Amanda's Journey Begins

At just 31, Amanda Hedges finds herself grappling with a terminal cancer diagnosis—one that’s forcing her to confront the heavy realization that she has “forgotten to live.”

Based in Brisbane, Amanda always believed she had plenty of time ahead of her. With a relatively healthy upbringing and only one grandparent passing away, she dedicated her life to work and everyday stresses, inadvertently sidelining her dreams of adventure—like seaside vacations and spontaneous outings to local attractions.

A Grim Diagnosis

Now, Amanda's life has taken a devastating turn; she has been diagnosed with Glioblastoma, an aggressive and inoperable form of brain cancer. Despite undergoing a grueling regimen of chemotherapy and radiation, Amanda knows these treatments won’t eradicate the disease—they are merely an attempt to extend her life.

Her cancer journey began in September after experiencing mild headaches, which she dismissed as a side effect of her anxiety medication. After seeking advice from her psychiatrist, an MRI was recommended, leading to a shocking diagnosis. Her casual joke about having a brain tumor turned out to be a grim reality when a radiographer responded with a serious confirmation.

Escalation of the Situation

Initially, the news seemed not as dire; her doctor assured her that the mass had firm edges, often a sign of benign tumors. But as Amanda pursued further testing, the situation escalated. A special scan revealed that the tumor was active, prompting a biopsy and subsequent terminal diagnosis just weeks later.

Amanda found herself overwhelmed as she learned she might have only 15 months left to live—a prognosis typically reserved for those aged 60 and older. The harsh reality set in: her cancer had likely been growing for quite some time, and its size indicated an advanced stage.

Facing the Reality of Cancer

With her treatment initiated, Amanda faced painful side effects, battling nausea and fatigue during what should have been joyful seasons. As Christmas approached, she felt disappointed, basically sleeping through the holiday due to her treatments. Despite this, a sense of urgency now drives her to reclaim a life that had been momentarily sidelined by illness.

“If I had my time again, I would do everything differently,” Amanda reflects. “I would travel, indulge in lavish meals, and simply enjoy life without constantly worrying about finances or trivial matters.”

Creating a Bucket List

Amanda has crafted a bucket list that includes dream destinations and experiences like sandy beach getaways, visiting Australia Zoo to catch a show by Robert Irwin, and indulging in a feast at an all-you-can-eat buffet. But time is of the essence; she’s aware that her condition limits the activities she can pursue, especially as more treatments loom on the horizon.

Fundraising for a Dream Life

To help fund her bucket list and offset mounting medical costs—like $750 weekly for radiation therapy—Amanda has set up a GoFundMe campaign. She laments the reality of living on limited resources, revealing that her private health insurance often falls short of covering the full range of her expenses.

A Message to Younger Generations

Amanda’s heartfelt story serves as a poignant reminder for younger generations to prioritize living life to the fullest. “No one from my workplace is here with me during chemo,” she somberly states, emphasizing that true support comes from family and friends, not professional colleagues.

“I wish I could rewind and stop being so consumed by the trivialities of life,” she reflects. “I would have embraced more meaningful connections, traveled more, and fully experienced life.”

The Uncertain Future

Despite her stable condition for now, Amanda knows that sharp declines can happen swiftly, leading to dire consequences, including potential blindness and organ failure.

“I thought I had so much more time,” she says. “I wasted 30 years, and here I am, battling cancer.”

Embracing Life

While she now pushes herself to tick off her list of dreams, Amanda's journey reveals the profound importance of cherishing every precious moment while we still can—an imperative for everyone, regardless of age. The clock is ticking, and Amanda is determined to embrace whatever life she has left.