Naomi's Brain Tumour Story: My Acoustic Neuroma (vestibular schwannoma)

Naomi was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma — also known as a vestibular schwannoma — in April 2016.But she knew something wasn’t right long before that.It started with a strange feeling in her ear, as though it was full of wax. Later came problems with balance and coordination, numbness down one side of her face, and the feeling that something was changing — even if it wasn’t immediately understood.Her diagnosis came after an urgent MRI, following a referral from her dentist.What followed was a long and complicated journey through treatment, hearing loss, regrowth, radiation side effects, vestibular rehabilitation, fatigue, identity loss, ill health retirement, and eventually rebuilding life in a completely different way.In this honest and powerful interview, Naomi shares:• The unusual symptoms that came years before diagnosis• The confusion around acoustic neuroma and whether it “counted” as a brain tumour• Choosing stereotactic radiosurgery• Losing hearing on one side• Facing regrowth and needing Gamma Knife treatment• The delayed side effects that changed her life again months later• Falling, fatigue, vestibular rehab and using a walking stick• Leaving the career that had shaped her identity• How Brainstrust helped her find herself again• Discovering creativity, volunteering and building Hope MosaicsNaomi’s story is not just about diagnosis and treatment.It’s about what happens after.It’s about grief, adjustment, identity, and finding new meaning in a life that no longer looks the way it once did.Now, nearly 10 years on from diagnosis, Naomi is using creativity to reconnect with herself and give back to the brain tumour community.This episode is part of a 31-day series sharing real brain tumour stories for Brain Tumour Awareness Month 2026.If this episode resonates with you, please share it. Every story helps raise awareness.⚠️ Content note: This episode discusses brain tumour diagnosis, treatment, hearing loss, fatigue, regrowth, and the emotional impact of long-term recovery.