I suck at asking for help….. because I enjoy being the helper and not the helped, probably because of my most comfortable roles as a mum / nurse, but with 3 diagnosis in under 4 years I want to take action and get answers / be on a road to recovery or find the new me!!

As most people are aware I was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2021 and then Grade 3 Er + positive breast cancer in 2024. Both required surgery / treatment and ongoing treatments, each with their own complications.

Then came Sunday 13th July, a day of being acutely unwell, loss of feeling in limbs and face, and then non epileptic seizures (we are at 35 in 10 days) - after 7 days in a neuro science ward at my local hospital I was told I now have Functional Neurological Disorder and ? ME.

It’s unknown what has caused this and how / if it will resolve. This causes me seizures, mobility decline, confusion, limb spasms and an occasional stutter when speaking.

I really want a brain MRI to see if there is any underlying conditions or risk of damage to my nervous system / brain, from the seizures, and therapeutic / holistic treatments to support my emotional and physical wellbeing - however as I’m on leave from work following my breast cancer treatment this isn’t something I could fund on my own or is given by the NHS.

There is very limited support / knowledge on FND.

It’s a big ask and scary thing to expose myself like this to everyone, but honestly, I just want to get answers and live my best life despite my disabilities!!

Thank you in advance for reading, sharing, creating awareness, support and donating - All our love, Denika, Phil, Lillia, Maisie, and Arthur xxx