Christine drinks to her medics!
AWOMAN was told she had a life threatening condition after she collapsed at home.
Christine Bore, 53, had a seizure at home and didn’t know that it stemmed from a brain tumour.
Christine, a tissue viability nurse, was quickly referred to The Walton Centre where she was diagnosed with grade four glioblastoma, with grade four being the most aggressive form of the tumour.
Surgery was arranged within weeks of the initial discovery, and Christine had her operation in May.
She said: “I was amazed at the speed of the process. I appreciated the determination by Professor Jenkinson and the staff at The Walton Centre to get the tumour removed as soon as possible.”
Christine, from Southport, decided to take part in a study as part of her treatment. The study involved a drink that helped surgeons distinguish between health tissue and the tumour, which can be difficult with a brain tumour.
The “Pink Drink” is called 5-ALA and is diluted in water, drunk by patients prior to surgery. The 5-ALA is then absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to the brain.
Under blue ultraviolet light the drink makes the tumour glow wither pink or red showing the surgeon where the edges of the tumour are.
Professor Jenkinson, who diagnosed Christine, said: “5-ALA is a fantastic tool we use in the removal of tumours. We use scans and images of the brain to navigate our way to the tumour, but sometimes it can be difficult discerning between healthy tissue and tumour, so caution is always necessary to avoid damaging the brain.
“By using the drink we can remove more cancerous tissue, therefore improving the patient’s chances of survival.”
After her surgery, Christine recovered on Dott Ward. She said: “The staff on Dott were so supportive and helpful. Prof Jenkinson came to see me soon after the operation and told me all of the tumour that was revealed by the pink drink had been removed.
“I can’t tell you how relieved I was that everything went well. I was nervous to see how being on the other side of nursing would be, but the level of care I received was exceptional – I can’t thank them enough!”
Christine is now continuing her treatment with Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.