A wife has revealed how her husband’s 'grumpiness', which was once laughed off as 'just moaning', turned out to be a subtle sign of a serious illness.
For years, Jean Gurrey didn’t think much of her husband Mark’s tendency to gripe about everything, from the weather to the news, or even the neighbors. She thought it was just part of his personality and even found it a bit endearing. But in late 2022, something about his mood began to feel different.
Jean, 69, said: "His good-natured complaining became part of the family’s humor, and we all took joy in it together. But what had once been light-hearted and affectionate became sharper; he grew more critical and short-tempered.”
Over time, Jean, from Chemsford, Essex, in the UK, noticed her husband's complaints sharpen, and quieter symptoms began surfacing.
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At first, Jean put it down to age, but Mark, 70, soon began having mini seizures and hearing strange bursts of music in his head.
Jean recalled: "It happened in short bursts, perhaps two or three times a week. He could never place the tune and sometimes it was a voice that lasted just a few seconds.
"He insisted it didn’t trouble him and even admitted he quite liked it."
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A CT scan eventually revealed the devastating news that Mark had a brain tumor.
He was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, in January 2023, and began treatment with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy under NHS care.
The side effects were brutal, leaving him with chronic fatigue.
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For a brief moment, the treatment seemed to work, as the tumour shrank and his personality returned to normal. But just a month later, the symptoms came back.
"The oncologist spoke to us about trials, but there was nothing Mark qualified for," Jean explained. "His tumour had recurred very aggressively."
Tragically, Mark passed away at the age of 70 in February 2024.
"The unrelenting nature of Mark’s particular type of tumour is devastating," the grieving widow said. "It sneaks up like an assassin in the night and takes no prisoners."
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Since his death, Jean has worked with Brain Tumour Research, the UK charity dedicated to finding a cure. And Abridge Golf Club, where Mark played for years, raised over £2,000 in his honour.
She added, “Greater understanding and awareness of this disease, even of its subtlest warning signs, is vital.”
"With more investment in research, we can find kinder treatments that extend lives and give families hope."
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Charlie Allsebrook from Brain Tumour Research added: "Mark’s story is sadly not uncommon. Treatment options have barely changed in decades.
"With support from people like Jean, we’re pushing for change."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.
Vinay Sharma