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Sophy Mitchell: Dundee woman moved to end-of-life care after cancer diagnosis

Sophy Mitchell. Photo: Mhairi Edwards.
Sophy Mitchell. Photo: Mhairi Edwards.

A Dundee woman with terminal cancer has revealed she has been taken for end-of-life care.

Sophy Mitchell has been transferred to Roxburghe House hospice, just a few months after she was told her cervical cancer was incurable.

It means Sophy – who celebrated her 31st birthday last month – has had to cancel several plans, including activities she had planned on her bucket list.

The Hilltown resident, whose story has captured the hearts of people across the city, said: “I am just so tired now.

“I have had to cancel many plans and I’ve missed best friends’ birthdays, hen dos and baby showers.

‘My time is being cut shorter’

“To say I’m angry, overwhelmed and upset is an understatement.

“My time is being cut shorter than ever imagined.”

Sophy’s original diagnosis gave her six months to live – taking her to October.

However, in June, she told The Courier she was determined to enjoy one more Christmas.

She said at the time: “I want to enjoy one more festive season with my husband Kevin and the rest of my family.”

Sophy with husband Kevin and mum Sandra Shand.
Sophy with husband Kevin and mum Sandra Shand.

But the disease has progressed quicker than she hoped.

She said: “Once I am settled in Roxburghe House it’ll be Kevin and family time for me with very limited visits with close friends.

“I am sleeping a lot and I am shattered, so will be saving energy for family.”

Staff at ward 32 in Ninewells – where she has been spending time recently – gave her a “leaving do” with gifts as she left for Roxburghe House.

She said: “It was lovely. They also got me a purple Gucci bag for my syringe driver and my favourite porter brought me a McDonald’s breakfast – I’ve been spoilt.”

Sophy has been spending time with Kevin.
Sophy has been spending time with Kevin.

Sophy, who worked as a learning and digital resources specialist at Dundee and Angus College, went through 10 rounds of radiotherapy in a bid to prolong her life – but admits it was “tough”.

She said: “At times during the 10 rounds of radiotherapy I felt close to giving up.

“Between the tiredness, sickness, diarrhoea, and stomach pains, I wasn’t having it plain sailing.”

Last month she began chemotherapy as the cancer had spread to her bones, lungs and liver.

Sophy and Sandra at Gleneagles Hotel.
Sophy and Sandra at Gleneagles Hotel.

Although the treatment was gruelling, Sophy said she was still determined to make the most of the time she has left.

She has also managed to complete some of the items on her bucket list – including a Zoom chat with stars of her favourite TV show, Loose Women, and with presenter Lorraine Kelly.

Sophy added: “If there is one important legacy I can leave behind it’s that my death won’t have been in vain and, if I can help save other lives, then I will feel I have achieved something very important.”

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