Radio Today .

[vimto]

While stuck in traffic today i was tuned in to Radio 2 who were doing a kind of phone in with a G P , on about brain problems strokes and other aspects of care and it was very interesting on new procedures / drugs that can help in early stages of these cases .

[headchild]

From recent and past experiences I think ALL GP's should be made Brain tumour aware. Signs symptons are missed or could be linked with another condition. This has happened with both my daughter 20 years ago and now in the last month my brother.

Early diagnosis is key in this I think.

Of course the new procedures/drugs are also welcome and very important but they can only help if the diagnosis is made in time.

[Hidden]

So right! Not just brain tumour aware but BRAIN AWARE! It would also help if GP's/Doctors would take previous medical history into account before trying to 'diagnose' a 'new condition.' Would also help if they listened to the partners/carers.

[headchild]

Exactly Wolfie.

Brief diary of my daughters instance.

From starting to walk her right foot turned inward - nurse at clinic said it would probably 'right itself but to take her to gp when she reached 3yrs as they wouldn't/couldn't do anything about it then.

3yrs - took her to gp - was told 'because he could move it outwards it was ok.

School age - needed glasses and visited the hospital for regular sight tests.

8yrs - started to stammer gp referred her to speech therapy

9yrs early puberty, school ahd to designate a touilet for her to use with a bin

10yrs started putting on weight despite not changing her diet

11yrs she was right foot down heavily -

This gradually got worse over the next few years.

16 yrs her speech got worse - the speech therapist took her to the orthodontist during one of her appointments he found the palet at the top of her mouth wasn't working

INSTANT MOVEMENT BY MEDICS - RUSHED SCAN THEN TRANSFERED STRAIGHT AWAY TO ANOTHER LARGER HOSPITAL

By now she was 17yrs old - everything I have given in the above was followed up by me to the gp - 3 of them in all and they ALL missed the signs.

17yrs she was having what we were told by neuro afterwards were some kind of fit.

If there was an alert box where gp's had to slide signs symtons of patients this wouldn't have happened.

Not one of the gp's had enough knowledge to link all of her signs/symptons together

[cat3]

headchild, I had no idea it had taken you so long to get the appropriate help for your daughter. What a travesty for her,for you and countless others. Love to you all.....I know you're going through this all over again with your brother. Sincere best wishes for his recovery.......and hope there's someone looking out for you also. xx

[vimto]

Yes thats shocking . Sending you my best weshes Headchild .

[headchild]

Thank you, I can tell you it rocked our village when they found out the truth/ length of time this had been going on.

Unfortunately my brother is down for radiotherapy but has a max of 24 months even with that. He has a Glioma grade 4 Tumour.

Must say I cry everyday and if I wake up in the night.

Meanwhile my other brother had some good news (which he feels guilty about). Still in his 50's he has had a bladder cancer removed several weeks ago but it's grade 2 they got it all as it wasn't deep seated.so he has the rest of his life infront of him - (has to start with regular 3 monthly checks though)

Our family is taking a battering at the moment, we have a funeral on Monday (elderly uncle) and two of my cousins have also had cancer.

As for the Brain Tumour recognition by GP's I hope someone reads my post about my daughter who can maybe start the change of GP's and their Brain tumour awareness.

[cat3]

headchild..........just looked in & read your post and would like to reply, and will do, when I'm feeling better........migraine/sickness since yesterday. Really feel for you. Speak soon...........................xx