From Headaches to Brain Surgery | A Childhood Craniopharyngioma Story

An episode of the Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk Show podcast, hosted by Claire Bullimore, titled "From Headaches to Brain Surgery | A Childhood Craniopharyngioma Story" was published on March 2, 2026 and runs 15 minutes.

March 2, 2026 ·15m · Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk Show

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Summary

Julia is the mum of Scarlett, who was diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma just two weeks after her 5th birthday.What began as headaches and persistent vomiting was initially dismissed as a stomach bug, food intolerance, and even a urine infection. But Julia knew something wasn’t right.After multiple visits to A&E and continued symptoms, a CT scan finally revealed the cause: a brain tumour.In this powerful and emotional account, Julia shares:The red flags that were missedThe frustration of not being heardThe moment doctors said “brain tumour”Emergency transfer for specialist neurosurgerySurgery and the placement of a reservoirProton beam therapyLong-term hormonal impact and adrenal insufficiencyManaging daily medication and emergency injectionsThe incredible resilience of a five-year-oldThe charities that supported their family through treatmentScarlett’s tumour was confirmed as a craniopharyngioma — a benign but complex tumour located near the pituitary gland and optic nerves. While not cancerous, its position has lifelong implications.Now over a year post-treatment, Scarlett is stable and thriving.This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to parental instinct and understanding that “benign” does not mean simple.⚠️ This episode discusses childhood brain tumours and surgery.If this story resonates with you, please share to help raise awareness during Brain Tumour Awareness Month.

Episode Description

Julia is the mum of Scarlett, who was diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma just two weeks after her 5th birthday.

What began as headaches and persistent vomiting was initially dismissed as a stomach bug, food intolerance, and even a urine infection. But Julia knew something wasn’t right.

After multiple visits to A&E and continued symptoms, a CT scan finally revealed the cause: a brain tumour.

In this powerful and emotional account, Julia shares:

The red flags that were missed
The frustration of not being heard
The moment doctors said “brain tumour”
Emergency transfer for specialist neurosurgery
Surgery and the placement of a reservoir
Proton beam therapy
Long-term hormonal impact and adrenal insufficiency
Managing daily medication and emergency injections
The incredible resilience of a five-year-old
The charities that supported their family through treatment

Scarlett’s tumour was confirmed as a craniopharyngioma — a benign but complex tumour located near the pituitary gland and optic nerves. While not cancerous, its position has lifelong implications.

Now over a year post-treatment, Scarlett is stable and thriving.

This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to parental instinct and understanding that “benign” does not mean simple.

⚠️ This episode discusses childhood brain tumours and surgery.

If this story resonates with you, please share to help raise awareness during Brain Tumour Awareness Month.