A mother in the UK was sent home from the Accident and Emergency department with painkillers after suffering from a week-long migraine, only to later discover that she had a brain tumour. Kimberley Baggley, a 27-year-old primary school teacher, began experiencing needles and pins on the left side of her face in June 2023, prompting her to seek medical attention. Despite being advised to rest, her condition worsened, leading to a seizure and collapse at her home in Staffordshire. Her husband Luke immediately called for an ambulance, and Kimberley was rushed to Royal Stoke University Hospital where she underwent CT and MRI scans that revealed the shocking diagnosis of a brain tumour. Subsequently, she underwent a craniotomy that successfully removed 95% of the tumour and was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive grade three astrocytoma.
Following the surgery, Kimberley underwent 33 sessions of radiotherapy and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. Reflecting on her experience, she described the moment she was informed of her diagnosis as life-changing. Kimberley emphasised the fear and uncertainty that came with the diagnosis, stating, “You never think something like this is going to happen to you, but when it does, your whole world revolves around something that you know nothing about – it’s terrifying.” She highlighted the need for more effective treatments for brain tumours and the importance of research in this field.
Kimberley had visited her GP and the A&E department multiple times before her collapse, but each time she was dismissed with painkillers and reassurances that it was not a brain tumour. Recounting the dismissive responses she received, Kimberley expressed her lack of knowledge about brain tumours and the shock she experienced upon learning the true nature of her condition. Her husband’s quick actions following her collapse were crucial in getting her the medical attention she needed.
Despite facing complications post-surgery, including an infection and sepsis that delayed her treatment, Kimberley has remained positive throughout her journey. She acknowledged the impact her diagnosis had on her family, particularly her husband who had to take on multiple roles to support her and their son. Kimberley’s son also struggled with understanding the situation, a moment she described as particularly tough.
In light of her diagnosis, Kimberley has taken on personal challenges such as abseiling down Anfield Stadium to raise funds for Brain Tumour Support. Additionally, she has established a support group in Stoke-on-Trent for individuals dealing with cancer diagnoses. The Brain Tumour Charity has allocated a significant grant towards a research project aimed at improving treatments for high-grade brain tumours, focusing on innovative immunotherapy methods. Dr Simon Newman, Chief Scientific Officer at The Brain Tumour Charity, emphasised the urgent need to enhance treatment options for high-grade brain tumours and expressed hope for progress in this field through research initiatives.
Kimberley’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of early and accurate diagnosis, as well as the need for continued research and advancements in treating brain tumours. Her resilience and determination to raise awareness and support others facing similar challenges are commendable, inspiring hope for improved outcomes for individuals battling brain tumours.