A Consett mum who was given just a 25% chance of survival after she was diagnosed with a brain tumor in Turkey has said she wakes up each day and feels "lucky to be alive".
Lisa Robinson was in Antalya for dental work in June 2022 when she collapsed and was taken to hospital. The 44-year-old was told she had a brain tumour and a bleed on the brain, and underwent emergency surgery.
Against all odds, the courageous mum-of-two amazed medics at the Anadolu Hastanesi Hospital when she pulled through. However, after returning to the UK, Lisa received the devastating news that she had terminal cancer.
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During Lisa's ordeal, her insurance company, AXA Partners, refused to cover the costs of her medical bills and flight home to Newcastle. The company said it would not pay out on the grounds that Lisa was aware she had a pre-existing medical condition, which she denies.
AXA Partners said Lisa had sought medical assistance for severe headaches prior to travelling and had also been prescribed medication. In an effort to get Lisa home, her family launched a Just Giving Page and have now raised £32,500 towards her medical costs.
Six months on from her diagnosis, Lisa is beginning the New Year determined to make as precious memories with her loved ones as possible.
"I just have to think how lucky I am," she said.
"I am lucky to be alive. I don't know how long I have got left to live now.
"The doctors can't predict how long someone has got left for definite. They can't give a timeframe and I don't want to know how long I have got."
She added: "2023 is going to be our year. We are going to do it together and we're going to enjoy it."
Throughout her battle, Lisa has been overwhelmed by the support of her family and the community, who have rallied around to raise funds to pay for her treatment in Turkey. Her struggle with insurance company AXA even appeared on the BBC show Rip-Off Britain this week, which Lisa hoped would raise further awareness of her situation.
"The insurance company AXA is still digging their heels in," she said.
"[But] the fundraiser is going canny. I can't believe how much money has been raised in six months."
Medics have told her that the tumour has grown but "not significantly" and Lisa has undergone radiotherapy at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle to prolong her life. Over the last few months, she has also begun to suffer seizures that have left her unable to drive.
She is on daily medication to manage the seizures and is now waiting to start a course of chemotherapy at the hospital. She praised "outstanding" charity Daft as a Brush for taking her to her appointments.
"When I get too tired I think, 'God, will I wake up in the morning?'" Lisa said.
"Then the morning comes and I take a breath and I feel thankful for each day. I am lucky to be alive.
"I am going to fight this. You need positivity all the way."
Anyone can make a donation towards the cause which is aiming to raise £50,000 for Lisa's medical fees.
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