Welcome back to another inspiring episode of Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk Show! Today, we sit down with the courageous Leander Stones as she shares her remarkable story of battling a brain tumour, where the removal of her Sphenoid Wing Meningioma left her with Hemiplegia. Join us as Leander opens up about her life-changing experience and the strength she found in the face of adversity.

Follow Aunty M Brain Tumours on:

You can also find out more on the Aunty M Brain Tumours Blog -⁠⁠  ⁠⁠Click Here.⁠⁠ 

Emma had been experiencing persistent headaches and dizziness for six months. Despite multiple visits to her GP, various medications, and even trying beta-blockers, her condition didn't improve, and the headaches became unbearable. Emma decided to seek private medical care, leading to an MRI that delivered devastating news: she had a brain tumour pressing against her left optic nerve. She would soon be having two brain surgeries and radiotherapy. 

After further consultation with a radiologist, Emma was informed that she likely had a meningioma. Unfortunately, complete removal of the tumour was not possible as it was wrapped around her optic nerve. The medical team proposed surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible, followed by radiotherapy. However, the nature of the tumour meant that she would still lose part of her sight.

To help with the double vision caused by third nerve palsy, Emma consulted an ophthalmologist who designed a special contact lens for her. This lens, with a black backing, allows her to wear it daily and significantly reduces her double vision.

Here she shares her experience.

Follow Aunty M Brain Tumours on:

You can also find out more on the Aunty M Brain Tumours Blog -⁠  ⁠⁠Click Here.⁠⁠ 

In September 2012, Sarah Collins, mother of two, was at the peak of her singing career, performing in bands and enjoying good health; However, her life took an unexpected turn when she discovered a brain tumour eight weeks after giving birth to her daughter. Looking back, she recalls moments during her pregnancy when she experienced headaches and unsteadiness but attributed them to normal pregnancy symptoms.

Listen here to her story.

Follow Aunty M Brain Tumours on:

You can also find out more on the Aunty M Brain Tumours Blog -  ⁠⁠Click Here.⁠⁠ 

In 2004, Dr. Helen Bulbeck's life took an unexpected turn when her daughter, Meg, was diagnosed with a grade 2 brain tumour at the tender age of 18. The shocking diagnosis left the family feeling lost and desperate for support, but little help was available for brain tumour patients and their families at that time. Determined to find a solution, Helen and her family embarked on a journey that would not only change their lives but also impact the lives of countless others facing similar challenges. This is the incredible story of how Brainstrust, a charity founded by Dr. Helen Bulbeck and her family, has become a beacon of hope and support for brain tumour patients and their loved ones.

Listen here to her story.

Follow Aunty M Brain Tumours on:

You can also learn more about Dr Helen Bulbeck on the Aunty M Brain Tumours Blog -  ⁠⁠⁠Click Here.⁠⁠⁠ 

In this interview with Shona Floyd, she talks about her daughter Tasha, who tragically passed away from a brain tumour.

Shona highlights the importance of brain donation for research purposes, specifically for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas (DIPG), the type of brain tumour Tasha had. She emphasizes the need for more brain samples to aid researchers in finding a cure for this aggressive form of brain tumour.

Listen here to her story.

Follow Aunty M Brain Tumours on:

You can also find out more on the Aunty M Brain Tumours Blog -  ⁠⁠Click Here.⁠⁠ 

Elizabeth Silvas, also known as Lizzy The Hedgehog, shares her inspiring story of overcoming a brain tumour and meningitis at the age of 11. Initially misdiagnosed with migraines, Lizzy's condition worsened until she was finally diagnosed with a brain tumour above her brainstem. Facing the difficult decision of whether to undergo surgery, Lizzy bravely chose the operation, which successfully removed the non-cancerous tumour. However, the surgery left her with speech difficulties and right-side weakness, requiring extensive rehabilitation.

After returning to school, Lizzy encountered bullying due to her disabilities, particularly during physical education classes. To cope with the challenges, one of her doctors suggested she explore hobbies, leading her to discover the Sonic The Hedgehog video game and comics. This newfound passion gave her solace and helped her overcome the stress and worry associated with her illness and recovery, ultimately playing a crucial role in her healing process.

Lizzy's resilience and the support from her family and Sonic The Hedgehog helped her navigate through adversity and find strength in her journey towards recovery.

Listen here to her story.

Follow Aunty M Brain Tumours on:

You can also find out more on the Aunty M Brain Tumours Blog -  ⁠Click Here.⁠ 

Dawn Hamill, a brave and inspirational woman, survived a non-cancerous brain tumour (Parasaggital Meningioma) in 2008 and later Grade 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Breast Cancer in 2014. She emphasizes the importance of support and loved ones in overcoming life's battles. For survivors, acceptance of the changes caused by health conditions is an ongoing process, and it can be challenging to adjust to new limitations and aspirations. Dawn offers advice to those diagnosed with a brain tumour, suggesting taking each day at a time, being kind to oneself, seeking information from reputable sources, joining support groups, accepting counselling, and embracing change. She encourages living in the moment and finding joy in each experience. Additionally, Dawn shares that she fulfilled a list of life goals before turning 50, which included a parachute jump, learning piano, hiking, visiting the Grand Canyon, ballroom dancing, and enjoying afternoon tea at the Ritz hotel. Her story is a testament to resilience and the importance of cherishing life's moments.

Listen here to her extraordinary story.

Follow Aunty M Brain Tumours on:

You can also find out more about Dawn on the Aunty M Brain Tumours Blog -  Click Here 

Julie Liddle shares her experience when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour and how she became a Brain Tumour Support Worker. 

Follow Aunty M Brain Tumours on:

Don't forget to check out the Aunty M Brain Tumours Website.

(This Recording was held at Croydon Radio as a part of the Brain Tumour Thursday Show,  Dates between 2013 and 2016) 

Dawn Hamill has survived not only a brain tumour but also breast cancer.  Dawn was diagnosed with Benign Parasaggital Meningioma in November 2008 and later on in 2014 was diagnosed with Grade 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Breast Cancer. 

Listen here to her extraordinary story and how she has gone on to be a blogger.

Follow Aunty M Brain Tumours on:

You can also find out more about Dawn on the Aunty M Brain Tumours Blog -  Click Here 

We can all get overwhelmed with the day to day challenges. If you have been affected by a brain tumour you are more than likely finding relaxing impossible?  

Nigel Lowson has shared his experience on the Aunty M Brain Tumours Blog Here: 

Part 1

Part 2

Find out more about Nigel's courses here: https://zest-online.thinkific.com

Don't forget to check out the Aunty M Brain Tumours Website.

Follow Aunty M Brain Tumours on:

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Pinterest