Yahoo News Woman 'found' her brain tumour after Googling blood test results
A woman’s worst fears were confirmed after some worrying Google searches.
Mel Kelly, 23, from New Ferry, started feeling unwell in September 2022. Speaking to the ECHO, she said: “It was headaches more than anything. As time went by and I was having more tests, I started getting more symptoms. First it was nausea which turned into sickness and vomiting.
“Then I had fatigue that was so bad I couldn't get through the day without having a nap or two. Then I was struggling with my balance. But none of these stuck out for me.”
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Mel was put on migraine medication and doctors thought she had a sinus infection. After multiple tests, she was told her blood was high in prolactin which caused some alarm for her.
Mel said: “The first thing that comes up when you Google prolactin is brain tumours. I knew then something wasn't right.”
Prolactin supports many actions and processes that happen in the body every day, including the creation of blood vessels. If your prolactin levels are high, it could be a sign you have a tumour.
Following the detection of high prolactin, she was booked in for a provisional MRI scan on December 23 2022, but began to think her worsening symptoms were caused by something else.
Mel said: “It wasn't until I started losing my eyesight rapidly that I knew something was seriously wrong. Between that and the scan, I went on holiday for five days to Lanzarote. I thought it was burnout and I just needed a break.”
But shortly after Mel returned home, doctors got in touch with her. She said: “When I returned, I was told to up my migraine medication and see an ophthalmologist. Within an hour of that, I was taken to Arrowe Park Hospital.”
Not long afterwards, staff at Arrowe Park told her she would be transferred to The Walton Centre, which specialises in neurology and neurosurgery. She was diagnosed with a brain tumour on December 23 and underwent brain surgery the same day.
Mel continued: “It was a lot to take in. I couldn't really believe it. I’d been ill for quite a few months and nobody had told me why. I was left to my own devices. When I was diagnosed, it was a relief more than anything because I finally got to the bottom of what was happening.
“I actually thought I had a brain tumour before I was diagnosed. Because of all the tests coming back with nothing, being 22, I took the only thing I could rely on which was the internet. There was so much on these symptoms being a big warning sign and to keep pushing which I did.
“It wasn't until the blood test results came back when I was referred for an MRI scan. But it was only provisional. That was booked for December 23, which was the day I ended up having my surgery anyway.”
Thankfully the surgery was largely successful, removing 95% of the tumour. Mel has to do a scan every 12 months and have an eye test every six months. She has also regained her driving licence after a 14 month absence.
Mel said: “When I was in Arrowe Park and told me they were blue lighting me to The Walton Centre, I’d never heard of it. I'd never even been in hospital before all this. The Walton Centre was amazing. They went above and beyond in every aspect.”
Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer for people under the age of 40. After Mel recovered, she was determined to raise awareness about the symptoms of brain tumours and the charities working to fight them, given her struggle in receiving a diagnosis.
This included the Brain Tumour Charity, whose annual Twilight Walk raises money for those affected by brain tumours.
Mel said: “I thought, I could do that, but I couldn't get to London. I realised I could organise my own walk. I was joined by 50 friends and family members.
“I raised £3,700. Then I organised a concert to raise money at my old high school. I've been involved in charity bake sales.”
Mel has also fundraised for the Teenage Cancer Trust and Move Against Cancer, as well as supporting the campaign for a national brain tumour strategy, which would see the government implement a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, treatment, aftercare and research.
She also abseiled down the Anglican Cathedral, walked 12 miles to mark 12 weeks recovery, and completed the endurance challenge of the Yorkshire three peaks. Mel was soon recognised for her efforts by being nominated for the Cheshire Woman of the Year award, which recognises amazing achievements by women in Cheshire and nearby areas.
Mel headed to the awards ceremony, which took place earlier this week, with her mum Jo but didn’t believe she would win. She said: “I got a letter in the post a few months ago saying I'd been nominated. I couldn't believe it.
“We went to Chester Racecourse the other day for the event. The presenter was talking about every nominee being a winner, and they really are. I was with other incredible women and I didn’t think I stood a chance.
“Then she started talking about brain tumour, said to my mum, ey up. Then she started reading all these things that I’ve done over the past 18 months. I was crying, my mum was crying.”
After a tumultuous period, Mel is thankful for all the support she has received. She said: “I feel incredibly lucky to be alive to be honest. The support of all my friends and family, The Walton Centre, the Brain Tumour Charity, the Teenage Cancer Trust, I couldn't have done it without them
“I'm a firm believer if you’ve got the right positive people around you, you can turn it around.”
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