Doctors dismissed teen’s brain tumor as ‘growing pains’

A British girl whose leg aches were dismissed as “growing pains” was surprised to learn she had a brain tumor.

“From the age of 6, [Honey] had four years of tests. But the doctors couldn’t see anything wrong other than growing pains, which they said were completely normal for her age,” mom Julie Ibbitson, 36, explained to SWNS.

“It got to the point where Honey was limping because to walk was too painful at times,” she continued. “My mother’s instinct was telling me there was more to it.”

Honey ended up being diagnosed at age 10 with a cerebellopontine angle epidermoid cyst, a rare, slow-growing tumor.

Now 15, Honey had surgery to remove the tumor in November at Birmingham Children’s Hospital in England.

She’s returned to school, where drama is her favorite subject — it’s one she’s very familiar with in her personal life.

“To look at her, you wouldn’t know everything Honey has been through,” gushed Julie, a hairdresser.

“We feel fortunate that she can return to school and lead the life you’d expect a 15-year-old should,” she added.

Julie said doctors believe that Honey probably had the tumor when she was in the womb, “which is terrifying to think about.”

Now, Julie is trying to raise money for the Brain Tumour Research charity by taking part in the 10,000 Steps a Day in February challenge.

As of Tuesday night, she’s collected about $120 of her $180 goal.

“The work of Brain Tumour Research is vital if we are to understand the complexity of brain tumors and eventually find a cure,” Julie said.

“It’s heartbreaking that brain tumors kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. I’m determined to be part of the solution,” she declared.

Mel Tiley, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said “Honey’s story is a stark reminder of the indiscriminate nature of brain tumors.”

In the US, the American Cancer Society predicted that nearly 19,000 people would die from brain and spinal cord tumors last year, and there would be 94,000 new brain tumor diagnoses.

One man chalked his brain tumor up to parenting headaches, while another thought his wife was cheating on him. He was actually suffering from a brain tumor.