Grandmother’s Dizziness Initially Misdiagnosed as Depression Before Terminal Brain Tumor Revelation
Nottingham, UK – A 65-year-old woman’s persistent dizziness was initially attributed to depression before a devastating diagnosis revealed a glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. She passed away just months later, leaving her family reeling from the speed of the illness.
Sarah Cook, of Lincoln, frist experienced dizziness in the summer of 2023. Initially, medical professionals suggested the symptom was linked to depression, according to her daughter, Amy Bowkett. Though, after seeking further medical attention, a tumor was discovered.
“Mum had surgery at Queen’s Medical Center in Nottingham in november 2023,” Bowkett said. ”The surgeons managed to remove a large part of the tumour but not all of it. she started six weeks of combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy over Christmas and into the new year.”
The treatment proved incredibly difficult. ”It was brutal,” Bowkett continued. “She became weak, developed infections, and was admitted to hospital several times.”
In February 2024, the family received further heartbreaking news: the tumor had regrown. ”Doctors told us there was nothing more they could do,” Bowkett said, and the family brought their mother home.
Cook’s condition rapidly deteriorated after celebrating her birthday, leading to seizures, loss of speech, and immobility. She died on March 24, 2024, ten days after her daughter’s birthday.
“It is indeed so hard to make sense of how fast it all happened. She went on a cruise in August 2023, looking perfectly well, and by March she was gone,” Bowkett said. “Glioblastoma is such a cruel and invasive disease. It strips a person of everything: their movement, speech, and independence, piece by piece.”
To raise awareness and funds for research, Bowkett participated in the 99 Miles in November challenge, supporting the Nottingham Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, set to launch next year.
“My goal is to get the whole of lincoln involved.My husband Ben,my son Marley,and my sisters are all joining in,” Bowkett said. “We will walk together for Mum, remembering her the way she would want to be remembered, full of life and laughter.”
