Young woman given weeks to live after small mole turned out to be terminal cancer
A young woman has been given just weeks to live after a small mole on her foot turned out to be terminal cancer.
Natalie Fornasier, 28, has spent the past four weeks in palliative care after being told in July that her skin cancer was terminal.
The Australian beauty and lifestyle writer was initially diagnosed with melanoma when she was just 20 years old after a tiny mole on her toe suddenly changed shape.
Natalie has bravely shared her story on Instagram in a bid to raise awareness on living with cancer.
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Her posts have received an outpouring of support from across the globe, including from Thor star Chris Hemsworth, who said he was 'moved by her story and even more impressed with her positivity'.
In her latest update, the writer shared a 'heartfelt thank you to everyone for their messages of love, support, kindness' and their 'generous donations'.
She continued: "Today marks four weeks in palliative care. It’s absurd it’s been that long - time is so fluid, it feels like none has gone by but the calendar says otherwise.
"I miss my home incredibly - I miss my trinkets on the fireplace sitting pretty and my couch that basically swallows you. I miss my kitchen. I even miss the possums in the roof.
"But I can no longer walk without aids, my legs are filled with fluid, my whole body aches 24/7 and the tumour burden is intense.
"My pain is increasing slowly, day by day I can feel my body slow just that little bit more which is such a bizarre thing to witness - especially when you can physically feel it too.
"However these yellow tinged walls with creaky old doors is the best place for me to be - it’s safe (and fully stocked with all the meds I need!)."
Natalie went on to explain what palliative care actually means, saying the weight of medical care is lifted from her husband Alexander's shoulders and she is being looked after by doctors and nurses who want her to be pain free.
"And boy am I thankful for a place that does that because Alexander has been my carer for five years and needs a bit of a break," she continued.
"It’s one minute at a time for me right now - and I’m so thankful that, that is still a possibility.
"If my time here has taught me anything - it’s that time moves like a river. You’re unable to see the beginning or the end but you can feel it - so you better make the most of it.
"Even if that means napping next to your loved one for hours so long as you’re together."
A number of Natalie's friends put together a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses, living costs for Alexander and his mum and to ease the pain of what's happening to Natalie and her family.
"Whatever is given is appreciated beyond words, from the bottom of our hearts," the page states.
The GoFundMe has reached nearly AUD$10,000 of its AUD$100,000 goal - if you'd like to donate, you can do so here.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
Daisy Phillipson