Mom of 3 Diagnosed with Rare Form of Brain Cancer After Symptoms Were Initially Dismissed as Stress from Her Kids

**Mother’s Battle with Rare Brain Tumour Highlights Need for Awareness**

Libby Woolaston, a mother of three from Wolverhampton, has shared her harrowing experience with a rare form of brain cancer, shedding light on the challenges many face in securing a proper diagnosis. Woolaston, 32, was diagnosed with atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumour (AT/RT), a highly aggressive cancer most commonly found in young children, after months of being dismissed by medical professionals.

Woolaston began to experience severe headaches in the summer of 2024, which she initially attributed to ordinary stress and hormonal changes. Despite her persistent concerns, doctors insisted that her symptoms were merely linked to menopause, hormones, or even the daily stresses of motherhood. “One doctor even asked me if I had children and suggested the headaches were just a result of them,” recalled Woolaston, who felt increasingly discouraged and unheard with each visit. “I left the appointments in tears, feeling that my concerns were trivialised, and I began to wonder if my gender affected the seriousness with which I was treated.”

The situation began to change when Woolaston saw a female doctor in October. This time, she decided to detail all her symptoms, including an unusual occurrence of leaking breast milk long after she had stopped breastfeeding. The doctor was quick to recognise that this was not typical and suggested testing for a pituitary tumour, which is one that grows inside the pituitary gland, often affecting hormonal balance within the body.

After testing confirmed the presence of a pituitary tumour, Woolaston was informed that it was “slightly larger than normal” but was initially deemed not worrisome. However, her headaches intensified, compelling her to seek further medical help. By October 2025, Woolaston’s condition had deteriorated to the point where she was unable to bear the pain, leading to a referral to Birmingham Hospital. Unfortunately, by the time she received an appointment four months later, Woolaston had suffered significant complications, including temporary blindness in her right eye.

An MRI scan revealed that the tumour had grown unexpectedly, from 0.6 inches to an alarming two inches within just four weeks. This prompted immediate surgery to remove the growth. It was only after a four-hour operation that doctors discovered Woolaston was actually battling cancer, specifically an atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumour. AT/RT is classified as a grade 4 tumour by the World Health Organisation, marking it as aggressive and fast-growing.

The rare nature of the diagnosis left doctors unable to provide Woolaston with a definitive prognosis, which added to her distress. She underwent 30 rounds of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, enduring a challenging battle against the disease. “The treatment was horrendous, resulting in significant lasting damage,” she stated. “I lost my hair through chemotherapy, and while I can manage migraines now, they are still not as debilitating as they once were.”

Despite the hardships she faced, Woolaston received the all-clear following her last MRI in February 2026. Miraculously, her eyesight has returned, and she is now focused on advocating for awareness of brain tumours and raising funds for research. “I have yet to meet another adult in the UK who has had AT/RT. We need to raise awareness for this rare cancer,” she said.

In a bid to further her cause, Woolaston is set to participate in the 200k in May Your Way fundraising initiative, a campaign aimed at generating vital support for brain tumour research. Her determination is underscored by her desire to be present for her sons—Miller, 10, Dax, 7, and Forest, 4—as they grow up. “I want to see breakthroughs in treatments and cures for brain tumours,” she added passionately.

Woolaston’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of listening to patients and advocating for their health concerns. Her journey underscores the critical need for awareness and understanding around rare cancers, and the call for better diagnostic procedures to ensure individuals are not left battling illness in silence.