NEED TO KNOW
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Michelle Dilger’s brain cancer symptoms were initially dismissed as menopause and anxiety before her diagnosis in 2018
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Despite undergoing more than a dozen brain surgeries and grueling treatments, Michelle defied the odds and inspired her family’s advocacy efforts
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Her son Jack launched Cramp Killa to support Brain Tumour Research and raise awareness for glioblastoma patients
A mother was diagnosed with an incurable brain cancer after her symptoms were initially dismissed as menopause.
Michelle Dilger — a 60-year-old mom of two from Oxford, England — was 52 years old when she started experiencing confusion and speech difficulties. Her family also noticed she had emotional and behavioral changes.
“My mum is an incredibly intelligent woman. She’s always had amazing attention to detail; she’s brilliant with words,” her son Jack Dilger, 29, told the charity Brain Tumor Research. “Then suddenly, she started sending messages that didn’t really make sense. Her speech became confused and disjointed.”
“Looking back now, it was such a clear sign that something was seriously wrong,” he said.
Michelle Dilger
Credit: swns
Michelle went to the emergency room multiple times, but her symptoms were dismissed as menopause, anxiety and more.
“These doctors had known my mum for 20 years and knew her typical personality and capabilities. But you trust what GPs tell you, because you want to believe everything is okay,” he said.
Michelle Dilger in the hospital
Credit: swns
Michelle’s condition ultimately worsened to a point where she could barely speak and was having fainting episodes. It wasn’t until November 2018 that she finally got answers.
During a routine gynecology appointment, Michelle’s doctor saw how unwell she was and referred her for an emergency scan. Within 30 minutes, the scans revealed that she had a brain tumor.
“When I got a phone call from my dad, Richard, he was so distraught I could barely understand him. He said, ‘Your mum’s got a brain tumour’ and I felt like the ground had fallen beneath me,” Jack recalled. “It was completely harrowing.”
Michelle was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer for which there is no cure. She was given just 12 to 18 months to live, even with surgery.
Standard treatment for glioblastoma involves surgery to remove the tumor (if possible), followed by radiation and chemotherapy. The disease is considered a highly invasive tumor in the central nervous system because its cells reproduce extremely quickly. Those who are diagnosed with the malignant tumor have a median survival rate of about 14 to 14.5 months.
Michelle Dilger after surgery
Credit: swns
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Shortly after her diagnosis, Michelle underwent surgery and 97% of the tumor was removed. She was able to regain her speech before completing six weeks of radiation and 12 rounds of chemotherapy.
The treatment was grueling and took a toll on her physically, but Jack said his mother remained optimistic.
“Seeing someone you love go through such an ordeal is horrendous,” he said. “My mum is incredibly claustrophobic and really feared the MRI scanners, the masks and even the appointments. Despite everything, to this day, Mum has never complained once.”
Michelle defied the odds and her family celebrated every milestone as she continued treatment over the years. But in early 2023, her tumor returned and she required another surgery. This time, she suffered multiple complications and infections.
Michelle Dilger in the hospital
Credit: swns
Michelle’s complications ultimately led to her needing 13 brain surgeries in two years, and she now experiences speech difficulties and weakness on the right side of her body.
Today, Jack said that his mom’s brain cancer journey inspired him to support Brain Tumour Research, which focuses on funding scientific research for a cure. As an athlete, he decided to launch a sports performance brand Cramp Killa, with a portion of proceeds being donated to the charity.
“I hope the partnership will unite the endurance sport community behind the cause. Endurance athletes and runners raise millions for charity every year,” he told Southwest News Service. “If Cramp Killa can become part of that journey while helping fund research into brain tumours, that would mean everything to me.”
“As traumatic as this journey has been, we haven’t, and never will, give up hope for my mum and others,” he added.
Michelle Dilger and her son Jack Dilger
Credit: swns
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Dan Knowles, chief executive of Brain Tumour Research, told the outlet that Michelle’s story is a “powerful reminder” of why more research is needed, and praised Jack for his contribution.
“Our scientists are working tirelessly to unravel the underlying biology of these dreadful tumours and uncover new ways to attack them,” he said. “This invaluable partnership with Cramp Killa will help to fuel new discoveries and pave the way to smarter, kinder treatments for patients.”
“We are hugely grateful to Jack and everyone at Cramp Killa for supporting our vision to find a cure.”
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