Mom’s ‘disjointed speech’ dismissed as menopause was brain cancer

By Alexandra Snow

A mom's "confused and disjointed" speech was dismissed as menopausal symptoms before she was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer.

Michelle Dilger was diagnosed with a glioblastoma and given just 12 months to live at the age of 52.

Michelle’s speech became “confused and disjointed" which led her family to take her to multiple doctor's appointments, where she was initially brushed off as simply menopausal.

It wasn’t until a gynecologist noticed her symptoms that the mom-of-two was referred for an emergency scan which found the brain tumor. After her diagnosis, she had to undergo major surgery at John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.

Despite being given a devastating prognosis, Michelle, now aged 60, has inspired her son to dedicate his work to supporting vital research.

Jack Dilger, 29, from Henley-on-Thames, is donating $1.25 from every sale of his new sports performance brand, Cramp Killa, to the charity Brain Tumour Research, which uses artificial intelligence to try and improve glioblastoma treatments.

Jack was in his final year of studying marketing at the University of the West of England in 2018 when his mom became unwell.

He said: “My mom is an incredibly intelligent woman. She’s always had amazing attention to detail; she’s brilliant with words.

“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.”

Multiple trips to the doctor and A&E led to devastating misdiagnoses, including menopause and anxiety.

Jack said: “It was only after a routine gynecology appointment in November 2018 that the consultant saw how unwell she was and referred her for an emergency scan where the tumor was discovered in the 30 minutes it took to complete.

“When I got a phone call from my dad, Richard, he was so distraught I could barely understand him. He said, ‘Your mom’s got a brain tumor’ and I felt like the ground had fallen beneath me.”

Jack said this experience changed him and inspired him to support Brain Tumour Research, because of its focus on funding scientific research and finding a cure.

Jack said: “The experience transformed my outlook on life and inspired me to build a brand with a purpose beyond sport.

“Cramp Killa isn’t just about helping athletes perform at their best. It’s about creating something positive from an incredibly difficult experience.

“Every order placed means another contribution towards finding a cure for brain tumors.”

Jack was also inspired by his British swimmer friend Archie Goodburn, who has qualified for the upcoming Commonwealth Games despite being diagnosed with three oligodendrogliomas at the age of 23.

Brain tumors kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer, and more women under 35 than breast cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumors since records began in 2002.

Jack said: “I hope the partnership will unite the endurance sport community behind the cause.

“Endurance athletes and runners raise millions for charity every year.

“If Cramp Killa can become part of that journey while helping fund research into brain tumors, that would mean everything to me.”

Dan Knowles, chief executive of Brain Tumour Research, said: “Michelle’s story is a powerful reminder of why greater investment in research is urgently needed.

“Our scientists are working tirelessly to unravel the underlying biology of these dreadful tumors and uncover new ways to attack them.

“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.”