Mum’s Shock Brain Tumour Diagnosis After Misdiagnosed Leg Pain

A mother from Dorking, Surrey, received a shocking diagnosis of a brain tumour after medical professionals initially attributed her symptoms to leg weakness. Susan Rowlett, 63, first consulted her general practitioner in September 2020 regarding persistent leg pain. Following standard evaluations, including an MRI, doctors found no abnormalities and prescribed exercises such as squats and lunges to alleviate her discomfort.

Despite following the prescribed regimen, Susan’s symptoms did not improve. After ten months of continuing pain, she sought a second opinion and arranged another MRI at a private hospital. In July 2021, the scan revealed a “golf ball-sized tumour” on her brain, leading to a diagnosis of a meningioma. This type of tumour, though often benign, can cause serious health issues depending on its size and location.

Following her diagnosis, Susan underwent a seven-hour operation to remove the tumour. The procedure left her reliant on a walking frame due to balance issues, and she has experienced several falls since then. Now, she requires biannual scans to monitor her condition.

Susan expressed her disbelief upon receiving her diagnosis, stating, “A tumour was never on my radar, so when they told me about the growth on my brain that I could’ve been born with, I was in disbelief.” She had been in generally good health prior to her diagnosis, and the sudden turn of events has profoundly impacted her life.

The onset of her symptoms coincided with the COVID-19 lockdowns, during which she began noticing the leg pain. Although her initial tests were inconclusive, her story emphasizes the importance of thorough medical evaluations, especially when symptoms persist.

Susan also reflected on her experience by comparing her situation to that of pop star Tom Parker, who was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour around the same time. “This disease doesn’t care who you are,” she noted, emphasizing that brain tumours can affect anyone, regardless of age or status. She pointed to recent news stories, including that of television presenter Davina McCall, who has also shared her own diagnosis, highlighting the prevalence of such conditions and the need for increased awareness.

To support brain tumour research, Susan’s daughter, Lindsay Rowlett, has raised nearly £700 by participating in the 200k in May Your Way challenge for Brain Tumour Research. Susan expressed immense pride in her daughter’s efforts, stating, “Brain Tumour Research is a cause close to my heart. Until you or someone you love is affected, you don’t realise how little progress has been made in treating this disease.”

In light of her experience, Susan hopes to inspire change and draw attention to the urgent need for more funding and research in the field. “That must change,” she said, advocating for more resources to combat brain tumours so that fewer families have to endure similar heartbreak.

Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, praised Susan for her willingness to share her story. He noted that one in three people knows someone affected by a brain tumour and emphasized the complexity of developing effective treatments, given the existence of over 100 different types of brain tumours. “Susan is helping to shine a light on brain tumours,” Allsebrook stated, expressing gratitude for her family’s support in the quest for a cure.

Through her advocacy and personal narrative, Susan Rowlett aims to raise awareness about brain tumours and the critical need for more comprehensive research funding, making a compelling case for the importance of continued support in this often-overlooked area of health.