Nicola never expected to become familiar with brain cancer, acquired brain injury or the complexities of navigating the NDIS. But in November 2021, just weeks before their first child was due, her husband Elliot had a seizure that changed everything. He was diagnosed with a high-grade, aggressive brain tumour with no cure and no roadmap forward.
Four and a half years later on World Brain Tumour Day, Nicola reflects on what life has become since that moment.
From Supermarkets to Sweethearts
Nicola and Elliot met 12-years ago while working in different sections of the same supermarket. She says she knew early on she would marry him. 6-years later, they did. On a horse farm surrounded by family and friends with horses attempting to steal the bridal bouquet.
Life was ordinary, steady and full of plans for the future. Until it wasn’t.
When Elliot had a seizure in November 2021, everything shifted instantly. He went from being active and healthy to emergency brain surgery, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. Doctors explained that many people with this diagnosis don’t survive beyond 12-months.
At the same time, Nicola was 8-months pregnant with their first child.
“You’ve gone from being like the healthiest, fittest person to all of a sudden stuck at home. We were just about to welcome our daughter and it threw an absolute spanner into our lives. It’s such an adjustment.”
Parenthood and crisis arrived together, colliding in ways that felt impossible to process. Nicola describes that time as a blur of hospital corridors, newborn care and emotional survival.
“I look back at that time and honestly, it’s such a blur. Trying to adjust to being a mum, caring for our daughter, caring for my husband and also just dealing with my mental health. I just had to focus on what was important right now and worry about the other stuff later.”
At one point, those two worlds literally overlapped in the most extreme way: Elliot had a seizure in the maternity ward while Nicola was in labour.
“It felt like a movie.”
Finding Support in the Early Days
In the chaos that followed, it was practical support that kept them afloat. Family and friends created rosters for hospital visits, delivered meals and filled in gaps wherever they could.
“It's really just practical stuff. We had a roster with our family members who would pick him up and drop him off. Someone to drop some food off. That made all the difference.”
Professional support also became essential. Nicola found a counsellor who helped her navigate grief, motherhood and uncertainty, someone who deeply understood because she had lived a similar loss.
She also leaned on the Peace of Mind Foundation, which helped them navigate NDIS, Centrelink and carer supports at a time when even knowing where to begin felt overwhelming.
Connecting with others in the brain tumour community also became a lifeline.
“It’s a community you never thought you'd be a part of, but we're here. No one really gets it unless you've been through it.”
Life After Surgery
Following brain surgery, Elliot was left with an acquired brain injury. Recovery brought both fear and unexpected progress.
Nicola describes learning about the brain in real time, how it controls identity, movement, speech and independence and how differently each person can be affected depending on tumour location.
“It was unbelievable seeing that recovery from after surgery and not knowing if that was going to be permanent. His brain rewired and relearned. They call it neuroplasticity. It blew my mind. He's gained back a lot of independence.”
Life however did not return to what it once was. Now Elliot lives with awareness of his limits and his body, including recognising seizure warning signs and knowing when he needs rest.
“There’s life before cancer and there’s life after.”
Four and a Half Years Later
Since then, life has expanded again in unexpected ways. The couple now have two daughters. Elliot has returned to part-time work and is pursuing tattooing, building a creative path forward.
Check out Elliot's tattoo page: Old Salty Tattoos
“We didn't think he was still going to be here four and a half years later. Every day I'm incredibly grateful that we still have him.”
Nicola has also reshaped her own direction, moving into plan management work in the disability sector. She now works in operations, processing thousands of invoices each month for people navigating systems she once had to learn from scratch.
“After his diagnosis, I completely pivoted my career. I love working for a company where our primary focus is supporting those living with a disability. It’s so close to my heart.”
How You Can Help
Nicola is clear about what early support looks like in reality: not grand gestures, but steady presence.
“It takes nothing just to check in or do a little act of kindness. Even though some people might look normal on the outside, life is often far from that on the inside.”
That can mean meals, practical help or simply staying connected. She also wants people to understand the hidden reality of brain tumours and acquired brain injuries.
What Nicola Has Learnt
“Life can change in a moment for anybody. We try our best to live in the moment and we focus on each day. We don't live our life in fear. Cherish ordinary moments with your loved ones. Even in the middle of challenges and heartbreak, we are so capable of incredible strength, resilience and love.”
And at the centre of it all, she returns to the person who has lived it with her.
“Through everything he's faced, he's never complained once. He's just so brave. I'm so proud of him.”
Provider Choice shares community stories to inform and inspire. While we highlight real experiences, we’re unable to recommend or endorse specific services or providers mentioned in our articles. The views and advice shared belong to the individuals interviewed.
Navigating the NDIS after a life-changing diagnosis is hard enough. Our Guru team is here to make the plan management side of it simpler. Reach out today to talk to someone who genuinely gets it.
Resources:
NRF (NeuroSurgical Research Foundation)
Peace of Mind Foundation
Mark Hughes Foundation
Carrie's Beanies 4 Brain Cancer
Walk 4 Brain Cancer
