A Caboolture mother of three, initially told her severe symptoms were related to menopause, now faces a terminal cancer diagnosis after the disease spread rapidly throughout her body.
Kristi Nurse, 46, a local aged care nurse, began experiencing concerning health issues in January 2024. What she and medical professionals initially attributed to typical menopausal changes turned out to be the onset of aggressive cancer. Her friend, Dennise Higham, explained that Kristi’s initial symptoms, which included difficulties with urination, were dismissed. Despite an initial ultrasound revealing nothing, an abnormal pap smear raised further concerns.
Rapid Progression of Illness
Following the initial tests, Kristi’s condition deteriorated quickly. Significant pain emerged, and she struggled to pass urine. Hospital examinations revealed large, stage three tumours pressing on her ureters. The cancer had already spread throughout her pelvis.
Complications with kidney cysts and abscesses delayed the start of her cancer treatment. By March, a PET scan showed the cancer had advanced to stage four, spreading to her lymph nodes.
Treatment involved chemotherapy and immunotherapy. However, the chemotherapy caused significant neuropathic damage, limiting the number of rounds she could complete. While the immunotherapy initially showed promise, subsequent scans in December revealed the cancer had spread further, including to her liver. The pain intensified, requiring strong pain medication. She underwent palliative radiation to manage the pain.
Family’s Response and Community Support
Kristi’s family, including her daughters Courtney, Lily, and son Dylan, are now focused on spending quality time together. Courtney Larner expressed the family’s devastation, highlighting her mother’s dedication and caring nature. She stated that Kristi is deeply concerned about leaving behind her youngest daughter, Lily, who is only seven years old, particularly due to financial worries.
The family has found it difficult to come to terms with the diagnosis, as they have not had major illnesses in the past. Dylan Larner communicated the family’s feelings of helplessness and the emotional strain the diagnosis has placed on them.
The family spend time together, often at Bribie Island, where they enjoy fishing and beach visits. Dennise Higham has organised a GoFundMe campaign to provide financial support and enable the family to create lasting memories during Kristi’s remaining time. The community is being asked to provide support during this difficult time.
Published Date 25-Feb-2025
Photo Credit: GoFundMe
