NATASHA'S STORY
This is Natasha with her husband Christopher on Dec 6th 2003 at her sister's wedding. Natasha is a healthy young woman of 28 years. She is a Fine Arts Graduate who majored in Sculpture, has a Diploma in Education as well as a Diploma in Precious Metal Smithing. Tarsh and Chris live in a small house which they had built in Warrenwood, east of Melbourne.
Four years ago, April 11th, 2000 Tarsh was about to begin a career teaching art subjects at a local secondary school when she suffered a grand mal seizure. The following day a scan revealed a 5 1/2cm tumour in the left parietal area of the brain. Surgery was performed three weeks later at St Vincents Hospital. 50% - 60% of the tumour was removed. Tarsh was left with partial use of her right leg. (She regained its use after a few weeks of physio and hydrotherapy.) The pathology result revealed the type of tumour - a Glioblastoma Multiforme Grade 4. Six weeks of radiotherapy followed. The inevitable loss of hair and effects of the drug dexamethasone gave the visible effects of a drastic treatment. Chemotherapy (BCNU) ensued until Tarsh's cells, particularly the platelets objected.
Tarsh and her fiance Chris were planning to marry in Feb 01. "Bring the wedding forward," was the advice of the Oncologist. Natasha had a very aggressive type of tumour. The dreadful prognosis was given - a few months to many months to live. Natasha's age and fitness however were considered to be in her favour.
The tumour was now referred to as "Brian" by Tarsh and Chris.
Tarsh and Chris married October 7th 2000 at Philip Island whilst she was still undergoing chemotherapy. They began their lives together with Henry the jackrussell puppy joining their household.
Tarsh continued her life by enrolling in a part time 2 year course at a Tafe College to study Precious Metal Smithing. She was careful to keep herself healthy with good nutrition, complimentary therapy from a Clinical Nutritionist, and exercise (swimming and walking the attention deficit, hyperactive Henry.) Hair grew back, even some over the radiated area. The prayers of friends and family always continued.
Time has passed with the 3 monthly hospital visits and 6 monthly MRI's a routine interuption. Each MRI result bore the great news - "no regrowth." On the 26th of Feb 04 the MRI result was given by the Oncologist. As far as he can ascertain there are no signs of tumour on the scan. The next MRI will be in a year. The EEG is also normal and Tarsh can be weaned off the Epilim medication.
Tarsh and Chris would like her story to be an encouragement to others diagnosed with a GBM4.
Written by her mother, Elizabeth. 18 March 2004.