A woman reveals the devastating story of how her sister was wrongly diagnosed with schizophrenia, a misdiagnosis that tragically delayed treatment for a deadly brain tumor.
Georgina Doherty shared the heartbreaking tale of her sister, Vanessa Rudden, who passed away at the age of 44 in October 2018. VanessaS struggles began in her late 20s when she began experiencing hallucinations and paranoia, leading doctors to believe she was suffering from schizophrenia.
For over a decade, Vanessa battled with these symptoms, enduring multiple hospital stays and even being sectioned under the Mental Health Act after a hunger strike protesting her treatment. The truth about Vanessa’s condition remained hidden until a seizure in her final year of life led to an MRI scan revealing a golf ball-sized glioblastoma,a highly aggressive brain tumor,growing in her left temporal lobe.
“Vanessa’s strength and courage in the face of this horrifying discovery was remarkable,” Georgina shares. “She quickly accepted her time was limited and immediately created a bucket list of things she wanted to achieve before passing.”
Vanessa’s determination allowed her to tick off manny items on her list, spending precious time with loved ones, revisiting her alma mater in Huddersfield, and indulging in a steak dinner.
Tragically, the tumor proved terminal, and Vanessa died peacefully surrounded by her family in October 2018.Georgina believes that the tumor’s presence may have been the root cause of Vanessa’s behavioral issues. Fueled by her heartbreak, she advocates for increased brain tumor research through the charity Brain Tumour Research, emphasizing the importance of early detection and improved treatments.Reflecting on her sister’s life, Georgina describes Vanessa as the life of the party, a vibrant soul who loved music and had a drive to succeed in her career. She expresses her deep sorrow, wishing that Vanessa’s story had a different ending.
“If only the scan had been done earlier, Vanessa might still be here,” Georgina laments.
Ashley McWilliams, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, expresses admiration for Georgina’s efforts in raising awareness about Vanessa’s story, highlighting the importance of increasing knowledge and funding for brain tumor research to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for others.
What are the common symptoms that could indicate the presence of a brain tumor?
Title: The importance of Early Detection: An Interview with Georgina Doherty and Ashley McWilliams
Time.news Editor (TNE): Today, we have a heartfelt conversation with Georgina Doherty, who bravely shared her sister Vanessa Rudden’s tragic journey after being misdiagnosed with schizophrenia, and Ashley McWilliams, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research. Thank you both for joining us. Georgina, can you tell us how Vanessa’s story began?
Georgina Doherty (GD): Thank you for having us. Vanessa’s struggles started in her late 20s.She began experiencing hallucinations and paranoia, and unluckily, the doctors diagnosed her with schizophrenia after several assessments. For over a decade, she battled these symptoms, which led to multiple hospitalizations and even being sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
TNE: That sounds incredibly challenging for both Vanessa and your family. What critical moment led to the revelation of her actual illness?
GD: It was a seizure in the final year of her life that prompted an MRI scan, revealing a golf ball-sized glioblastoma in her left temporal lobe. This aggressive brain tumor had been affecting her behavior and led to the tragic misdiagnosis.
TNE: That’s devastating. How did Vanessa respond to her diagnosis once it was confirmed?
GD: Vanessa’s strength was remarkable. Upon learning her time was limited, she decided to create a bucket list. She focused on making the most of her remaining time,spending precious moments with family,revisiting her university,and enjoying her favorite meals.
TNE: That’s a lovely way to approach such a painful reality. Though, this could have been avoided had the tumor been detected earlier. Ashley, why is early detection of brain tumors so crucial?
Ashley McWilliams (AM): Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and prolong life. Many symptoms of brain tumors can be mistaken for psychiatric disorders, as we saw with Vanessa. Enhanced awareness, education, and research funding are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment, which is why we support increased investment in brain tumor research.
TNE: Georgina, how do you feel about the impact of Vanessa’s story on public awareness of brain tumors?
GD: I believe Vanessa’s story sheds light on the urgent need for increased brain tumor research and awareness. If we can prevent even one other family from undergoing the pain we endured, it will be worth it. I advocate tirelessly for early detection measures because I wish that Vanessa’s story had a different outcome.
TNE: What practical advice can you share with our readers regarding brain tumors and detection?
AM: It’s essential for individuals to stay informed about the signs and symptoms of brain tumors, which can include persistent headaches, seizures, and changes in behavior or personality. If symptoms don’t respond to treatment or there’s a change in condition,seeking further evaluation is crucial. Increased awareness can led to prompt medical attention and potentially save lives.
TNE: Thank you both for sharing your insights. Vanessa’s story is a poignant reminder of the importance of accurate diagnosis and early intervention in healthcare. As Georgina said, “If only the scan had been done earlier, Vanessa might still be here.” We appreciate your advocacy and hope it inspires change in the approach to brain tumor diagnosis and treatment.
GD: Thank you for the platform to share Vanessa’s story.
AM: Thank you for highlighting this critical conversation. together, we can make a difference.