A mother who began experiencing mild headaches was dealt a devastating blow after doctors discovered she had a 7.4cm brain tumour.
Mother-of-two Ashley Hankin, 39, began to feel like her head was being squeezed when her symptoms started coming on and off in July.
The aspiring teacher, who recently completed her degree after eight gruelling years, would experience the pain for 10-second intervals.
Ms Hankin had put off getting her symptoms checked even though her GP had referred her for a CT scan.
He had the scan on July 29 before doctors discovered he had a tumor after noticing swelling in his brain.
Hankin’s sister, Amy Hardie, said doctors initially thought the tumor was only 1.8 cm (0.7 in) in size, but it was much larger.
“We were like, ‘Okay, it’s a small tumor. It’s going to be okay, you know? It’s going to be okay,'” Hardie said. 7News.
“And then they said it’s 7.4 cm, it’s very big. It practically takes up the entire frontal lobe.”
Doctors told mother-of-two Ashley Hankin, 39 (pictured), she had a 7.4cm brain tumour after the aspiring teacher experienced mild headaches.
Doctors said the tumour had most likely been growing for several years and they were surprised that Ms Hankin had not experienced any symptoms until last month.
It is not known what type of tumor he has.
Ms Hankin will have surgery next month, but because of the location of the tumour, the cancer cells cannot be completely removed.
The shocking diagnosis has turned Hankin’s world upside down and his plans to start his dream job are now up in the air.
Ms Hankin is also struggling with the difficult task of telling her children about her health battle.
“He’s worried about not being able to do things and live a life with them,” Hardie said.
She has created a GoFundMe to help Ms. Hankin’s family fund the cost of her surgery and ongoing medical care.
Donations have raised about $10,600 so far, with the target figure being $90,000.
Ms Hankin (pictured), who recently completed her teaching qualification, is also struggling with the daunting task of having to tell her children about her health battle.
Ms Hardie said her sister has urged others to prioritise their wellbeing and not put off any warning signs or symptoms.
“If you have any concerns or feel anything strange, go get checked out,” Hardie said.