Amanda Hedges, a vibrant 31-year-old from Brisbane, has a message for the world: don’t forget to live. Diagnosed with Glioblastoma, an aggressive and inoperable form of brain cancer, Amanda now faces the harsh reality of a terminal illness. Her story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
For years, Amanda poured her energy into work, frequently enough putting off the simple joys of life—like a day at the beach, a visit to the zoo, or even a leisurely stroll through the snack aisle at Costco. “I gave most of my life to work, worries, and just existing,” she reflects. Now, as she battles through grueling rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she knows these treatments won’t cure her. “The idea is to extend my life,” she explains. “The cancer won’t go away.”
Amanda Hedges, a young woman from Brisbane, shares her story of living with terminal cancer.
Amanda’s journey began in September when she experienced mild headaches after increasing her anxiety medication. “I asked my psychiatrist about it,” she recalls. “They weren’t bad headaches and went away with Panadol.” Her psychiatrist recommended an MRI, a precautionary step given her age. It was during this routine scan that her life took a devastating turn.
Sitting in the waiting room after the initial scan, Amanda was approached by a radiographer who informed her they needed to repeat the process with contrast. In a moment of nervous humor, she quipped, “What did you find… a brain tumour?” The radiographer’s response was chilling: “Yes.” Amanda’s world crumbled. “The room started spinning, and then everything went black,” she remembers.
Amanda Hedges reflects on her diagnosis and the importance of living life to the fullest.
Today, Amanda is resolute to use her story to inspire others. “I forgot to live,” she admits. “I want people to remember what’s really critically important—family, friends, and the little moments that make life worth living.” Her courage in the face of adversity is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
As she navigates the challenges of her diagnosis, Amanda’s story serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize joy and connection.Life, she emphasizes, is too precious to be spent solely on work and worries. her message is clear: don’t wait for tomorrow to start living. Do it today.
Amanda sat in the MRI machine, fighting back tears.”If you cry, you move, and they need a clear photo,” she recalled. The emotional weight of the moment was palpable, but she held still, hoping for answers. The next day, accompanied by her parents, she visited her doctor. The news was cautiously optimistic: the scans revealed a mass with firm edges, and her doctor reassured her that most brain tumors are benign.
With no major symptoms to suggest otherwise, Amanda and her family felt a glimmer of hope. However, the uncertainty lingered. She was given two options: wait a month to see a neurosurgeon through the public healthcare system or opt for private care and be seen within a week. Given her history of anxiety, Amanda chose the latter. “I couldn’t imagine not knowing for weeks,” she explained.
Her doctor ordered a series of tests, including a FETPET scan—a specialized imaging procedure only available through private healthcare—along with an EEG and a CT scan. While the EEG and CT scan results appeared normal, the FETPET scan told a different story. “The scan showed the tumor was active. Benign tumors aren’t active,” Amanda shared. She likened the results to a traffic light system: “Green is good, yellow is concerning, and red is very bad. It was all red and yellow—meaning it was very active.”
The findings prompted her doctor to schedule a biopsy. When the results came back, the diagnosis was devastating: the tumor was cancerous.Amanda began meeting with oncologists, starting with a chemotherapy specialist who walked her through her treatment options. Despite the grim prognosis, she found strength in her support system. “My mum’s support and bright spark help keep me positive, even though I know I don’t have long to live,” she said.
Amanda with her mother, whose support has been a source of strength.
As an only child, Amanda’s thoughts often turn to her parents. “I feel for my mum and dad, who will have to live with my cancer diagnosis for much longer than I will,” she said. Her friends and family have rallied around her, offering unwavering support. Their presence has also made her reflect on her priorities. “They’ve been there for me, and it’s made me realize how badly I prioritized things at times,” she admitted.
Amanda reflecting on her journey with her parents by her side.
Amanda’s story is a poignant reminder of the importance of early detection and the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis. her resilience in the face of adversity, coupled with the love and support of her family, underscores the human spirit’s capacity to find light even in the darkest moments.
Amanda during her first week of radiotherapy
When Amanda received her terminal cancer diagnosis, her world turned upside down. At just 34 years old, she was told she might have 15 months left to live. Her cancer,typically seen in individuals aged 60 to 80,had already progressed significantly.”I thought being young might mean I’d last longer, but my cancer is big, which means it’s been there for a while,” she shared.
Her initial six weeks of treatment, which included both radiotherapy and chemotherapy, left her feeling nauseated and breathless. “It finished three days before Christmas. I was sleeping on Christmas day,” amanda recalled. Two weeks later, she began to regain enough strength to reflect on how she wanted to spend her remaining time.
“If I had my time again, I would do everything differently,” she said. “I’d book a holiday to Bali, go to a buffet, or have a beach vacation without worrying about the little things or money.”
With a deadline of January 23 before her next round of chemotherapy begins, Amanda is determined to fulfill some of her bucket list dreams. “I really want to stay at a beachfront hotel,listen to the waves,and forget that I’m dying. Forget that I’m me. Be someone else for a few days and just relax,” she expressed.
Among her wishes is a visit to Australia Zoo to see Robert Irwin perform. “I saw his dad do a show when I was a kid, but I’ve always put off going back,” she said. She also dreams of indulging in an all-you-can-eat buffet, laughing as she added, “I guess hotels would have that covered.”
With less than two weeks before her next chemotherapy session,Amanda knows time is of the essence. “I can’t do these things when I’m nauseous or on chemo every day,” she explained.
To help cover her bucket list experiences and mounting medical expenses, Amanda has set up a GoFundMe page. “Radiotherapy was $750 per week, and the FETPET scan cost $1,000,” she noted, highlighting the financial strain of her treatment.
amanda’s story is a poignant reminder of the importance of living life to the fullest, even in the face of adversity.Her determination to create lasting memories in the time she has left is both inspiring and heart-wrenching.
Amanda’s Journey: A Reflection on Life, Priorities, and Resilience
amanda’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with a severe health condition. Despite having top-tier health insurance, she found that it doesn’t cover everything. “I looked up hotels on the beach in Caloundra, but I was shocked by how much they cost—it’s like $3,000 for a week,” she shared.
Unable to work due to her illness,Amanda now relies on Centrelink payments after exhausting her superannuation. Her experience has led her to reflect deeply on life and its priorities. She urges young people to evaluate their choices and focus on what truly matters. “None of my old bosses or colleagues are sitting with me while I do chemo,” she said.“It’s my mum and dad and friends that are here supporting me through this.”
Amanda’s journey has been marked by moments of regret and hope. “I wish I could live again so I could stop worrying about the little things and enjoy myself,” she confessed. Her dreams now include spending more time with loved ones, finding a partner, starting a family, and traveling. She also hopes to go on a cruise but is limited by her insurance. A short three-day trip might be all she can manage if her health permits in the future.
simple pleasures, like dining at Sushi Train without worrying about the cost, have become notable desires. “I just want to grab what looks good rather of mentally adding up every plate, too scared to spend $30 on sushi,” she said with a smile.
Currently, her condition remains stable, though she experiences fatigue, nausea, and breathlessness due to her treatments. however, the future is uncertain. “Doctors say I will start having seizures, and that will be a sign that everything else is going to get worse,” Amanda explained. The progression could lead to blindness in her left eye and eventual organ failure. “They don’t know how long the cancer has been there or when that will start to happen, but it will happen,” she added.
Amanda’s story is a poignant reminder of life’s fragility.“I still haven’t processed it all. I thought I had so much more time,” she said. “I wasted 30 years of my life doing nothing and still got cancer.” Her reflections serve as a powerful call to live intentionally, cherish relationships, and embrace every moment.
How do crowdfunding campaigns like Amanda’s contribute to alleviating the financial and emotional burden associated with terminal illnesses?
G memories and her resilience in the face of a terminal diagnosis are truly inspiring.Amanda’s journey underscores the importance of cherishing every moment and finding joy, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Her story also highlights the financial and emotional burdens that come with a cancer diagnosis. The costs of treatments, scans, and medications can be overwhelming, and the emotional toll on both the patient and their loved ones is immense. amanda’s decision to share her story and seek support through her GoFundMe page is a testament to her courage and her desire to make the most of the time she has left.
As Amanda continues her fight, she remains focused on creating meaningful experiences and spending quality time with her loved ones. Her determination to live life on her own terms,despite the odds,serves as a powerful reminder to us all to appreciate the present and prioritize what truly matters.
If you would like to support amanda in her journey and help her fulfill her bucket list dreams, you can visit her GoFundMe page here. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a meaningful difference in her life and help her create lasting memories with her family and friends.
