Teen drank five litres of water a day before devastating diagnosis
A teenager's insatiable thirst turned out to be a symptom of a rare hidden brain tumour, leaving her family and doctors stunned.
Alissa Bowman, now 17, began suffering from "extreme thirst" in June 2023, which led to her consuming an excessive amount – up to five litres – of water daily and night. Her intake soared from about two litres a day to over twice the recommended level, as she couldn't satisfy her need for hydration.
Despite gulping down gallons, Alissa's thirst remained unquenched. Suspecting early signs of diabetes, her mum Fran, 49, took her to their local GP in Leeds for blood tests.
Nevertheless, these tests did not reveal the underlying issue, leaving the cause a mystery.
As the year progressed, Alissa's symptoms only got worse; she felt "constantly exhausted" and lost her appetite. During a trip to Thailand in October 2023, her condition became so dire she required a rehydration drip for severe dehydration, reports the Mirror.
By December, she was bedridden due to her body being severely undernourished.
The situation came to a head when Alissa, from Leeds, was admitted to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, on December 22. An MRI scan there uncovered a cancerous brain tumour that was so unique that the doctors couldn't even classify it.
Unbeknownst to anyone until that point, this tumour had compromised her pituitary gland function, responsible for producing vital hormones.
Fran recalled the heartbreaking moment, saying: "It was awful news to hear, and my heart just dropped for Alissa – she was strong beyond her years. But medics didn't know what type of tumour she had, and so they had to try and figure that out before they gave her a prognosis."
Despite undergoing further examinations and biopsies, doctors were stumped by the type of brain tumour afflicting Alissa, and after several months she commenced chemotherapy in a staunch bid to conquer it once and for all. She was told by experts that her tumour was incredibly unique, even being touted as the first case of its kind globally.
Alissa showed tremendous fortitude, completing six cycles of chemotherapy. By November 2024, there was cause for celebration as her tumour had diminished by an astounding 90 per cent.
Recounting the initial concerns, her mum Fran said, "Alissa's constant thirst sent alarm bells ringing. I thought it might be type 2 diabetes, but medics ruled that out. When the doctor said it was a brain tumour, we couldn't believe it."
With its exceptional nature, Alissa's condition has been put forward for discussion at a national conference to establish the specifics of her tumour. Furthermore, she's participating in a research initiative based in Newcastle which aims to delve deeper into her particular case.
"It's been the hardest couple of years of our lives," her mum reflected. "But Alissa is a tough cookie. She is the bravest, most inspirational person I know. I'm in awe of her bravery."
Determined to make a difference, Fran is gearing up to tackle the London Marathon on Sunday April 27 to rally support and funds for the Brain Tumour Research Charity. Remarkably, she has already amassed over €24,500 (£21,000) in donations.
"That's why I set myself the challenge of the London Marathon," her mum explained. "She's been through so much; now it's my time to be challenged. I'm proud to be running for the Brain Tumour Research Charity so they can continue to help families like us."
Fran confessed to feeling a mix of nerves and excitement about the upcoming marathon, but she's driven by a powerful cause. She shared her feelings: "I'm nervous about the run, but I'm also excited and honoured to be running for such a good cause. I'm running for my superstar Alissa, but for anyone who needs or will need the Brain Tumour Charity. I had no idea how important the research they do is – Alissa's story has shown me how vital it is. Alissa's fighting spirit makes her so very special."
JustGiving's Pascale Harvie couldn't hold back her praise for the awe-inspiring fundraising efforts of Fran. Harvie expressed: "Fran's fundraiser is an incredible tribute to her daughter Alissa's ongoing strength and determination. By taking on the London Marathon, Fran has already raised an incredible £21k for The Brain Tumour Charity, and we at JustGiving cannot applaud her enough."
To chip in and support Fran's heartfelt marathon run, donations are welcome here.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Post
a day ago
- Irish Post
Irish healthtech firm partners with NHS trusts to improve radiology services
AN Irish healthtech firm will partner with three major NHS trusts to improve access to radiology services for their patients. xWave Technologies has agreed the partnership with the trusts in the Greater Manchester region who will use their clinical decision support (CDS) tool to streamline access to medical imaging procedures. Led by the Greater Manchester Imaging Network, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust and the Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will all begin rolling out the new scheme, titled GP Direct Access, later this year. It will allow GPs to directly order CT scans of the chest, stomach and hip areas of the body and MRI scans of the brain, in addition to the x-rays and ultrasounds they can already order. Mitchell O'Gorman, CEO at xWave (Pic: Nick Bradshaw) The software provides guidance to doctors in ordering the most appropriate scan for patients as it integrates with the Royal College of Radiologists' iRefer guidelines. 'We're incredibly excited to work with such forward-thinking trusts to deliver clinical decision support at scale,' xWave Technologies CEO Mitchell O'Gorman said. 'At a time when radiology waiting lists are growing and workforce shortages are intensifying, tools like ours can help trusts deliver faster, smarter, and more equitable access to diagnostic imaging.' He added: 'The rollout of xWave's platform comes as NHS England is making additional funding available for NHS trusts that have not yet adopted clinical decision support solutions. 'This funding is intended to support broader adoption of CDS technologies, such as xWave CDS, to reduce unnecessary imaging, alleviate pressure on radiology services, and ensure patients receive timely and accurate diagnoses.' The technology is set to be rolled out across Greater Manchester throughout 2025 and 2026. 'We are delighted to be introducing this innovative technology across three of our NHS Trusts,' Catherine Walsh, Associate Director of the Greater Manchester Imaging Network, said. 'These tools will not only improve outcomes for patients by ensuring they get the right scan at the right time, but they will also support our hardworking GPs and radiology teams by streamlining workflows and optimising use of limited resources,' she added. See More: Greater Manchester, Ireland, Nhs, Radiology, UK, XWave
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Next sandals hailed as 'very comfortable' with shoppers buying multiple pairs
Next customers are smitten with a chic €61.50 pair of sandals, which have enticed customers to repeatedly come back for more. The Lipsy Black Standard Fit Elastic Low Wedge Espadrille Sandals have been dubbed "very comfortable" by satisfied shoppers. The range includes standard, wide and extra wide fits, with a variety of colour choices, though availability may vary by size. Some shoppers were so taken with the stylish sandals that they've bought them multiple times, as one customer shared: "I have purchased these 3 times as I absolutely love them." However, sizing issues were mentioned by other purchasers, hence it's advised to check out reviews thoroughly before buying, reports the Mirror. Before taking the plunge on Next's sought-after sandals, it might be wise to peruse through the array of critiques for the Lipsy Black Standard Fit Elastic Low Wedge Espadrille Sandals. One particularly customer enthused about the fit: "Good fit true to size, very comfortable great to walk in. Wore them for my flight to Barbados to join a cruise and had them on over 12 hours so very pleased with them." Another fan gushed: "Some of the most comfortable wedges ever worn!! Love them and now have in three different colours!" Another shopper added: "I bought the navy Lipsy sandals and they are so comfortable to wear, I decided to get the nude ones as they will go with any outfit. Great price too." On the other hand, a customer was unimpressed, remarking: "Compete rubbish for the money. Sent them back." Another shopper observed: "I bought these sandals last year in a couple of colours. They go really nice with jeans, and are really comfortable. The quality of this pair doesn't seem as sturdy. I don't think they are going to last as long." Regarding sizing issues, one buyer expressed disappointment: "I was I bit disappointed with these. One of the shoes fit better than the other which feels a bit loose." When it came to the wide-fit option, views were mixed. An elated customer commented: "Such lovely comfortable sandals with a lightweight wedge heel. Being elasticated at front they don't hurt your feet. Quite expensive but worth it for comfort." Echoing the praise, another enthusiast noted: "I have purchased these 3 times as I absolutely love them. Very comfortable and look lovely. Good fit. Excellent delivery service." However, someone else had some constructive criticism about the design: "So pleased to find wide foot sandals with a decent wedge heel." One buyer noted a minor issue, saying: "My only criticism is that there could be slightly more padding under the foot, however I don't intend doing long treks in them so they'll be fine for what I'll be using them for. Bought two pairs one black one navy, size 5 UK, foot is a little long there's a bit of a gap at the heel." A different shopper remarked on the fit: "Perhaps I shouldn't have ordered wide fit, although I usually need these, but the straps were too loose and I had to return these sandals." On the flip side, another satisfied customer shared their positive experience: "I bought a pair last year they were so comfy I brought another pair but in a different colour. Highly recommend especially if you have wide feet."
Dublin Live
3 days ago
- Dublin Live
Woman's naked body discovered on notorious party island in popular holiday hotspot
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The naked body of a British holidaymaker was discovered by a local resident on the infamous 'Full Moon Party' island this morning. Police hurried to the scene and found the 54-year-old washed up on a beach in Koh Phangan, southern Thailand. She was found lying face-down wearing only an orange bra, with her underwear having floated ashore nearby, reports the Mirror. Officers reported no signs of assault on her body. The Full Moon Party, which originated on the island of Ko Phangan in 1985, occurs every month on Haad Rin Beach - on the night of, before, or after every full moon. This year's event is scheduled for next week on June 10. The woman was transported to the Koh Phangan Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Police Lieutenant Pongnaphat Somboon of the Koh Phangan Police Station stated: "An X-ray of the victim's body found a large amount of sand and water in her lungs. We believe the cause of death was drowning. We will call the British Embassy to notify her relatives." The woman was discovered by local resident Theerapong while he was out for a stroll in the area at 6.30am. Authorities said the woman had been on the island for about a month and was residing in a nearby bungalow. She intended to check out of the accommodation on June 11 - one day after the island's Full Moon Party. Staff noted the woman frequently consumed alcohol and it's been reported she injured her head after a tumble outside a supermarket on June 2. Locals came to her aid, escorting her back to her accommodation, where she declined any medical help. Upon discovering her remains, officers conducted a room check and found her possessions undisturbed. The woman is thought to have last been observed enjoying a swim at the beach on Monday evening. Police Lieutenant Pongnaphat commented: "We do not believe there is anything suspicious but CCTV images will be checked to ensure that the death was accidental." Fatalities sadly continue to loom over sought-after spots such as Phuket, Pattaya, and Krabi due to potent rip currents, inadequate swimming skills, and ignoring safety signage. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
