A mother who suffered from mild headaches was dealt a major blow after doctors discovered she had a 7.4cm brain tumour.
Ashley Hankin, 39, a mother of two, felt like her head was being squeezed when her symptoms began to flare up intermittently in July.
The aspiring teacher, who recently graduated after eight grueling years, experienced the pain for 10-second intervals.
Mrs Hankin had put off having her symptoms investigated even though her GP had referred her for a CT scan.
She had the scan on July 29th, but then the doctors discovered that she had a tumor. They saw a swelling in her brain.
According to Amy Hardie, Mrs Hankin’s sister, doctors initially thought the tumour was only 1.8cm in size, but it was much larger.
“We thought, ‘Okay, a small tumor. You’re right, you know. It’s going to be OK,'” Mrs. Hardie said 7News.
“And then they said it’s 3 inches, it’s really big. It takes up pretty much the entire frontal lobe.”
Mother-of-two Ashley Hankin, 39, (pictured) was told by doctors she had a 7.4cm brain tumour after the aspiring teacher suffered from mild headaches
Doctors said the tumor had likely been growing for several years and they were surprised that Mrs Hankin had not experienced any symptoms until last month.
It is not known what type of tumor she has.
Mrs Hankin will undergo surgery next month, but due to the location of the tumour, the cancer cells cannot be completely removed.
The shocking diagnosis has turned Mrs Hankin’s world upside down, with her plans to start her dream job now in tatters.
Mrs Hankin also struggles with the daunting task of telling her children about her health problems.
“She worries that she won’t be able to do things and live with them,” Hardie said.
She has a GoFundMe to help Mrs. Hankin’s family cover the costs of her surgery and medical care.
Donations have raised about $10,600 so far, with a target amount of $90,000.
Mrs Hankin (pictured), who recently completed her teaching qualification, also struggles with the daunting task of telling her children about her health problems.
Ms Hardie said her sister has urged others to prioritise their wellbeing and not to delay any warning signs or symptoms.
“If you have any doubts or strange feelings, get yourself checked out,” Mrs. Hardie said.