Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Former North Melbourne Star Danielle Laidley Faces Urgent Surgery for Rare Brain Tumour
AFL icon Danielle Laidley, celebrated former North Melbourne player and coach, has disclosed a recent diagnosis of a rare brain tumour, necessitating immediate surgery. The revelation of this health challenge has been described by Laidley as profoundly impactful.
Shock Diagnosis of Subependymoma
The 58-year-old revealed her recent diagnosis of subependymoma, a benign tumour developing within the brain’s fluid-filled cavities. This rare type of brain tumour requires careful management due to its location.
Tumour Location Requires Immediate Operation
Compounding the complexity, Laidley’s tumour is situated on her spinal cord. This precarious location necessitates prompt surgical intervention to remove the growth and mitigate potential risks. The urgency of the operation underscores the sensitive nature of the tumour’s placement.
Initial Symptoms and Medical Investigation
Speaking on The Imperfects podcast, Laidley recounted the onset of symptoms. “I started experiencing headaches around October of last year. Following medical consultations and comprehensive scans, including CTE scans and MRIs, doctors identified a brain tumour at the base of my skull, impacting my spinal cord,” she explained.
Describing the tumour’s nature, Laidley quoted her surgeon, stating, “It’s not going to be fatal, but its position on my spinal cord mandates its removal.” She further illustrated the daily impact, saying, “It’s akin to walking with a pebble in your shoe. The discomfort fluctuates; some days are intensely painful, while others are manageable.”
Preparing for the Unexpected
The unexpected health news prompted Laidley and her partner, Donna Leckie, to confront potential serious outcomes. The diagnosis initially caused significant distress as they processed the implications.
“It truly caught us off guard,” Laidley admitted. “Initial thoughts turned to practicalities and contingency planning. The emotional toll during this period was considerable.”
Initial Reaction to the News
The severity of the news initially left both Laidley and Leckie speechless. The initial communication regarding the diagnosis was direct and stark: “You have a brain tumour, here’s a referral, proceed from there.”
Laidley noted the unusual silence, “Donna’s quietness was a clear indicator of the gravity of the situation.”
Understanding the Benign Nature of the Tumour
The initial shock subsided as the benign character of the tumour became clear. This clarification brought reassurance and a shift in perspective for the couple. Learning it was a non-cancerous brain tumour eased their immediate anxieties.
“At that initial point, the type of brain tumour was unknown. The term ‘brain tumour’ itself is instantly alarming,” Laidley recounted.
However, understanding the benign nature led to a more optimistic outlook. “Once we understood it was benign, we felt reassured. We realised, ‘we’re going to be alright’,” Laidley shared.
Living with the Diagnosis
Despite the positive prognosis, Laidley acknowledges the ongoing awareness of her condition. “Occasionally, the thought ‘I have a brain tumour’ resurfaces, which is the downside,” she admitted.
Yet, she emphasizes the positive aspects. “The significant upside is that this condition is treatable. It can be resolved, allowing us to resume our lives.”
Subependymoma Symptoms and Laidley’s Football Career
Subependymoma tumours can manifest through symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and visual disturbances. Laidley’s football journey commenced in 1987 with West Coast before her pivotal move to North Melbourne in 1993.
During her tenure with the Kangaroos, she played 99 games, achieving premiership success in 1996, and retiring the following year. Her transition to coaching included an assistant role at Collingwood under Mick Malthouse, followed by her appointment as senior coach at North Melbourne from 2003 to 2009.
Past Challenges and Transition Journey
In 2020, Laidley faced a challenging period following an arrest amid struggles with drug addiction. This difficult time was further complicated by the unauthorized dissemination of private images by a Victorian police officer. These leaked photos, depicting Laidley in custody while presenting as female, inadvertently made her gender transition public before she had personally shared it with her close circle.
Subsequently, Victoria Police’s internal discipline board mandated financial reparations from eleven officers involved in the leak. Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton issued a formal apology to Laidley, expressing his condemnation of the officers’ conduct.
In the Stan Original documentary “Revealed – Danielle Laidley: Two Tribes,” Laidley disclosed past experiences of exploring her gender identity even during her coaching career. “I would venture out while coaching, fully aware of the risks involved,” she stated. “My internal sense of self has always aligned with my external presentation today.”