Father accused of “falsifying” brain tumor symptoms by GP

Symptoms of a father’s cancerous tumor were rejected as stress by a general practitioner who even accused him of “falsification”.

Stephen Blakeston, 53, when he died, began experiencing disturbing symptoms in October 2010, including confused speech, severe headaches and concerns, which were completely characterless to him.

But a CT scan later discovered a glioblastoma-an aggressive brain tumor that leaves patients with a typical 12-18 month longevity.

But Stephen, a former council worker, died suddenly on July 13, 2011.

Girl Hollie Rhodes, 37, a teacher and mother of two from Hull, is leading the London marathon in his memory, to raise money for brain tumor research.

She said: “In October 2010, my mother called me saying that he was throwing his sentences and made no sense. He also had a massive headache and was really desperate, which was not like him at all.

“I couldn’t believe it when we visited the GP, who rejected his symptoms as stress -related and even saying he was making falsification, something I know my father would not do.

“It was a CT scan in Hull Royal Infirmary who showed that he was doing nothing. The scan found a tumor growing on the left side of his brain, affecting his speech.

“He had an operation next week, which was successful, but the biopsy confirmed our worst fear – it was incurable and cancerous.”

Stephen, survived by his wife, Elaine, the Girls Hollie and Lauren, and five grandchildren, underwent a round of intense radiotherapy and two rounds of chemotherapy to stop the tumor growth.

Despite experiencing fatigue, his mood remained positive, his family says, and the scans showed no signs of further tumor regrowth.

But he died after falling home after a blood clot he traveled in his heart – about his treatment or tumor.

“Dad walked in my sister’s room and barely crossed the door when he crashed.” Said lobby.

“We have called an ambulance, but unfortunately the Paramedicians could not save it, and they told us about 20 minutes of fighting that he did not do it, and he died on her bedroom floor.

“It was so traumatic and unexpected.

“Although his brain scans were clear, a blood clot was found in his heart, which we are not sure if it was formed due to its treatment or tumor.

“It was terrible for us to lose it so suddenly, but there is a comfort to know it was fast and there is likely the way he would have wanted to go. I would always miss me to hear his laughter. ”

Brain tumors can affect anyone at any age, and kill more men under 70 than prostate cancer.

About 12,000 people are diagnosed with a primary brain tumor each year in the UK.

Hollie, who is the leader of the PE in a sixth -shaped college, added: “I have personally known three people influenced by brain tumors: my father, the youngest son of my older friend, Roux and a sister of a Another friend who died after her brain cancer was metastasized by breast cancer.

“The current level of research funds is not just enough.

“It is the biggest killer of cancer of children and adults under 40, so it must be absolutely an advantage to stop these deaths. It almost feels like people see brain tumors as a final prognosis. The whole narrative It should change because more funds in research will bring hope to those affected. “

Hollie is balancing work, family life and a strict training schedule while preparing for the 26.2-Mile iconic course.

Inspired by her father’s memories, she is determined to meet the challenge and raise awareness of brain tumor research.

“Running is not definitely my strong; My colleagues with you say this and say that I am forced to do it in my role, ”she said.

“On the day, I will think of my father and how he never met his grandchildren, whom he would worship, with Blake, my older, named after him.

“Remembering his battles and how a cure could have kept it with us gives me the strength to continue. Four or five hours of jogging is nothing compared to what dad and many others endure. I will remind myself to push and do this for them.

“Dad was such a smiling character with a sense of wicked humor. He was always a supporter of my sister, Lauren and me in everything we did. “

Carol Robertson, manager of national events at Brain Tumor Research, said: “We are very grateful to the lobby for taking this extraordinary challenge in memory of her father. Her designation and courage are really inspiring. Marathon will help us to increase the awareness and funds needed for vital research in brain tumors.