A DAD’S debilitating symptoms were repeatedly dismissed as “vertigo” by doctors.
But Marcus Williams, 35, was given just hours to live after he became unable to recognise his own daughter.
The dad began experiencing intense headaches, fatigue, and seizures but doctors repeatedly misdiagnosed his symptoms as vertigo.
Doctors told his family there was nothing to be done when “his eye suddenly went lazy” and he began “projectile vomiting”.
But when the dad-of-one started to lose his memory – and couldn’t recognise his daughter, Lola, five – his wife, Laura, 31, pushed for him to get a CT scan.
It revealed a large tumour and Marcus was rushed for emergency surgery – after being given just hours to live.
Surgeons were able to remove 98 per cent of the mass during a painstaking 12-hour surgery.
Following the op, Marcus was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, a fast-growing brain tumour that develops in cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Laura, a self-employed beauty therapist, from Yatton, Somerset, said: “I was shocked when the GP surgery texted me saying there was nothing more they could do.
“Both they and doctors at A&E insisted Marcus had vertigo, but I knew it was something far worse.
”When his eye suddenly went lazy, I feared he was having a stroke.
“Even the paramedics downplayed his symptoms, suggesting his projectile vomiting could be due to a blocked ear or even mental health issues.
”I couldn’t understand how so many medical professionals, people we are meant to trust with our lives, were so dismissive and treated us like timewasters.
“Soon, Marcus started losing his speech and memory. He didn’t even recognise our little girl, the person he cherishes most. I was at breaking point.
”It wasn’t until I confronted a doctor at A&E and demanded a CT scan that they finally found the large tumour.
“That was when I was told he had only hours to live and needed emergency surgery.”
A neurosurgeon from Newquay, Cornwall, was flown in and successfully removed 98 per cent of the tumour in a 12-hour operation.
Marcus remained in intensive care for the following five days.
The family finally received a diagnosis following the operation and were devastated to learn that he had a glioblastoma – an aggressive and cancerous brain tumour.
Laura was told by medical professionals that Marcus would experience memory loss, speech difficulties, and other challenges, and the family brought in photos and Marcus’ favourite snacks to help speed up his recuperation.
For his daughter, Lola, things were especially difficult.
I was told I was hours away from losing my husband and, at every turn, medical staff dismissed me as a timewaster. Only research and a cure can prevent others from going through what we did, and I won’t stop fighting for that
Laura Williams
Laura said: “She kept repeating, ‘Why won’t daddy play with me?’ and ‘daddy’s got a poorly head’ but she just couldn’t grasp what was happening.
“The whole situation has been incredibly tough on her. When I had to leave her with my parents to stay with Marcus in the hospital, she was devastated.
”She didn’t know where I was or what was happening, and she didn’t understand why daddy wouldn’t be with her either.
“Being out of school due to half-term only made things harder. It broke my heart to see how much she was struggling.
“Marcus had always been the fun dad, playing pillow fights and doing gymnastics on the floor with her.
“After his surgery, he could only sit there, quiet and exhausted, as he recovered.”
Hope ahead
Marcus is now showing signs of recovery and his memory is returning, after undergoing six-weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
He has additional medication to manage occasional seizures but remains bedbound for the time being.
Marcus and Lola still enjoy reading and colouring together, and are still hoping for a return to gymnastics together soon.
Laura is taking part in Brain Tumour Research’s 10,000 Steps a Day in February challenge, along with friends and family.
What are the symptoms of glioblastoma and how soon do they show?
Glioblastomas are the most common brain tumour in adults, while also being very aggressive and deadly.
Brain Tumour Research says tumours increase pressure in the skull, causing headaches.
Symptoms to look for are:
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of balance
- Mood swings
- Problems speaking
- Problems with memory or concentration
- Seizures
- Impaired vision
The symptoms can initially be quite non-specific, meaning they could be mistaken for lots of other conditions- even stress or a hangover.
The brain controls so many different functions that symptoms can vary greatly depending on where in the brain the tumour is.
Glioblastomas are very fast growing. Once found, experts can see them double within seven weeks.
But, according to Dr Stephen Bagley, assistant professor of medicine at Penn Medicine, the first spark of glioblastoma in the brain remains something of a mystery to medical experts.
One study concluded that a glioblastoma starts growing 330 days on average – almost a year – before a diagnosis.
Another found that there are changes in immune function up to five years before a diagnosis, with markers in blood samples – but symptoms only occur three months prior.
Laura adds: “I was told I was hours away from losing my husband and, at every turn, medical staff dismissed me as a timewaster.
”Only research and a cure can prevent others from going through what we did, and I won’t stop fighting for that.
”That’s why we’re taking on the 10,000 Steps a Day challenge, followed by wing walks and skydives, all to raise money for this vital cause.
“If even one pound helps find a cure or eases another family’s pain, it will be worth it.”
Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Marcus, Laura, and Lola’s story is a powerful reminder of the devastating impact brain tumours have on families and the urgent need for better diagnosis, treatment, and support.’
”Their courage and determination to raise awareness and funds will make a real difference to the 12,000 people diagnosed with a primary brain tumour each year.”
You can support Laura’s 10,000 Steps a Day in February challenge here.
