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Suitcase Fall Reveals Terminal Cancer Diagnosis
13 Mar
Summary
- A 35lb suitcase falling on Lauren's head led to a terminal brain cancer diagnosis.
- Lauren Macpherson was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer following the incident.
- She is campaigning for Vorasidenib treatment availability in Wales, England, and Northern Ireland.
A life-altering event occurred when a 35-pound suitcase fell onto Lauren Macpherson's head during a train journey home to Cardiff last year. This incident prompted medical investigation, which uncovered a shadow on her brain.
Further scans revealed a brain tumour, a diagnosis that brought a mix of shock and a sense of understanding for Lauren, who had been experiencing fatigue and other symptoms. She was diagnosed with a grade two oligodendroglioma, a rare and incurable brain tumour.
Lauren underwent surgery to remove 80% of the tumour, followed by a period of recovery where she experienced speech difficulties and cognitive challenges. She has since become an advocate, sharing her journey online.
She is now campaigning for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to approve Vorasidenib, a treatment that can slow cancer progression, for routine NHS use in Wales, England, and Northern Ireland. Currently, it is only available on the NHS in Scotland.
Lauren is undergoing fertility treatment before starting Vorasidenib privately, remaining hopeful for future medical advancements while acknowledging the emotional toll on her family.
