Paige Suisted, a 27-year-old from New Zealand, faced a grim prognosis after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Initially informed that she had just 18 months to live due to a large tumour, Paige’s journey took an unexpected turn when follow-up scans revealed that the tumour had completely vanished.
In April 2024, Paige’s health began to deteriorate dramatically. She experienced numbness in her right hand, which gradually spread to her arm and leg. After visiting five different doctors, each offering varying diagnoses, Paige took matters into her own hands and insisted on being admitted to a hospital for comprehensive testing.
Following a series of tests, including CT scans, MRIs, and a brain biopsy, doctors confirmed that she had stage-four astrocytoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer typically found in children. The diagnosis was devastating. “When they told me, I think I screamed and cried,” Paige recalled. “It was so hard to hear. I have a younger brother and sister, and all I could think about was wanting to see them grow up.”
Despite her dire situation, Paige’s medical team recommended immediate treatment with chemotherapy and radiation. The urgency was underscored by the surgeon who bluntly told her, “You’re not going to live long enough to be a mother. You needed to be on chemo yesterday.” This began a grueling year of treatment that left Paige physically weakened, suffering from severe side effects including bruising, seizures, and mobility issues.
After completing her treatment regimen, Paige returned for a follow-up appointment in November 2025, expecting to hear the usual grim news. Instead, doctors were astonished to find that the tumour, previously described as “the size of a golf ball,” was no longer visible on her scans.
Despite this miraculous development, her medical team has not declared her cancer-free. “They haven’t had a cancer patient like this. They don’t even understand it themselves,” Paige said, reflecting on her status as a medical anomaly. Doctors have warned that while the mass is gone, microscopic cancer cells could still exist in her brain, undetectable by current imaging techniques.
The only way to confirm the absence of cancer would be to perform another biopsy, a highly risky procedure that could lead to paralysis. As a result, Paige finds herself in a state of medical limbo.
While her health remains uncertain, Paige has begun to rebuild her life. She currently lives with right-side weakness but is committed to her recovery. Paige has become an ambassador for the Cancer Society, sharing her story to inspire others facing similar challenges. She has also started a YouTube channel aimed at helping young cancer patients, ensuring their voices are heard.
Despite the ongoing uncertainties, Paige celebrated her 27th birthday atop the Eiffel Tower, a bucket list moment she never thought she would experience. “I just live my life every day now, and I want to help other people,” she stated, illustrating her determination to remain positive and proactive.
Paige’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience in the face of adversity. As she continues to recover and share her journey, she hopes to provide strength and inspiration to others navigating their own battles with cancer.
