Brain tumour no match for ambitious Moot student

A smart and talented young woman with hopes of one day becoming a top quantity surveyor was recently diagnosed with a non-cancerous brain tumour at the age of 20.

Rachelle le Grange from the Moot in Pretoria got the devastating news that a tumour was growing in her brain after experiencing severe bouts of weakness, fatigue and vomiting.

“On all accounts, you would never say that I look sick. At this moment I feel just fine, but two weeks ago, I started experiencing strange episodes of fainting and balance problems that made the doctors suspect I had an ear problem.,” she said.

“The ear, nose and throat specialist ruled out any ear problems and I was referred to a neurologist that performed an MRI. That is when a big tumour was discovered on my brain that had already pushed my brainstem to the left side, obstructing blood vessels, which then essentially led to my symptoms,” Le Grange told Rekord.

Le Grange’s only option was to undergo an operation to remove the tumour urgently.

“The doctors informed me that radiation is not even an option because there is already so much pressure on my brain. The radiation might swell my brain even further before shrinking the tumour and my brain is already swollen to maximum capacity at this stage.”

Two doctors have already declined to operate due to the severity of the operation and the tremendous risk of serious consequences. One doctor at Milpark hospital has, however, agreed to do the surgery.

“I’m aware that I will be deaf in my right ear, the right side of my face will be paralysed and my swallowing nerves will be greatly affected.

“Another potential risk during the surgery is that I might have what the doctors refer to as a brainstem stroke, which is also potentially life-threatening. It is a big and risky surgery, so the doctor booked out an entire day to do this operation.”

Le Grange has her entire life to look forward to. She is an aspiring quantity surveyor and is in her third year of studies at the University of Pretoria.

She is extremely positive about the future and plans on doing her honours degree next year, once she has recovered from surgery.

Le Grange’s medical aid only covers a small part of her medical costs and an astounding R600 000 was acquired to have the surgery next week.

If you would like to read more about Rachelle le Grange’s brain tumour and how you can help, click here visit her backabuddy page at

 www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/rachelle-le-grange

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