Rebecca's Brain Cancer Battle

In late October 2022 the Dean family had their entire lives turned upside down. Our beautiful friend Rebecca received news that we have been all shocked and saddened by. At the age of just 41 after suffering from repeat migraines most of her life she had a two-week period where the “migraine” felt different. They were short and sharp but took out her hearing and vision and left her a little disorientated afterward. Rebecca's GP referred her for an MRI which revealed she had a lot of brain swelling. A review by a neurosurgeon resulted in an immediate admission to hospital where she stayed as an inpatient for 6 weeks. The outcome post a risky brain biopsy leaving her with deficits (cognitive, emotional and physical) revealed the diagnosis no one wanted – a stage 4 glioblastoma which is inoperable, difficult to treat and unfortunately has a poor prognosis. This means that she has been classified as terminal.

Bec immediately undertook 6 weeks of daily radiation and chemotherapy treatment when her wound had healed enough. The first scan after this intense treatment has shown no further tumour growth but it’s still too early to determine if the treatment is working or not. She is still undergoing treatment to slow the progress of the cancer and give her the best possible outcome, with the aim to find something to put the cancer to sleep so she can have as much time with her family and friends as she can.

Bec has spent her life caring for others as a nurse and her caring and empathetic nature is felt by all that know her. She is a loving, dedicated mum to her three beautiful children, aged 14, 12 and 9 and has been married to her best friend and biggest supporter, Mark for over 17 years.

While battling fatigue, nausea and other difficult side effects from the treatment she keeps a positive outlook and continues to be optimistic. A common sentiment Bec has made clear throughout this ordeal is “As long as Mark and the kids are good, I am good, and despite how bad I feel, I’ll be smiling.” She is an inspiration.

Although the family has top medical cover (which has been wonderful for the hospitalisations, biopsy and surgery), it does not cover the many other out-of-pocket expenses. We have no way of taking the emotional pain away for Bec and her family, but we can help ease the financial pain at present and in the future. Let us rally around Bec, Mark and their children, donate and send messages of support for our beautiful friend Rebecca Dean.