed a tumour in her liver.

An MRI scan later confirmed the devastating diagnosis: stage IV intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, a form of bile duct cancer that develops in the liver.

Sandra was diagnosed in October 2025.

“I HAD ZERO INTENTION OF BECOMING AN EXPERT IN CANCER”

The diagnosis came as a huge shock because Sandra had not been experiencing the kind of symptoms that might have prompted her to seek medical help.

On her fundraising page, she describes suddenly having to learn about scans, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and medical terminology she had never expected to encounter.

She has since undergone eight cycles of intensive chemotherapy alongside immunotherapy.

The treatment has had an effect on the tumour.

According to Sandra, the tumour originally measured around 12cm and has now reduced to approximately 9.5cm.

However, it remains too large for surgeons to remove, and her cancer is currently described as inoperable and incurable.

SHE IS NOW LOOKING FOR ANOTHER OPTION

Sandra continues to receive immunotherapy and says her cancer has remained stable since June.

But she is determined to explore every possible option.

One treatment she is hoping to access is Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT).

The procedure delivers radiation directly to a tumour through the blood vessels supplying the liver.

Sandra says specialists have told her that if the treatment produces significant shrinkage, it could potentially create another opportunity for surgery.

But there is no guarantee that SIRT will make the tumour operable or extend her life.

For Sandra, however, the possibility is enough to keep fighting.

“I’m fundraising because it might give me another door to walk through and I’m not ready to stop knocking on all those doors.”

THE TREATMENT COULD COST AROUND £55,000

Sandra says the SIRT procedure itself has been quoted at £50,865.

Once consultations, blood tests, scans, hospital-related expenses, travel and other costs are included, she estimates that she could need around £55,000.

She says the treatment is accessible through the NHS for some conditions, but her particular form of cholangiocarcinoma is not currently NHS-funded for this treatment.

That has left Sandra facing the difficult prospect of raising the money herself.

She launched a GoFundMe appeal in September, describing the fundraiser as something she never imagined she would have to create.

“I’M NOT READY TO STOP FIGHTING”

Sandra has been open about the uncertainty surrounding her condition.

She does not describe SIRT as a guaranteed cure.

Instead, she sees it as another possibility — another treatment that could potentially reduce the tumour and give doctors more options.

Her fundraising campaign describes the goal as trying to gain “more time” for the life she still wants to live.

The campaign’s message is not simply about surviving treatment. Sandra says she wants more time for her hopes, dreams, travel, relationships and future experiences.

SHE REFUSES TO LET CANCER DEFINE HER

Before her diagnosis, Sandra had built a life around independence, work, travel and an active lifestyle.

She worked in private equity in London for many years before becoming involved in fostering.

In 2021, she moved to Portugal with her then-partner.

When the relationship later ended and he returned to the UK, Sandra decided to remain in Portugal.

She learned Portuguese and built a new life for herself there.

She has said that experience strengthened her belief in making the most of opportunities rather than waiting for the “perfect” moment.

Now, that same attitude is shaping how she approaches her cancer diagnosis.

STILL WORKING AND GOING TO THE GYM

Despite her diagnosis and ongoing treatment, Sandra says she continues to work and maintain an active lifestyle.

She reportedly goes to the gym three times a week with a personal trainer.

She also has a passion for fast cars and drives a BMW M4 convertible.

Speaking about her personality, Sandra has described herself as stubborn, independent and determined — qualities that she says are now helping her navigate her illness.

She has made clear that she does not want to spend her remaining time simply feeling sorry for herself.

Instead, she wants to continue doing the things she enjoys for as long as she can.

HER FUNDRAISER HAS ALREADY DRAWN SUPPORT

Sandra’s GoFundMe campaign was launched on September 13, 2026.

The fundraiser has a target of £50,000 on the current campaign page, while Sandra says the overall treatment and associated costs could reach approximately £55,000.

The campaign page currently shows more than £11,000 raised from dozens of donations, although the total is changing as people continue to contribute.

Sandra affectionately refers to her supporters as “My Army.”

She says that even people who cannot donate can still help by sharing the fundraising page and spreading awareness.

“I WANT MORE TIME”

Sandra knows there are no guarantees.

The treatment she is trying to access may or may not shrink the tumour enough for surgery.

But she says that uncertainty does not mean she should stop trying.

Her goal is simple: to create another opportunity.

Another treatment.

Another possibility.

Another stretch of time.

And another chance to continue living the life she has fought hard to build.

At 52, Sandra says she is not ready to stop asking questions or exploring options.

“Time” is what she hopes the fundraiser can ultimately give her — time for more dreams, more places to visit, more people to love and, in her own words, “far too much chaos left to cause.”