A nursery teacher was diagnosed with leukemia after a pharmacist who battled the disease spotted her symptoms. Natalie Forrest, 40, visited her local chemist in Uddingston on September 26 to collect antibiotics after experiencing a sore throat, high temperature, and urine infection for a week. The pharmacist, who had previously fought leukemia herself, advised Natalie to see her GP immediately for testing and to report her symptoms. Following a referral to University Hospital Wishaw, tests revealed abnormal blood cells. Five days later, Natalie was admitted to Monklands Hospital, where a bone marrow test confirmed a diagnosis of blood cancer.
Natalie’s brother, John, shared that she began an aggressive chemotherapy treatment plan two weeks after her diagnosis. The family expressed gratitude towards the pharmacist for potentially saving Natalie’s life. Despite facing challenges during treatment, including multiple instances of life-threatening bleeding and cardiac arrests, Natalie showed signs of improvement. Her family remains hopeful for her recovery and aim to have her home for Christmas.
Due to Natalie’s inability to work, her family is facing financial strain, with her mother and brother taking unpaid leave to support her. A friend initiated a fundraiser to assist with their expenses, with any excess funds to be donated to a cancer charity and Monklands Hospital.
In a heartwarming turn of events, Natalie’s resilience and the support of her loved ones have been instrumental in her journey towards recovery, inspiring hope and strength in the face of adversity.