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Rare Brain Tumor Caused Mother's Blindness
23 Apr
Summary
- A mother was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor usually found in young children.
- She faced dismissal from doctors who cited stress and hormones for her symptoms.
- Her condition led to temporary blindness before a correct diagnosis was made.

A 32-year-old mother of three faced a harrowing ordeal after experiencing persistent, severe headaches throughout the summer of 2024. Despite multiple visits to her GP, her symptoms were repeatedly dismissed as stress, hormones, or attributed to having children. The pain intensified to an unbearable level, significantly impacting her quality of life and her ability to function.
Her condition took a critical turn when she lost sight in both eyes. This alarming development led to a battery of tests, revealing a diagnosis of an atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT), a rare form of brain cancer typically diagnosed in children under three years old. The tumor was surgically removed via her nose in a four-hour operation.
Following the surgery, Libby underwent further treatments including a lumbar puncture, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. She received an all-clear in February 2026. Now an advocate, she urges others not to ignore their symptoms and to push for answers, emphasizing the importance of trusting one's instincts. Libby is also fundraising for Brain Tumour Research to support vital research aimed at finding better treatments and a cure.