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Holiday Seizure Reveals Shock Brain Tumour Diagnosis
7 Nov
Summary
- Presenter suffered seizure upon landing in Greece, leading to a brain tumour diagnosis.
- She underwent a four-hour operation to remove a non-cancerous Grade 2 astrocytoma.
- Ongoing recovery includes medication and scans, limiting her ability to pick up her daughter.
Television and radio presenter Rachael Downie experienced a sudden seizure as her plane landed in Greece, initiating a life-altering discovery of a brain tumour. The 41-year-old was travelling with her husband and two-year-old daughter when the event occurred.
Following the seizure, scans revealed a 6.7cm tumour on her right frontal lobe. Initially in shock and denial, Downie underwent a four-hour operation in September to remove the tumour. Fortunately, it was found to be non-cancerous, specifically a Grade 2 astrocytoma, which constitutes about 2% to 5% of all brain tumours.
Her recovery involves daily anti-seizure medication and routine MRI scans every six months due to the lifelong risk of recurrence. A significant challenge in her recovery is the inability to pick up her daughter, requiring her to be cautious around the child and hire outside help. Driving is also prohibited for a year.
Approximately 13,000 people are diagnosed with primary brain tumours annually in the UK. Sadly, around 5,500 to 5,600 individuals die from these tumours each year in the country, making it the tenth most common cause of cancer death.
