A young woman who has been given weeks to live after a tiny mole on her foot turned out to be terminal cancer has documented her final days in palliative care.
Natalie Fornasier, 28, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 20 when a tiny mole on her toe suddenly changed shape, and she received the devastating news after getting it checked over.
Natalie broke the news in a heartbreaking Instagram post this month that she was told in July that the cancer had become terminal.
Part of the statement read: "At the end of July, I received the news that my cancer was now terminal and had months left to live. It’s a word I had been skating around for years, a word that terrified me because I always knew it could be a possibility.
"I entered the deepest hole of depression I’ve ever experienced. Every day for the past four months I’ve cried and screamed [...] It’s not easy to admit that I’m dying. At 28 years old. Everything about it feels wrong."
She further stated that her main goal in life was to love and that her friend had set up a GoFundMe page to give the family financial support so they could grieve without worries.
Natalie got married to her partner Alex on the 26th of November and shared a heartfelt Instagram post stating that the pair got married in secret at the palliative care facility and that the day was "filled with love."
Natalie has further updated her followers on her condition, as she revealed that her condition has worsened over the past month as she receives end-of-life care.
She said: "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 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."
Natalie explained how she misses her home, but she is grateful for each minute she spends with her loved ones, and encourages others to enjoy their lives even if that means "napping next to your loved one for hours so long as you’re together."
Our thoughts are with Natalie and her family during these tough times.
