NHS worker, 31, told seizures were nothing serious is diagnosed with terminal cancer
AN NHS staff member who worked through the Covid pandemic has been diagnosed with terminal cancer after being told her seizures were ‘nothing serious’.
Zara Taylor was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme in January after suffering seizures and short-term memory loss at the end of last year.
The 31-year-old NHS clerk attended Blackpool's Victoria Hospital, where she also worked, in December and January after suffering seizures at home.
Doctors carried out blood tests and discharged her after ‘nothing serious’ was detected.
But in January she returned to hospital after a third seizure and an MRI scan revealed a 52-mm brain tumour.
She said: "With hindsight, I can't believe that I was told I could continue driving and that no further tests were carried out."
In February, Zara underwent life-saving surgery to remove the tumour at Royal Preston Hospital.
At the time, the UK was still under coronavirus restrictions, which meant that her husband Jordan was unable to go into the hospital with her.
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No visitors were allowed and Zara was told she would be in hospital for up to ten days.
After the eight-hour operation, the tumour was removed successfully, and Zara woke up feeling well.
Despite the risks of paralysis, she recovered without any negative effects and was discharged just two days later.
She added: "I rang Jordan and he couldn't believe I was talking to him from the recovery room. He was amazed at how well I sounded and I was just so happy to be alive."
Just two weeks later Zara got the results from her biopsy which revealed that she had a highly aggressive brain cancer, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and her prognosis was estimated as 12-18 months.
Zara said: "Jordan and I were in utter shock. We just stared at the walls, not able to comprehend what we were hearing."
She began a six-week course of radiotherapy and concurrent chemotherapy in March, at Rosemere Cancer Centre in Preston.
What is glioblastoma multiforme?
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), also called glioblastoma, is a fast-growing type tumour that develops from star-shaped glial cells within the brain.
These are the most invasive type of glial tumors, rapidly growing and commonly spreading into nearby brain tissue.
In adults, GBM occurs most often in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.
It is an extremely rare but devastating brain cancer that typically results in death in the first 15 months after diagnosis.
Symptoms vary depending on the location of the brain tumour, but may include any of the following:
- Persistent headaches
- Double or blurred vision
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Changes in mood and personality
- Changes in ability to think and learn
- New onset of seizures
- Speech difficulty of gradual onset
It is can be diagnosed through CT and MRI scans.
The first treatment is typically surgery, followed by radiation and chemotherapy.
The primary objective of surgery is to remove as much of the tumour as possible without injuring the surrounding normal brain tissue needed for normal neurological function.
She added: "Thankfully, I coped really well with the treatment. Other than some tiredness, I felt fine.
"The worst thing about it was losing clumps of my long, thick hair. I have experimented with wigs though - I currently have three and enjoy trying different colours and styles."
Zara is currently on the strongest level of chemotherapy, but continues to work from home.
By autumn she is set to have finished chemo.
She will have to have quarterly scans to check the status of her tumour.
Zara has raised over £4,000 for Brain Tumour Research as part of the Jog 26 Miles in May Challenge.
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In order to help raise funds her dad Keith Walsh is taking part in the Cycle 274 Miles in August Challenge.
To support Zara, you can donate to Brain Tumour Research by clicking here.
