Mom’s Persistent Tingling Leads to Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis
A mother’s persistent tingling in her arm, initially dismissed as anxiety, ultimately led to a devastating diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer after a sudden collapse.Kelsey Stoksted, 34, of Michigan, experienced months of the unusual sensation before receiving the life-altering news. Her story underscores the importance of persistent medical inquiry, even when symptoms seem minor or are initially attributed to stress.
Stoksted’s ordeal began with a tingling sensation in her left arm that she initially attributed to anxiety. When the tingling worsened and she began experiencing weakness, she sought medical attention. Though, a visit to urgent care yielded a diagnosis of anxiety, and she was sent home. Shortly after, Stoksted collapsed and was rushed to the hospital where scans revealed a mass on her brain. Further testing confirmed a diagnosis of Stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
“It was just a really weird tingling,” Stoksted told the Daily Mail. “I just thought it was anxiety, and I was trying to brush it off.”
Doctors discovered Stoksted had a genetic mutation that makes the cancer less aggressive, improving her prognosis. Initially, she was given a grim outlook, but the mutation offered a glimmer of hope. “Due to the mutation, my prognosis was 12 to 15 years, and when they told us that we where so happy,” she said.
Despite the challenging road ahead, Stoksted remains optimistic and grateful for the advancements in modern medicine. “This is all still really hard, but I am grateful to be here and hopeful in my journey,” she shared. In a recent TikTok video, she expressed her gratitude for her medical team, stating, “Modern medicine is the reason I’m still here. Giving myself and my family a chance at living life together.”
Glioblastoma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects glial cells in the brain. according to the National Brain tumor Society, approximately 43,330 Americans will be diagnosed with a primary brain tumor in 2024. Stoksted’s case highlights the need for continued research and awareness surrounding brain tumor symptoms, as early detection can significantly impact treatment outcomes.