Rose Biggs, a 35-year-old mother from Dartford, Kent, initially believed her headaches were simply the result of Christmas stress. However, what began as discomfort two weeks before the festive season escalated into a life-altering medical crisis.
From Tension to Tragedy
Rose, who works as a beautician, started experiencing what she assumed were tension headaches in mid-December. She attributed them to the pressures of planning Christmas celebrations for her family, including her husband Sam and their two children, Sonny, 10, and George, 7.
The situation took a dramatic turn on New Year's Eve when the pain became excruciating while she was working. This prompted her to visit her GP for medical advice. Concurrently, Rose noticed her eyesight deteriorating and booked an appointment with an optician, thinking she might need glasses.
Devastating Discovery
At the optician's appointment, medical professionals detected something unusual exerting pressure on her eyes. This led to an urgent referral for further tests. Rose and her husband Sam spent a night sleeping in a hospital corridor at Darent Valley Hospital while awaiting an MRI scan.
The scan results delivered devastating news: Rose had two lesions on her brain, indicating cancer. This diagnosis was particularly heartbreaking as Rose had previously battled breast cancer twice, undergoing a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and ultimately a mastectomy in October after the cancer returned.
"They told me that I had two lesions on the brain," Rose recalled. "We really thought the worst. It was awful, I just wanted to get out of there and get home. Sam got really upset and I was just a bit shocked to be honest."
Stage Four Diagnosis
Medical examination revealed the breast cancer had metastasized to Rose's brain, progressing to stage four. One tumor measuring approximately five centimeters was located at the back of her head, while a smaller four-millimeter tumor was found on her temple.
On January 27, Rose underwent surgery at The Royal London Hospital to remove the larger tumor. However, the smaller tumor couldn't be surgically removed, so she is scheduled to begin radiotherapy treatment next week.
Maintaining Positivity
Despite the grave diagnosis, Rose maintains a remarkably positive outlook. "Even though it is stage four, I found it really early so they are positive that I will live for a long time," she explained. "You just have to be positive otherwise I will crumble and I can't because I have got two kids."
Rose's cancer journey began in December 2022 when she discovered a lump in her breast while bathing. "When I was diagnosed with breast cancer I was shocked," she said. "I was only 32 and I had no family history of it. I am quite fit and healthy, but I don't think cancer really cares about that or your age."
Family Support and Fundraising
Rose's husband Sam, 37, who owns a scaffolding firm, has been researching alternative treatments both domestically and internationally. "I would go to the other side of the world to get her treatment if it meant prolonging her life or helping her survive," he stated.
To support cancer research and honor his wife, Sam is organizing a Three Peaks Challenge with a team of 12 participants. The grueling challenge involves scaling Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon. The fundraising effort has already surpassed £13,000 in donations.
"It has been very difficult," Sam acknowledged. "We have got two children, so it has been very tough mentally. They know what is going on just not the extent and how dangerous it is."
The family has received overwhelming support from their community, with £10,000 raised within just 24 hours of launching their fundraising campaign. "It is really overwhelming to see," Sam added.
Rose's story highlights the importance of taking persistent symptoms seriously and demonstrates remarkable resilience in the face of devastating health challenges.
