A 21-year-old woman who bravely opened up about her journey with cancer has revealed she now only has days to live.
Dominique McShain was a third-year psychology student when doctors gave her the heartbreaking diagnosis of incurable colorectal cancer just before her 21st birthday.
The TikToker chose to leave university and chase her dreams, traveling the world and using her platform to raise awareness.
One of her first videos, shared last year, has been viewed 5.5 million times. In it, she opened up about the warning signs she initially dismissed - dizzy spells and blood in her stool - that later proved to be symptoms of the disease.
Doctors initially gave her a prognosis of one to five years, but this week, McShain revealed on her social media platforms that she’s entered end-of-life care.
Taking to Instagram on April 6, she penned: “I've recently been given a prognosis about 5 days ago of only a few days to a few weeks to live.
“My liver is failing rapidly to the point of jaundice, and the cancer is progressing quickly. Because of this, I'm no longer able to receive any treatments, including the chemo I've been on for 7 months over last year.
“At this point, I've transitioned into end-of-life care, focusing on pain relief and managing side effects, with so much time spent both in the hospital and hospice facilities," she shared.
Despite everything, McShain's post was full of love and gratitude.
“My life may be short, but I genuinely think I've squeezed every bit out of it,” she wrote. “I won the lottery with a family that loves me unconditionally, friends who would 10000% donate a liver to me or do anything they could (and probably argue over who gets to do it), and the sweetest husband, Sean, who's been my rock through everything - before and after my diagnosis.”
She described their wedding day as “the most special day ever," and ended her message with: “Please never forget I will always love you all so much and I will be forever grateful for the role each of you have played in my life.”
Support has been pouring in on social media, with heartfelt messages filling the comments.
"My heart absolutely breaks for you Dom. As another cancer fighter, your story has left a forever impact on my personal journey. Thank you for being just the amazing person you are. Sending you so much love xx," one person wrote.
Another said: "You really have made such a big difference in people’s lives. You’re truly inspiring, and I feel lucky to have had the chance to chat with you. Lots of love."
A third added: "Sweet Dom, your life has shared so much joy and light with the rest of us. all my love."
The 21-year-old's fundraiser, which helped cover her treatments and travels, will now support her hospice care.