Wendy Pratten
Our dear mother, Wendy Pratten, died from brain cancer in April 2012 at age 64. In late 2010 Mum – who hadn’t been to hospital since giving birth 32 years prior – thought she was having a stroke. Weeks later, after the removal of a mass in her brain, she was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme – GBM, the most aggressive form of brain cancer.
GBM is a disease with no cure. Despite the initial tumour removal leaving no cells in the margin (indicating that the entire tumour was taken out), GBMs always return. Within months of finishing her chemo and radiation it was back with a vengeance. Her second surgery was less successful and her health deteriorated quickly.
The 15 months that mum lived with GBM were some of the most harrowing of our lives but we also shared some of our happiest moments together. We all remained positive and enjoyed every moment right until the end. We drank the good wine and ate crème brulee.
Upon diagnosis, the neurosurgeon suggested that “if there’s anything you want to do in your life, now is the time to do it”, basically tie up loose ends and enjoy your life while you are able… Mum felt she had lived a full life and there was nothing more she needed. However, if you ask her brother or sister, her daughters or grandchildren, she had a lot left to give, a lot of life left to live.
Mum’s stoicism and strength throughout her ordeal where incredible; she never once complained or questioned why she had this horrible disease. We still question it.
The most awful part of brain cancer is watching the person you love slipping away in both mind and body. We were lucky enough to be able to care for mum at home with assistance from professional carers and she died in her own home surrounded by her daughters. Not all are so fortunate.
The medical attention mum received from the team at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney and the Northern Sydney Health Palliative Care Service was exemplary but with no known cure or even knowledge of how the disease will advance in each patient, even the best doctors don’t have the answers…. Yet.
Penny Williams, Belinda Pratten & Katrina Pratten
MARCIA TOPIC
On August 3, 2015 at 10:24 pm
Wendy Pratten was a wonderful person and has a lovely family, who did all they could to make her happy, comfortable and cared for.
Her tumour was a blow and she died far too young.leaving behind memories forever.
You were greatly loved Wendy. Marcia