Mother's Brain Tumour Initially Blamed on Stress from Her Children
Libby Wollaston, a 32-year-old mother-of-three from Wolverhampton, experienced a harrowing medical journey after her severe headaches were repeatedly dismissed by healthcare professionals as stress, hormones, or even the result of her children. Her concerns were ignored until her condition deteriorated dramatically, leading to the loss of vision in one eye.
A Rare and Serious Diagnosis
In summer 2024, Libby began suffering from unbearable headaches, attending multiple GP appointments where she felt her symptoms were not taken seriously. She was eventually diagnosed with a pituitary tumour, specifically identified as an atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumour (AT/RT). This type of cancer is exceptionally rare in adults, typically found in children under the age of three.
Libby recounted her frustrating experience, stating, "I felt completely ignored for months, no one was listening to me. I knew something wasn’t right, but I kept being told it was hormones, stress or depression." She added that one doctor even suggested her headaches might be caused by her children, asking, "Do you not think it’s just your children giving you a headache?"
Life-Altering Symptoms and Treatment
The pain became so severe that Libby relied on painkillers just to function daily, severely impacting her quality of life and ability to care for her family. She underwent a four-hour surgery to remove the tumour through her nose, followed by a lumbar puncture, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. In February of this year, she received the all-clear, marking a significant milestone in her recovery.
Reflecting on her ordeal, Libby said, "Now I see life very differently. I appreciate every single day I get to spend with my family. I don’t want anyone else to go through what I did, so I would urge people not to ignore their symptoms. Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to push for answers, you deserve to be taken seriously."
Raising Awareness and Funds for Brain Tumour Research
Inspired by her experience, Libby has committed to raising money for the charity Brain Tumour Research by participating in the 200k in May Your Way challenge. Funds raised will support vital research at six Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence across the UK, where scientists are working to develop more effective treatments and ultimately find a cure for brain tumours.
Encouraging others to join her efforts, Libby emphasized, "Whether you walk, run, cycle or swim, every kilometre completed and every pound raised will support vital research into brain tumours and bring hope to families like mine affected by this devastating disease."
