Following two years of hearing music that she did not recognize, a mother who was confused was told by her doctor that she had a brain tumour.
Dawn Clark (49) thought she was in peril when she began to be scared by noises that sounded just like a TV or radio.
The mother of three was initially diagnosed with an inner ear disorder by doctors, but a second MRI showed that she actually had a brain cancer.
Ms. Clark underwent two dangerous operations, and received radiotherapy in order to stop the tumor’s progression. She said that it was a relief and she can continue living her normal life.
Dawn Clark, 49, believed she was going insane when the sounds kept her awake at night. It sounded almost like somebody had turned on a television or radio.
She stated that although the tumour is always in my thoughts, it doesn’t affect my ability to get on with my day.
Ms Clark is a Thornton-Cleveleys resident, Lancashire. She said that she noticed something strange in December when unusual sounds started to form in her head.
The woman said that she heard music and believed it to be the radio. The radio was off when I tried to switch it off.
It was still there, and I asked my daughter to check if she was making music. My mind was spinning.
“I would hear imaginary music on the television every three months. They scared me for 2 years.
Her GP initially thought that the sound might be due to Meniere’s disease. This inner ear condition can cause vertigo dizziness and even hearing loss.
In December 2013, she was referred by Blackpool Victoria Hospital to the department of ear, nose, and throat. However, a second MRI scan found a shadow of her brain.
On December 23, 2013, she underwent another scan and a specialist revealed to her that she had a brain tumor.
Ms Clark explained that they said it was low-grade, but very deep. They stated that they could remove most of it, but not all.
“There was a 20% chance that I would be paralysed on my left side. This was too much to handle, so I decided to accept the risk. The paralysis was removed safely.
In December 2013, she was referred to Blackpool Victoria Hospital’s ear and nose department. A later MRI scan showed a shadow in her brain.
It was a successful operation and the surgeon recommended that all remaining tumors be removed.
That April, 4th of the same year, she was again under the knife.
Later tests revealed that the cancerous portion of her tumour was still present and she needed to be treated.
Ms Clark stated that the operation was successful, but histology revealed the tumor was an anaplastic Oligodendroglioma. This means my tumour has either changed or they have taken a lot of the same type.
Her radiotherapy and chemotherapy left her exhausted and very sick.
Every six months she must have a scan. However, her September checkup showed no changes to the cancer.
It was wonderful to hear this, she said. It means that I am now able to consider other options, like going back to work.
In February, Ms. Clark will walk 10,000 steps daily to help raise funds for Brain Tumour Research.
She explained that without the research on brain tumours she might not have been here.
“This is a fantastic way to raise money for the cure of this terrible disease.”
Charity Brain Tumour Research started the 10,000-step challenge in February 2013. It has raised over 1 million for vital research.
Matthew Price is the community development manager for Brain Tumour Research. He said Ms Clark was very grateful for her fundraising efforts.
He stated, “We are really thankful to Dawn for accepting this challenge.
“It is only through the support of people such as her that we can advance our research into brain tumors and improve outcomes for patients who have to battle this terrible disease.”
Brain tumours are the most deadly form of cancer in children under 40.
Here are some facts: Historically, only one percent of all national expenditures on cancer research have been allocated to this deadly disease.
The charity is calling for a national annual spend of £35million in order to improve survival rates and patient outcomes.
This would make it more comparable to other cancers, like breast cancer or leukemia. It is also pushing for increased repurposing.