Widley mum and SCAS worker diagnosed with brain tumour after months of memory loss

Sharon Carter from Widley thought she might have early onset dementia but a scan in September last year revealed a mass in her brain.

Since then the 50-year-old South Central Ambulance Service clinical auditor and former nurse has been given a range of diagnoses which give her months to live before she is told that it may be something else with a slightly more positive outcome.

Sharon said: ‘When we came back from holiday last year, I had a message from the hospital telling me they couldn’t wait until my next appointment to talk about my scan and I needed to come in immediately.

‘That is when I knew it was really serious. Now almost nine months in and they still are not entirely sure what is causing it but they do know it is inoperable. I get told it might be this and I have months to live and then I get told it is something else and I have longer and it is a lot to deal with.’

Her case has now been referred to specialists in London who are investigating that it might be a rare presentation of a possible blood cancer.

Throughout her turmoil, Sharon, who has a 17-year-old son Luke, 10-year-old daughter Emily and stepddaughter Aimee, has been receiving help and advice from charity Brain Tumour Support since her first scan.

She said: ‘Having that support and someone to turn to for help on everything has been amazing. Being a nurse for 31 years, I understand most of the medical side but I have never been on the patient side of things and they have helped me with that burden as well.

‘With the support group, it is nice to chat to people who know exactly what you are going through but my family have also been amazing. We have our dark days as we know that this will get me but we laugh together and we are very open with the children about it all.

‘With lockdown it has been hard as I haven't been able to see my parents and had to tell them difficult things over the phone.’

It comes as Brain Tumour Support launched an urgent fundraising survival appeal last week.

The charity, which supports thousands of brain tumour patients and their families across the country, has adapted its services to try and carry on supporting people during lockdown but the majority of its staff have had to be furloughed and many services suspended.

Founder Tina Mitchell is worried after an increase in demand in services due to lockdown increasing isolation for brain tumour patients, delays of people receiving diagnoses and treatments and expects a surge after lockdown measures are eased.

She said: ‘We are currently working with over 1,500 patients and carers requiring critical and intensive support with many more waiting for help.

‘As well as patients who need our help, many NHS staff are also supported by us, as we provide a service that they simply do not have the resources to provide. We know these are challenging times for many people, but we are calling on you to consider making a donation, however much you can afford.’

Around 20 per cent of people diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour survive for five years or more.

Sharon added: ‘Without this charity so many people getting that diagnosis will be left without support and advice which is so crucial. I really hope people can help them to help others.’

To find out more or donate visit braintumoursupport.co.uk

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