EPISODE · Mar 15, 2026 · 14 MIN
Living With a Grade 4 Astrocytoma: Jo's Story
from Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk Show · host Claire Bullimore
Jo had already faced cancer once.After surviving breast cancer a decade earlier, she believed that chapter of her life was closed. But in 2024, after months of headaches, exhaustion, brain fog and anxiety — symptoms she thought were menopause — everything changed.A seizure at work led to an emergency hospital admission and the devastating news: a Grade 4 Astrocytoma, IDH-mutant, deep within her brain.In this episode, Jo shares:The shock of being diagnosed with a fast-moving brain tumourBeing told it was Grade 4 — and choosing not to hear survival statisticsBrain surgery to remove 90% of a 6cm tumourSix weeks of daily radiotherapyChemotherapy treatment after already enduring it years beforeThe emotional impact of living with a “stable but not gone” diagnosisNavigating disability benefits and financial changesThe vital support of Maggie’s, Macmillan, and brain tumour charitiesThe love and strength of her husband, JoeJo speaks with honesty about depression, identity changes, exhaustion, and the ongoing anxiety of scan results — while also expressing deep gratitude for the NHS team who cared for her.Her tumour is currently stable. And for now, that is everything.This is Jo’s story.If this episode resonates with you, please share it to raise awareness of brain tumours and the reality of living with a Grade 4 diagnosis.⚠️ Content note: This episode includes discussion of seizures, brain tumour diagnosis, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, depression, and anxiety.#BrainTumourAwarenessMonth #Astrocytoma #Grade4BrainTumour #IDH-mutant
What this episode covers
Jo had already faced cancer once.After surviving breast cancer a decade earlier, she believed that chapter of her life was closed. But in 2024, after months of headaches, exhaustion, brain fog and anxiety — symptoms she thought were menopause — everything changed.A seizure at work led to an emergency hospital admission and the devastating news: a Grade 4 Astrocytoma, IDH-mutant, deep within her brain.In this episode, Jo shares:The shock of being diagnosed with a fast-moving brain tumourBeing told it was Grade 4 — and choosing not to hear survival statisticsBrain surgery to remove 90% of a 6cm tumourSix weeks of daily radiotherapyChemotherapy treatment after already enduring it years beforeThe emotional impact of living with a “stable but not gone” diagnosisNavigating disability benefits and financial changesThe vital support of Maggie’s, Macmillan, and brain tumour charitiesThe love and strength of her husband, JoeJo speaks with honesty about depression, identity changes, exhaustion, and the ongoing anxiety of scan results — while also expressing deep gratitude for the NHS team who cared for her.Her tumour is currently stable. And for now, that is everything.This is Jo’s story.If this episode resonates with you, please share it to raise awareness of brain tumours and the reality of living with a Grade 4 diagnosis.⚠️ Content note: This episode includes discussion of seizures, brain tumour diagnosis, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, depression, and anxiety.#BrainTumourAwarenessMonth #Astrocytoma #Grade4BrainTumour #IDH-mutant
NOW PLAYING
Living With a Grade 4 Astrocytoma: Jo's Story
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.