As March comes to a close, Fort Regent will light up today to mark the end of Brain Tumour Awareness Month – a cause that has deeply affected many islanders.
Express reporter Antonia Rubio spoke to those impacted, highlighting their personal experiences of living with a brain tumour…
Fiona Potts was diagnosed with a right parafalcine occipital meningioma brain tumour in April 2021 at the age of 51.
She noticed initial symptoms in 2020 – including dizziness, vertigo, visual issues, slurred speech and mood changes – which were dismissed as ear infections, vertigo and menopause.
After multiple visits to the GP, Fiona was referred for scans and investigations – and doctors discovered that she had a brain tumour the size of a lime.
A biopsy concluded it was a grade 1 brain tumour, and Fiona experienced periods of anxiety and depression during her wait for surgery.
“It can be incredibly isolating and lonely when you get the diagnosis,” she said.
“It is your brain and the fact is, even if surgery is available, you have the additional worry of will you wake up the same.
“It’s really hard to explain how you feel.”
Fiona underwent a craniotomy at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London, which included temporarily removing the bone flap from the skull to gain access to the brain and remove the tumour.
She spent a week in the hospital following her surgery, and a further 16 weeks off work due to complications to her left visual field.
She now receives ongoing annual reviews in order to monitor any potential regrowth.
Jersey Brain Tumour Charity supported Fiona throughout her treatment in 2021.
She became a trustee the following year and was named as the charity’s Chair last year.
Fiona said: “I want people to know that low-grade and benign tumours are still not fine.
“Many people have regrowth, life changing complications.
“There are 120 types of tumours and it is the luck of the draw which one you get. Less than 25% are low grade.”
But, despite her experience of having a brain tumour, Fiona said: “I feel so lucky on a daily basis.”
SUPPORT…
Jersey Brain Tumour supports those affected by a brain tumour and their loved ones.
The charity offers emotional and practical support, such as free one-to-one counselling and peer support through their “buddies” support group.
If you or someone you know requires support from Jersey Brain Tumour Charity, you can contact the team by email at admin@jerseybraintumour.com.