Heartbreaking story behind one woman’s fight against cancer

Beryl Fell has raised more than $170,000 in the fight against cancer for Daffodil Day. Ten years after she lost her husband to the horrible disease, the Diamond Creek mum shares the emotional story behind it all.

Beryl Fell has raised over $170,000 for cancer research. Picture: James Ross

On the 10th anniversary of her husband’s passing from melanoma, Daffodil Day veteran and Diamond Creek mum Beryl Fell shares her story and inspiration for her fundraising efforts.

In 18 years Ms Fell has raised more than $170,000 for the Cancer Council.

Don and I met when I was 16.

I can’t think of any way to describe him other than my soulmate — he was my husband, my best friend and the father of my children.

Nothing can replace Don but by raising money to help find a cure for melanoma, maybe I can save someone else from having to experience the grief my family and I did.

In 2003, Don discovered he had a melanoma on his ankle.

We had no idea what it was, it just looked like a wart or dry skin.

After finally visiting the doctor, he had it removed and had a skin graft.

We thought we could put it behind us and move on with our lives.

Don then found two more lumps above where the last one had been, and had to have more skin grafts.

Thankfully, the operation was successful and again we thought it was over.

Then on March 27, 2009, our nightmares really started.

Don was playing tennis and found that he couldn’t catch the ball.

Posted by Bright Star Ball- To raise money for Melanoma Cancer on Friday, 8 February 2019

We called an ambulance and took him straight to the Alfred Hospital, where he had several MRI scans.

Don was told he had a brain tumour which was again melanoma, and had to have an operation immediately.

He bounced back in a few days and anyone that saw him after that couldn’t believe he’d just had brain surgery.

But they found more tumours, and operated again.

We were told that four more tumours had appeared, two of which — on his brain stem and frontal lobe — were inoperable.

There’s no way to put into words the stress and uncertainty that gripped our family in knowing we were helpless to save Don.

During radiation therapy he lost the ability to communicate and began to jumble his words.

We could see the frustration in his eyes, and we were so heartbroken.

After radiation therapy, Don became sick and felt ill 24/7.

We watched him start on the downhill road, and he lost the will to live.

He stopped eating for 10 weeks, and we were shocked at how his body kept going.

MORE NEWS: MARTIAL ARTISTS KICKING SPORTS GOALS

DOREEN BAKE OFF CONTESTANT PROVING AGE JUST A NUMBER

MELBOURNE’S NORTH BEST CHANCE FOR LOTTERY WINNER

Watching the man we love go through this was horrific.

Don lost his battle with cancer on November 21, 2009, six years after finding that original melanoma on his ankle.

I would never wish my experience on anyone and finding a cure for cancer is the closest thing to making sure it won’t happen to others.

Ms Fell is hosting the Bright Star Ball on October 19 to raise funds for skin cancer and melanoma research.

To buy a ticket visit the Alfred Health website.