Fiona Charles, 61, discovered that he had only one year left after a particularly aggressive cancer was diagnosed too late. This former teacher of Aberdeen, mother of three, had nevertheless alerted the doctors to her unusual symptoms, such as the perception of “ghost” odors of Brûlé.
Abnormal olfactory sensations
The suspicions of Fiona Charles started last summer when strange symptoms came forward. Ghost smells, like that of burned foods, “invaded his nose“, Specifies the Daily Mail. An unpleasant feeling, which was generally accompanied by hot flashes and palpitations.
Thinking of a mini-HOV, the mother then decides to consult her doctor. But the latter minimizes his concerns. According to him, his symptoms were “unusual“To hide something serious. Disaster, his family insists on obtaining additional examinations and finances brain MRI.
Result ? A tumor was revealed in October 2024. Fiona Charles suffered from a glioblastoma, one of the deadliest cancers. Only 5 % of patients affected are still alive five years after the diagnosis, and 25 % survive over one year. Doctors also predict an uninformed prognosis for him – from 12 to 18 months.
Despite everything, Fiona Charles decided not to be put down. She started aggressive treatment – combining radiotherapy and chemotherapy – and has taken over some of her favorite activities. Her family also supports her in her fight. This Sunday, his son Jonny will participate in the edinburgh half-marathon to raise funds for research.
“”It’s not about running fast. I do it to collect funds, to raise awareness“He said.”Only 1 % of the national budget devoted to cancer research is allocated to brain tumors, while they are among the most aggressive and devastating cancers. This seems completely disconnected from the impact they have on families like mine “, regrets the young man.
Glioblastome: What is this tumor and where does it come from?
In France, the glioblastoma affects even more than 2,400 people each year. It is a tumor that forms almost exclusively inside the skull. It develops quickly from glial cells and can extend to different regions of the brain.
“The glioblastomas are the most aggressive form of brain tumors. They are distinguished from other gliomas qualified as infiltrating tumors with slow progression”, Specifies the Foundation Medical Research (FRM).
But its causes are still poorly understood. While some studies have highlighted the involvement of the moving lymphatic system in regulating the immune response to glioblastoma, the mechanisms behind this tumor remain widely unknown.
“”Glioblastoma is generally not hereditary: We haven’t identified No food risk factor Or environmental. And if it is very likely thatAn ancient exposure to radiation May be involved in a tiny proportion of cases, this remains very marginal“, Said Dr. Frédéric Dhermain, an oncologist-radiotherapist, in a previous interview.
In case of evocative symptoms (burnt ghost smells …), what to do?
“”If in doubt, it is imperative to carry out an MRI injected with gadolinium. The best is to carry out this examination in an expert center where patients will be integrated into a care sector“, Advises the specialist, head of the multidisciplinary neuro-oncology committee at the Gustave Roussy Center.
The results are then communicated quickly, in order to adjust the treatment according to the patient’s profile. However, despite adapted care, the life expectancy of patients remains very short, with a median survival of 14 months for patients under the age of 70 treated with radio-chemotherapy.