The story of an 11-year-old English girl who was diagnosed with a brain tumor measuring over 3 centimeters three years after the first symptoms has shocked the nation. The mother, Imogen Darby, revealed that her daughter was seen 30 times in 3 years by doctors who only diagnosed her with stomach problems and headaches. It was only after her condition worsened, affecting her balance and ability to walk, that the tumor was discovered.
The family’s ordeal began during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the little girl experiencing symptoms like nausea and severe headaches. Despite multiple visits to the family doctor and emergency room, she was repeatedly dismissed and even prescribed new glasses multiple times before the tumor was finally detected.
Mrs. Darby described the frustrating experience of being denied an MRI and proper treatment for her daughter, who was ultimately rushed to the hospital after vomiting daily and struggling to walk. A CT scan revealed a pilocytic astrocytoma, one of the most common childhood brain tumors, which was successfully removed in a 10-hour surgery.
While the little girl will need to undergo regular checks in the coming months, her mother is grateful that 96% of the tumor was successfully removed. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to patients and advocating for proper medical care, even in the face of dismissive doctors.