Little Sensory Shed owner Anna Coxson reveals terminal breast cancer

A Qld single mum-of-one given the shock diagnosis that breast cancer has already spread through her body is fighting for time with her young daughter who has complex medical needs.

Anna Coxson and her daughter Lomani Coxson. Picture: Contributed

A single mum-of-one given a terminal cancer diagnosis and only palliative treatment options is determined to live as long as possible for her daughter who also has complex medical needs.

Bribie Island resident and popular Little Sensory Shed business owner Anna Coxson, 49, was given a shock diagnosis last month of breast cancer that has already spread to her hips, spine, lumber, breast and lungs.

Her only treatment option is palliative life-extending chemotherapy.

Ms Coxson’s daughter, seven-year-old Lomani, has a number of complex needs that her mum claimed were caused at birth due to “medical negligence” including hydrocephalus because of an acquired brain injury and bilateral brain bleeds that required surgeries for life.

“She has a VP shunt,” Ms Coxson said.

Anna Coxson with Lomani Coxson when she was a baby. Anna had to give up work to care for her daughter with complex medical needs but then started a business after she spent much time looking for safe sensory play equipment for her. Picture: Contributed

“She also has ASD, duplication of chromosomes 16, hypermobility, mild CP ... much of our life revolves around her huge care team at Queensland Children’s Hospital.”

The mum-of-one claims she was failed a second time by the medical system when she was given her terminal diagnosis.

Lomani Coxson and her mum Anna Coxson celebrate a birthday.

Friend Nicole McIver, who launched a GoFundMe to raise money for medical equipment, said Ms Coxson had undergone multiple tests in the lead-up to the diagnosis, which upon reflection had showed “lesions” and other signs, and had followed up her appointments.

“By the time action was finally taken, it was too late,” Ms McIver said.

“Only then did they look back and realise that the signs had been there all along, and the spread could have easily been prevented.”

Ms Coxson said she had her daughter as “a solo venture” at 41 years old and had moved from the United Kingdom, where she worked for the Ministry of Defence and did tours of the Falklands and Bosnia.

Lomani Coxson and her mum Anna Coxson. The pair moved to Bribie Island so Anna could give her daughter time by the water in between hospital stays. Picture: Contributed

She moved to Australia in 2007 and her only other family here is her mum, who has given up everything to look after her adult daughter as she goes through chemotherapy.

Ms Coxson started her business after her daughter’s birth, when she spent much time looking for safe sensory products for her and said many knew her through her business.

“It has been very emotional and confronting to put it out so publicly,” Ms Coxson said.

“It has also made things seem far too real and as you know this is not something I can accept.

“However, what I do need to accept is help.

Anna Coxson and her mum Cathy, her only family in Australia. Picture: Contributed.

“After my first round of chemo last Thursday the drop in my mobility was quick and profound and I struggled to walk for five days, needing to rely on my mum for help getting out of bed.

“This was an extremely scary development, but it did highlight what I need.”

The fundraiser is for a special bed that would help Ms Coxson maintain her independence along with other medical equipment she will need.

“In addition to the conventional route I am doing alternative medicines, unfortunately this expense runs into the thousands,” Ms Coxson said.

“But I have to throw everything I can at this thing.”

Ms McIver said for those who could not give money, Ms Coxson also needed vegetarian frozen meals, help around the home and yard, lifts to and from medical appointments and services or products that could ease the load.

“Anna loves her community and would do the same for anyone here,” Ms McIver said.

She said before becoming unwell, Anna was always on the go.

“She has always been a warrior, especially since becoming a solo mum to her medically complex and incredibly special little girl,” Ms McIver said.

“Despite the heartbreak, stress, and pain, Anna is determined to stay strong.

“She’s focused on treatment, pain relief, and surrounding herself with the support she needs.”

She said her friend had a “fiercely positive” mindset.

“She is doing everything in her power to buy more time and she is refusing to let cancer win,” Ms McIver said.

To help Ms Coxson, contact Ms McIver at [e-mail] or through the GoFundMe.

Originally published as Little Sensory Shed owner Anna Coxson reveals terminal breast cancer