‘Nan’s just heartbroken’: They thought it was the flu—now they face the unthinkable
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What seemed like a routine health concern quickly turned into an unimaginable reality for one family, as a beloved grandfather faced a life-altering diagnosis.
Initially, a struggle with fatigue and breathlessness quickly spiralled into a devastating reality, unleashing shocking news and a race against time.
The following story sheds light on the courage, love, and strength of a family as they navigate the overwhelming challenges ahead.
Leslie Booth, 68, had no idea that his fatigue and shortness of breath were signs of something far more serious than a common flu.
It was January when Mr. Booth was rushed to Wollongong Hospital, where doctors quickly ran tests.
His granddaughter, Coral Booth, explained: 'He wasn’t coughing but he was short of breath so we thought maybe it was an unusual flu.'
The shocking diagnosis came after an MRI revealed stage four cancer.
'The tumour from his old cancer was blocking the main artery in his neck, restricting blood flow to his brain,' Coral added.
Mr. Booth had previously battled aggressive skin cancer on his neck a decade ago, but this new development was far worse.
Just hours before learning of the diagnosis, Coral had landed in Japan, but she immediately booked a return flight to be with her grandfather.
In the weeks that followed, Mr. Booth's health continued to deteriorate rapidly.
Despite the grim news that he might not survive to see his 69th birthday, the family clung to hope.
His doctors suggested life-saving surgery that could extend his time with loved ones.
The surgery involved installing a shunt in his neck artery to improve blood flow to his brain.
However, the family remained cautious, as doctors warned the aggressive nature of the cancer could cause complications with the shunt.
His family rallied around him, determined to make the most of the precious time they had left.
'Nan and Pop have lived in the same house for 40 years. Everyone knows them and nobody ever went without,' Coral recalled.
She added: 'If anyone needed a good feed or a place to sleep, they’d go there. Pop was a dad to everyone.'
The couple's generosity extended to the local Aboriginal community, where they were well-known for opening their home to those in need.
In a touching moment that showcased his character, Mr. Booth insisted Coral continue her travels.
'Pop rarely ever took a holiday and he's never left the country, so I’m doing it for him,' she said.
The two kept in touch through video chats.
Mr. Booth was excited to see Coral experiencing snow for the first time in Japan.
Stephanie, Mr. Booth’s wife of nearly 40 years, was heartbroken by the news.
Coral shared: 'Nan’s just heartbroken. They’ve been together for nearly 40 years. They’ve always been a team.'
As the family processed the reality of Mr. Booth’s terminal diagnosis, Coral started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral and medical costs.
With over $1,800 raised from 38 donors, the campaign aimed to reach $16,000 to ensure Mr. Booth’s funeral could reflect the love and respect he deserved.
'We’re trying to save up as much as we can to make sure Pop can have a proper funeral and laid to rest somewhere nice,' Coral said.
Though the situation was devastating, the Booth family’s strength and unity shone through in these trying times.
In a previous story, we discussed a growing health trend that has raised serious concerns among experts.
As it turns out, some popular practices may have unforeseen risks, including the potential to increase your cancer risk.
To learn more about why experts are warning against this trend, read the full article here.
As the Booth family faces this heartbreaking journey together, their unwavering love and support for one another is truly inspiring.
How would you spend the precious time with your loved ones if you were in their shoes? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Initially, a struggle with fatigue and breathlessness quickly spiralled into a devastating reality, unleashing shocking news and a race against time.
The following story sheds light on the courage, love, and strength of a family as they navigate the overwhelming challenges ahead.
Leslie Booth, 68, had no idea that his fatigue and shortness of breath were signs of something far more serious than a common flu.
It was January when Mr. Booth was rushed to Wollongong Hospital, where doctors quickly ran tests.
His granddaughter, Coral Booth, explained: 'He wasn’t coughing but he was short of breath so we thought maybe it was an unusual flu.'
The shocking diagnosis came after an MRI revealed stage four cancer.
'The tumour from his old cancer was blocking the main artery in his neck, restricting blood flow to his brain,' Coral added.
Mr. Booth had previously battled aggressive skin cancer on his neck a decade ago, but this new development was far worse.
Just hours before learning of the diagnosis, Coral had landed in Japan, but she immediately booked a return flight to be with her grandfather.
In the weeks that followed, Mr. Booth's health continued to deteriorate rapidly.
Despite the grim news that he might not survive to see his 69th birthday, the family clung to hope.
His doctors suggested life-saving surgery that could extend his time with loved ones.
The surgery involved installing a shunt in his neck artery to improve blood flow to his brain.
However, the family remained cautious, as doctors warned the aggressive nature of the cancer could cause complications with the shunt.
His family rallied around him, determined to make the most of the precious time they had left.
'Nan and Pop have lived in the same house for 40 years. Everyone knows them and nobody ever went without,' Coral recalled.
She added: 'If anyone needed a good feed or a place to sleep, they’d go there. Pop was a dad to everyone.'
The couple's generosity extended to the local Aboriginal community, where they were well-known for opening their home to those in need.
In a touching moment that showcased his character, Mr. Booth insisted Coral continue her travels.
'Pop rarely ever took a holiday and he's never left the country, so I’m doing it for him,' she said.
The two kept in touch through video chats.
Mr. Booth was excited to see Coral experiencing snow for the first time in Japan.
Stephanie, Mr. Booth’s wife of nearly 40 years, was heartbroken by the news.
Coral shared: 'Nan’s just heartbroken. They’ve been together for nearly 40 years. They’ve always been a team.'
As the family processed the reality of Mr. Booth’s terminal diagnosis, Coral started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral and medical costs.
With over $1,800 raised from 38 donors, the campaign aimed to reach $16,000 to ensure Mr. Booth’s funeral could reflect the love and respect he deserved.
'We’re trying to save up as much as we can to make sure Pop can have a proper funeral and laid to rest somewhere nice,' Coral said.
Though the situation was devastating, the Booth family’s strength and unity shone through in these trying times.
In a previous story, we discussed a growing health trend that has raised serious concerns among experts.
As it turns out, some popular practices may have unforeseen risks, including the potential to increase your cancer risk.
To learn more about why experts are warning against this trend, read the full article here.
As the Booth family faces this heartbreaking journey together, their unwavering love and support for one another is truly inspiring.
How would you spend the precious time with your loved ones if you were in their shoes? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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