Man starts getting headaches - then his world falls apart

A man’s seemingly ordinary headaches soon led to a life-altering diagnosis. Mitch Jenderko, 31, began experiencing headaches in early 2024, which he initially blamed on long working hours and prolonged exposure to computer screens. However, the situation took a drastic turn in mid-July when he suffered a seizure at work, prompting immediate medical attention. At the hospital, brain scans revealed a tumour, initially thought to be low-grade and benign. Doctors grew increasingly concerned after observing “major changes in the tumour’s behaviour” during a follow-up scan, leading to emergency surgery in September 2024. Six weeks later, in October 2024, a biopsy confirmed the tumour was an aggressive, grade four astrocytoma. Mitch was informed he had a life expectancy of 18 months to two years. Despite the grim prognosis, Mitch and his future wife, Gemma Jenderko, 32, decided to marry shortly after the operation, choosing to focus on the present rather than dwell on the uncertain future. They tied the knot six months after the surgery, driven by a shared determination to make the most of their time together. The couple is now expecting their first child. Mitch, a former recruitment consultant from Telford, Shropshire, described the initial stages of his illness as a gradual realization. “I did have headaches but nothing I would have put down to more than everyday work stress, long hours and a fast-paced job,” he recalled. “But then I had a seizure at work, and after that they found the brain tumour.” Following surgery at Royal Stoke University Hospital, Mitch endured a difficult waiting period for biopsy results. When the findings emerged, the severity of his condition stunned both him and the medical team. “Even the team were shocked when it turned out to be stage four,” he said. Gemma, a senior talent partner, described the emotional toll of the diagnosis. “I have PTSD from the appointment where we were told Mitch had stage four cancer,” she said. “Your world just falls apart, it didn’t feel real. It was devastating. Now we’re just taking things three months at a time for each scan, but the baby is giving us something to keep positive for.” The couple faced the challenge of breaking the news to family and friends, a process that required careful planning and emotional resilience. In the following month, Mitch proposed to Gemma, and the couple embarked on eight months of intensive treatment, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Remarkably, Mitch even underwent chemotherapy on the morning of their wedding day in May 2025. “Treatment was intense, not just physically but mentally,” he said. “I wasn’t sleeping well and every day was draining. It was really hard.” While recent scans have shown no signs of active disease, the cancer’s incurable nature means it could return at any time. Gemma emphasized that the prognosis has remained unchanged despite periods of stability. “The prognosis remains the same, incurable, regardless of stable scans,” she noted. Mitch, however, maintains a positive outlook. He recently completed the Brighton Marathon in April as part of a fundraiser for the Brain Tumour Charity, raising over £4,700. Their baby is due in January, and Mitch expressed optimism about the upcoming developments. “I’m very positive and keep a great outlook,” he said. “My last scan came back clear, and then finding out Gem is pregnant, it was a double dose of good news for us.” Support organizations such as The Brain Tumour Charity emphasize the importance of community and shared experiences in coping with such diagnoses. Shannon Winslade, head of services at the charity, stated, “We’re really grateful to everyone who shares their, often heartbreaking, story to raise awareness.” The charity encourages individuals to seek support through their specialist teams, offering assistance via phone or online resources.