A mom given beta blockers to get rid of migraines first thought to be caused by a sinus infection has died of a brain tumor.
Jennifer Roscoe, 38, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, a fast-growing tumor after she had regular bouts of vomiting and migraines.
Her GP originally thought she had a recurring sinus infection and she was given beta blockers to stop her symptoms, but they had no effect.
On June 2, 2019, the whole of Jennifer’s left-hand side went numb and she also started being sick and had blurred vision.
She was taken to A&E at Whiston Hospital in Prescot, UK, where an MRI scan revealed she had a brain tumor, which was removed by surgeons.
Jennifer underwent six months of concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy but tragically died at her home in St Helens, UK, on July 23.
Her husband David, 44, has now paid tribute to his ‘inspirational’ wife – who was also mom to their two children Emmy, ten, and Aria, seven.
Jennifer Roscoe, who was initially given beta blockers for migraines, with her daughters Emmy and Aria after her operation. (Brain Tumour Research via SWNS)
He said: “Thinking of others was Jen in a nutshell; she was very passionate about wanting to help people and raise awareness of brain tumors.
“She wanted to share everything about her journey, warts and all, it was so important to her.
“Jen has changed so many people’s lives while she’s been on this journey and changed their outlook on life, I’m super proud of her.
“She was such an inspirational mom to Emmy and Aria; she will be greatly missed but also greatly remembered.”
David that said after her treatment, they ‘had a good couple of years’ where they were able to tick off things on Jennifer’s bucket list, such as visiting Florida and Lapland.
But in January this year, an MRI revealed she had two new brain tumors and chemotherapy to treat them left her very unwell.
David said: “We had a good couple of years when the disease was stable and we were able to work through Jen’s bucket list, such as trips to Florida and Lapland.
“Anything she wanted to do, we did it.
“In January 2023, Jen started to have problems with her mobility and an MRI scan revealed two new tumors on her brain.
“She was put on a different type of chemotherapy, but she was quite poorly.”
“She suffered from confusion which escalated into dementia-type symptoms.
“The community team, which was made up of staff from Willowbrook Hospice, Macmillan, and the NHS were absolutely amazing and guided me on how to treat Jen at home.
“They put a really solid home care package in place; it removed a lot of anxiety from both of us and made us feel comfortable which was vital.”
Jennifer had previously spoken of her frustration at the lack of funding and research into brain tumors.
She even took on the 100 Squats or Star Jumps a Day challenge while battling the tumor, to raise vital funds to help find a cure.
David is now supporting Brain Tumour Research’s calls to increase UK Government funding to study the disease.
The charity needs to reach 100,000 signatures on its petition to increase research funding, in the hope of prompting a parliamentary debate.
David said: “I’ve signed the petition and encourage others to do the same.
“Jen and I really struggled to comprehend the lack of Government funding for brain tumors.”
“They are indiscriminate and affect people of any age, we shouldn’t have to ask for funding, it should already be there, it’s shocking.”
Matthew Price, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said his thoughts were with ‘all those who knew and loved’ Jennifer.
He said: “We’re deeply saddened to learn that Jennifer has died from this devastating disease.
“She was part of the Brain Tumour Research family, and our thoughts are with all those who knew and loved her.
“We are so grateful to David for supporting our petition and helping to raise awareness.
“If everyone can spare just a few minutes to sign and share, we will soon hit the 100,000 signatures we need and help find a cure, bringing hope to families whose loved ones have been affected by brain tumors.”
Produced in association with SWNS Talker
