Natalie’s diagnosis
It was the start of lockdown in 2020 when Natalie, 47. from Ramsgate in Kent, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma. Initially, she made a GP appointment due to a persistent headache. Her GP said it was probably a migraine. But her headaches got so bad that she went to her local A&E, where she was also told it was migraines.
Back at home, in April 2020, Natalie experienced a frightening episode which had all the hallmarks of a stroke.
She explained: “I had a severe headache for about three days, and then it felt as if I’d had a stroke. I couldn’t talk, and my mouth drooped. I was taken to hospital, scanned, and diagnosed with a glioblastoma. Because this all happened during lockdown, I was on my own when I heard the news.”
Glioblastoma treatment
During surgery at King’s College Hospital in London, 70% of Natalie’s tumour was successfully removed. Six weeks later, she started a programme of radiotherapy followed by a six-month course of chemotherapy.
Natalie’s glioblastoma was stable for three years, but in June 2024, there were signs of growth – her tumour had recurred. In August, Natalie had further surgery to remove it. She was awake for some of the procedure and was supported by a speech therapist to help ensure healthy brain tissue wasn’t damaged.
All of this has, understandably, had a major impact on her life: “My life has changed dramatically as I can no longer drive or travel abroad. I’m not able to work, due to the tumour being in the cognitive area. I lose concentration easily and get very tired.
“Since my glioblastoma diagnosis, I find it hard to do all the things I used to do – like going to places that were normal before my illness, like the cinema, the pub or the gym. I find some social situations hard. I’ve lost my independence, and now have to accept help from other people.”
Carpe Diem
Image: Level Eleven photography
Having been someone who used to live life at a fast pace, Natalie has taught herself to slow down: “I’ve had to teach myself to be mindful of my body, how to cope with stress – to accept the changes in my life and make them positive not negative. I had to learn to slow down, to put the past in the past and seize the day – Carpe Diem. My mum and I have this tattooed on our wrists. The motto is important to me. I live in the moment.
“There have been lots of ups and downs, but I’ve always tried to keep positive and strong. It’s important that I feel strong – you can still be strong, even with cancer. I am mindful of my diet, I do yoga, meditation and appreciate family and friends’ support. I’ve learnt to love myself and my body, and I find peace in that. My glioblastoma diagnosis has made me stronger; I look at things differently now.”
“Before my diagnosis I came out as gay and recently got married. I’m thankful every day for meeting my wife, who accepted me with my illness; and for all the support, laughter, and love my family and friends show me.
The need for research
Natalie’s recent surgery went well, and she is exploring different clinical trials to help with her current treatment plan. Without research, these clinical trials would not be possible.
“Research into brain tumours is not as well funded as other cancers. It needs a higher profile. There needs to be more treatment options for people like me because right now there is no cure, so I am making the most of every day.”
Natalie
In recently funded research, Dr Spencer Watson will explore how and why glioblastoma tumours recur after initial treatment. He is researching the scar tissue that forms after treatment and how this appears to protect glioblastoma cells, leading the recurrence.
Dr Spencer Watson
Dr Watson is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research at the University of Lausanne Department of Oncology, Switzerland.