A MUM has been given months to live after doctors discovered a tumour the size of a basketball in her lung.
Medics first found a mass in Elif Hector's lung in 2012 – which was pushing up against her heart.
At the time it was around 14cm, but doctors said that surgery would be risky.
The 56-year-old decided against the procedure after being told it should only be attempted if 'absolutely necessary'.
Elif, who lives in Stonehaven, Scotland, had been using medication called Rizaben which she had travelled to Japan to obtain.
The medication had been keeping the tumour in check, but her supply depleted and the tumour grew back.
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By the end of 2020 it measured 35cm and Elif was forced to retire.
In 2021 it was removed and Elif had a new lease of life, but doctors soon discovered the tumour was cancerous and that she had sarcoma – which affects the body's soft tissues.
By June 2021, two tumours, 17.5cm and 8cm each were discovered.
Elif was told they were inoperable and in March 2022, she was given less than six months to live.
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The NHS can now only offer her end-of-life care and her daughter Tara has set up a GoFundMe page with hopes to raise £55,000 to cover alternative therapy in Mexico.
Elif told the Daily Record: "I remember when I saw the tumour, and how I felt when I realised I had been carrying that inside me. Then they confirmed it was sarcoma.
"I was feeling great, and trying my best to be positive. I didn't believe it would turn out this bad.
"I had no idea what cancer was like but the pain I am experiencing is like nothing I've ever felt."
Scientists don't know exactly what causes a sarcoma, but say there are some risk factors.
The main risk factor of developing a sarcoma is genetic, with people who have a family history of the illness more likely to develop it in later life.
Soft tissue sarcomas are a group of rare cancers affecting the tissues that connect, support and surround other body structures and organs.
This can include fat, muscle, blood vessels, deep skin tissues, tendons and ligaments.
Sarcomas can develop in almost any part of the body, including the legs, arms and tummy.
They often have no obvious symptoms in the early stages, but can cause symptoms as they get bigger or spread.
The £55,000 the family are hoping to raise will cover the treatment and travel expenses.
Elif said she wants to make sure she has tried everything possible to extend her life.
She explained how she had been reluctant to launch a GoFundMe page as she didn't want her friends and family to know she was unwell.
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Her daughter Tara, 26, said the cancer had been completely unexpected as there was no history in her family.
Tara said they are 'trying to do something' about her mum's condition and so far, the fundraising effort has reached over £7,000.
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