Scots mum’s horror after son’s headache turns out to be cancerous tumour

An East Lothian mother experienced a chilling scare after her son’s seemingly innocent headache turned out to be a cancerous brain tumour. Carly, 27, noticed that her eight-year-old son Mason was complaining of minor headaches and feeling fatigued and irritable. Despite advice to consult a GP, Carly trusted her instincts and took Mason to the hospital for further evaluation. After undergoing multiple tests, an MRI scan revealed an early-stage cancerous tumour on the left side of Mason’s brain, roughly the size of a grape. Carly, who works as a domestic abuse practitioner, emphasised the importance of catching the tumour early, as waiting a few weeks longer could have led to a different outcome.

Following a routine eye test on January 4 where Mason displayed no concerns, Carly mentioned his headaches to the optician, attributing them to his autism spectrum disorder. When Mason later complained of neck pain, Carly decided to seek medical advice, ultimately leading to a hospital visit and an unexpected diagnosis. The medical team discovered a 3cm-by-2cm tumour on Mason’s brain, which necessitated immediate surgery to both biopsy and remove it. Fortunately, the surgery was successful, and Mason’s tumour was confirmed to be cancerous eight days later.

Mason underwent six rounds of chemotherapy over six months, completing the treatment in October. As he prepares to enter remission over Christmas, Carly remains vigilant for any signs of relapse. Despite the uncertainties ahead, Carly is grateful for proactive medical intervention and acknowledges the pivotal role of Mason’s optician in potentially saving his life. The family now faces a period of cautious optimism, with regular scans planned to monitor Mason’s progress post-treatment conclusion.

Insights and Summary:
The story of Carly and Mason serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of trusting parental instincts and advocating for thorough medical investigations. Mason’s journey highlights the importance of early detection in combatting serious health conditions like cancer. Through Carly’s proactive approach and the collaborative efforts of medical professionals, Mason received timely treatment that significantly impacted his prognosis. The narrative underscores the resilience of families facing medical crises and the critical role of healthcare providers in delivering life-saving care.