A nursery teacher in Wales was in for a shocking revelation when she visited a local pharmacy to pick up antibiotics for a sore throat and ended up being diagnosed with a far more serious condition. Natalie Forrest, 40, had been feeling unwell with symptoms including a sore throat, high temperature, and a urine infection for a week before seeking medication. It was at the pharmacy that an observant pharmacist, who was also a former leukaemia patient, recognised something more concerning in her symptoms. The pharmacist urged Natalie to return to her GP immediately for further tests.
After undergoing tests following the pharmacist’s alert, Natalie was swiftly admitted to the hospital where a bone marrow test confirmed the diagnosis of blood cancer. Her brother John expressed immense gratitude towards the pharmacist, acknowledging that the timely intervention played a crucial role in saving Natalie’s life. Following the diagnosis, Natalie began an aggressive chemotherapy treatment just two weeks later, receiving sessions thrice a week for ten consecutive days.
The treatment seemed to be showing positive results as Natalie responded well, giving hope to her family for her recovery. However, Natalie faced a sudden health setback on November 1, experiencing two collapses and severe bleeding. Subsequently, she underwent multiple blood transfusions and was found to have a blockage in her small bowel, leading to a critical condition where surgery was deemed too risky. Despite the challenges, Natalie’s health eventually stabilized, and her first chemotherapy session was deemed successful.
Just a week later, Natalie’s health took a drastic turn for the worse as she suffered seven cardiac arrests within a span of 28 hours, leaving her family reeling from the harrowing experience. Placed on life support and given a slim chance of survival, Natalie defied the odds and showed signs of improvement. Her brother John recounted the emotional rollercoaster, sharing moments of hope as Natalie regained consciousness and started on a path to recovery.
As Natalie continues her battle against cancer, the financial strain on her family has been immense, with her inability to work leading to additional challenges. Her mother, Anne, and brother John have taken unpaid leave to support Natalie during her hospitalization. In a show of solidarity, a family friend initiated a fundraiser to aid Natalie’s family with their expenses, with any excess funds to be donated to a cancer charity and the hospital where Natalie is receiving treatment.
Throughout her journey, Natalie’s resilience and fighting spirit have been evident, inspiring those around her with her determination to overcome the odds. Her family remains hopeful for her recovery, aiming to have her home in time for Christmas and resume her chemotherapy to combat the disease. The support from the community through the fundraiser serves as a testament to the strength and unity displayed in the face of adversity. Natalie’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection, timely intervention, and the power of collective support in navigating challenging times.