NEED TO KNOW
-
Michelle Dilger’s signs of brain cancer were initially attributed to menopause and anxiety before her diagnosis came in 2018.
-
After enduring over a dozen surgeries and challenging treatments, Michelle beat the odds, inspiring her family to advocate for brain tumor research.
-
Her son Jack created Cramp Killa to support Brain Tumour Research and raise awareness about glioblastoma.
A mother was ultimately diagnosed with an incurable form of brain cancer after earlier symptoms were brushed off as menopause-related.
Michelle Dilger, a 60-year-old mother from Oxford, England, first experienced confusion and trouble speaking at the age of 52, and her family observed changes in her emotional state and behavior.
“My mum is incredibly intelligent. She’s always had a keen eye for detail and a way with words,” her 29-year-old son Jack shared with the charity Brain Tumor Research. “Then suddenly, the messages she sent began to make no sense, and her speech became disjointed.”
“In hindsight, it was obvious something serious was wrong,” he reflected.
Michelle visited the emergency room multiple times, but her symptoms continued to be dismissed as menopause or anxiety.
“These doctors had known my mum for 20 years. They were familiar with her typical self. But you trust what your GPs say because you want to believe everything’s fine,” he added.
Eventually, her condition deteriorated, limiting her ability to speak and leading to fainting episodes. It wasn’t until November 2018 that she received a proper diagnosis.
During a gynecology appointment, a doctor noticed how unwell she appeared and quickly referred her for an emergency scan. Within 30 minutes, it was confirmed: she had a brain tumor.
“When my dad called, he was so upset that I could barely make out what he was saying. He said, ‘Your mum’s got a brain tumor,’ and I felt like everything I knew was collapsing,” Jack remembered. “It was truly heartbreaking.”
Michelle was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive brain cancer for which no cure exists. Even with surgery, she was given only 12 to 18 months to live.
The typical course of treatment for glioblastoma includes surgery to remove the tumor, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. The disease is known for being highly invasive due to its rapid cell replication, with a median survival rate of about 14 months.
Shortly after her diagnosis, Michelle had surgery, during which 97% of the tumor was removed. She managed to regain her ability to speak and underwent six weeks of radiation and 12 rounds of chemotherapy.
These treatments were exhausting and took a physical toll, yet Jack mentioned that his mother stayed optimistic.
“Watching someone you love suffer like that is truly horrific,” he said. “My mum has always been claustrophobic. She was terrified of the MRI machines, the masks, and even the appointments. Still, she never once complained.”
Against the odds, Michelle celebrated several milestones during her recovery. However, in early 2023, her tumor returned, necessitating another surgery that resulted in various complications and infections.
In total, Michelle has undergone 13 brain surgeries in the last two years, leaving her with speech challenges and weakness on her right side. Today, her son Jack is motivated by his mother’s journey to support Brain Tumour Research, emphasizing the need for better funding and awareness. He also launched a sports performance brand called Cramp Killa, pledging a portion of the earnings to the nonprofit.
“I hope this partnership can unite the community of endurance athletes and runners who raise significant funds for various causes each year,” he remarked. “If Cramp Killa can contribute to supporting brain tumor research, it would mean a lot to me.”
“Despite the trauma we’ve faced, we’ve not lost hope for my mum or anyone else struggling with this,” he added.
Dan Knowles, the chief executive of Brain Tumour Research, noted how Michelle’s story highlights the pressing need for further research, commending Jack’s efforts.
“Our scientists are diligently uncovering the biology behind these terrible tumors to discover new treatment methods,” he said. “The collaboration with Cramp Killa will aid in advancing research and developing gentler, more effective treatments for patients.”
“We deeply appreciate Jack and everyone at Cramp Killa for supporting our mission to find a cure.”
