Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk Show
by Claire Bullimore
Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk Show - A podcast sharing inspiring stories of brain tumour survivors. Join our supportive community for heartfelt interviews, insights from medical experts, and empowering tales of resilience. Tune in, be inspired, and spread awareness on the path of brain tumour recovery.I’d love for you to join me on the podcast. If you have a story to share, advice to give, or just want to be part of the conversation, please reach out! Your voice could be the one that someone else needs to hear.
Episodes
-
Earlier Brain Tumour Diagnosis: Red Flags Every GP Should Know
This is the final episode of Brain Tumour Awareness Month 2026. After 30 days of real people sharing their lived experience of brain tumours, this final conversation asks an urgent question: How do we diagnose brain tumours earlier? In this special closing episode, Claire speaks with Dr Victoria...
-
Living Fully With an IDH-Mutant Astrocytoma
Jaime was diagnosed with an IDH-mutant astrocytoma — but not in the way anyone would expect. After surviving a traumatic brain injury years earlier, Jaime went through scans and rehabilitation to relearn how to walk, talk and function again. It was only much later, after noticing worsening…
more -
Where There’s Life, There’s Hope | Elisabeth’s Brain Cancer Story
Elisabeth was 35 when a sharp pain in her head woke her in the night. What followed was a terrifying chain of events: repeated trips to hospital, being told it was unlikely to be serious, worsening headaches, vomiting, collapse in A&E, and eventually an MRI that revealed a mass on her brain. She...
-
15 Tumours, One Diagnosis | Austen’s NF2 Story
Austen was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) in February 2025. After years of worsening balance and hearing issues, he was repeatedly told nothing was wrong — until an MRI revealed multiple tumours. At first, he was told there were four. Then eight. Then seven in his spine. A total of...
-
Learning to Walk With Fear and Still Showing Up
In 2022, Israh was diagnosed with a petroclival meningioma. But this episode is not only about diagnosis or surgery. It’s about what comes after. It’s about the “middle place” so many people in the brain tumour community know well — the place after treatment, where life continues, but uncertainty...
-
The Stigma Almost Hurt as Much as the Tumour | Shahleen’s Story
Shahleen Hussain was diagnosed with a low-grade brain tumour in 2014, when she was just 14 years old. It began with passing out in school, nosebleeds, and double vision. What followed was years of hospital appointments, scans, uncertainty, steroid treatment, seizures, and the life-changing…
more -
From End-of-Life Care to Still Here | Claire’s Story
Claire was diagnosed with a sphenoid wing meningioma in 2020. At first, it was a grade 1 tumour. Surgery followed quickly, but doctors could only remove part of it because it was wrapped around her optic nerve. What followed was years of scans, seizures, repeated regrowth, more surgery,...
-
I Found Out Through My Online Chart | Christy’s Brain Tumour Story
Christy was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2021, during the middle of the pandemic. It was discovered almost by accident. After struggling with body tingling, stress, and the pressure of being a mum and business owner during an incredibly difficult time, she was sent for an MRI as a final step...
-
They Said It Was Just Hormones | Chelsea’s Brain Tumour Story
Chelsea was just 19 when she was diagnosed with a pilocytic astrocytoma. It started with headaches. At first, she thought it was exams. Then stress. Then dehydration. Then hormones — as she was told repeatedly. She went to the doctor multiple times. But nothing changed. Her symptoms worsened. The...
-
Living with an Glioblastoma | Jake’s Story
At 16, Jake was diagnosed with an inoperable glioblastoma — a diagnosis that forced him into survival mode while others his age were just beginning to explore life. In this episode, Jake shares his deeply personal journey: From early misdiagnosis to life-changing discovery Undergoing intensive...
-
Living with an Optic Pathway Glioma and The Mental Health Impact
In this episode, Molly Fenton shares her experience of living with an optic pathway glioma affecting her pituitary gland, optic nerve and hypothalamus. Although she was diagnosed at 16, Molly’s symptoms began much earlier—impacting her childhood, education, and overall health in ways that weren’t...
-
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...
-
18 months of rehabilitation After Brain Surgery
Anya was diagnosed with a large acoustic neuroma after experiencing persistent headaches. At first, it was thought to be stress. She was working across global time zones in a high-pressure consultancy role, balancing life with a young daughter at home. But an MRI revealed something far more…
more -
A Mother’s Story: Amber’s Pilocytic Astrocytoma Journey
Lara shares the story of her daughter Amber, who was diagnosed with a Pilocytic Astrocytoma on 11th May 2010, when she was just eight months old. What began with a strange movement in Amber’s eye quickly became every parent’s worst nightmare. After an MRI, Lara and Amber’s dad were told that...
-
Living With an Anaplastic Astrocytoma
Jenny is 54 and lives in Devon. She was diagnosed with an anaplastic astrocytoma (Grade 3) in 2021. Her first symptom seemed small — while having lunch with her parents, the spoon suddenly felt strange in her mouth. She thought she might have had a stroke. When she visited the GP, she was…
more -
Me and My Hemangioblastoma Story
Barbara is 30 years old and based in Poland. She was diagnosed with a hemangioblastoma in March 2025. Just weeks earlier, she had gotten engaged under the northern lights in Norway and returned home excited to plan her wedding. Then the headaches started. At first, they came every morning. They...
-
Living With a Grade 4 Astrocytoma: Jo's Story
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...
-
Anne’s Cerebellopontine Angle Meningioma Story: Watch, Wait, and Live Well
Anne Hubbard is 57 and lives with a Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) meningioma. Her first major symptom was hearing loss in her left ear, which led her to seek help — though for years she’d also experienced headaches, brain fog, and fatigue that she assumed were menopause-related. After seeing an...
-
Me and My Occipital Condyle Meningioma: Watch & Wait, Motherhood
Sarah was diagnosed with a Occipital Condylar Meningioma in 2021 while pregnant. Her first symptom was flashing lights — like a migraine aura — while driving home. Because she was pregnant, she went to get checked, and a consultant noticed one pupil was larger than the other. A CT scan followed,...
-
One symptom I have after brain surgery is that when my eyes water, they burn
Kathy shares her story of being diagnosed with a sphenoid wing meningioma in 2025 — a diagnosis that came after what felt like “just a few headaches” and migraine episodes. Kathy initially went to her doctor for migraine medication. When it didn’t help, she was referred for a CT scan. Six weeks...
-
Laura’s Story: Vestibular Schwannoma (Acoustic Neuroma), Surgery, Coma, and Recovery
Laura Earl shares her story of being diagnosed with a vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) in September 2023, and having it removed in April 2024. Her symptoms weren’t the “typical” ones people associate with brain tumours. Laura’s main signs were imbalance and dizziness — to the point she…
more -
Sally’s Story: Oligodendroglioma Grade 2, Seizures, Surgery, and Vorasidenib
Sally shares her story of being diagnosed with a grade 2 oligodendroglioma after a seizure in September 2024. After a night out singing karaoke in London, Sally woke the next morning panicked and gasping — and the next thing she remembers is a paramedic telling her she’d had a seizure. In…
more -
Cure GBM: Innovative Approaches to Glioblastoma Treatment
Jane Wakefield shares why she and her brother Richard founded Cure GBM after their father was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in 2021. Their dad’s symptoms began in early 2021. After being admitted to hospital in March (initially thought to be a TIA), he had a craniotomy about a week...
-
Turning Brain Cancer Into Activism | Sophie Reed (Jersey)
Sophie Reed lives in Jersey, Channel Islands. She was diagnosed with an astrocytoma (grade 3) after an unprovoked seizure at work in her hair salon. It started with a sudden “vacant” feeling — she knew something was happening, but couldn’t speak or explain it. Within a minute, she collapsed onto…
more -
Rosette-Forming Glioneuronal Tumour: Jess’ Story
Jess Kaye was diagnosed in March 2025 with a Rosette-Forming Glioneuronal Tumour (RGNT) — a rare brain tumour with only a few hundred reported cases worldwide. For years, Jess had mild distortion in her right ear. In the last 12 months, it became more noticeable — sound sensitivity, ringing,...
-
I Forgot How To Drive. | Delyth’s Oligodendroglioma Story
Delyth Smith was diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma in late 2023. For years, she felt like her health was declining. She blamed COVID, menopause, and depression. But something wasn’t right. A passionate climber and mountaineer, she could suddenly barely walk. She forgot how to drive in the…
more -
One Day at a Time: Living With a Diffuse Astrocytoma
Kirsty was diagnosed with a grade 2 diffuse astrocytoma in December 2014 — during her second pregnancy. It began with an excruciating headache that was brushed off as dehydration. Months later, on the morning of her daughter’s due date — the day she’d planned a home birth — Kirsty had a...
-
Central Neurocytoma: Holly’s Brain Tumour Story
Holly was diagnosed with a central neurocytoma in April 2023 — but her symptoms had been there for months. It started with blurry and double vision after gym sessions. Holly stayed silent, convinced that if she admitted something was wrong, it might derail her plans to start law school. But when...
-
Brain Surgery at 10 Weeks Pregnant: My Pilocytic Astrocytoma Story
Lauren was eight weeks pregnant when doctors discovered a life-threatening brain tumour. For months, her symptoms were attributed to pregnancy — nausea, vomiting, dizziness, mood changes, neck pain. But what was happening inside her brain was far more serious. A tumour on her cerebellum was...
-
From Headaches to Brain Surgery | A Childhood Craniopharyngioma Story
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...
-
Scanxiety, Strength & Silver Linings | Jane’s Story
On the 21st of March at 7:30am, Jane received a text message that would change her life forever. What started as a GP appointment about perimenopause symptoms turned into a devastating conversation about brain tumours. Initially told she had two tumours and possible multifocal glioma, Jane left…
more -
My Dad Hid His Brain Tumour Diagnosis Until Chemo Made It Obvious
In this deeply personal episode, Julia opens up about her father’s diagnosis with astrocytoma, a type of brain tumour, and how it reshaped her family and her understanding of invisible disabilities. Julia shares the emotional rollercoaster of discovering her dad’s condition—initially hidden until...
-
Victoria's Meningioma Story
In this powerful episode, Victoria shares her deeply personal journey of being diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumour in June 2017. What began as a few "funny five minutes" quickly escalated into a life-alteringdiagnosis. She opens up about the emotional and physical challenges she faced,...
-
Sarah's Oligodendroglioma Grade Two Brain Tumour
Sarah’s life changed in an instant when she experienced a grand mal seizure. The cause? An oligodendroglioma grade two brain tumour. Facing the unknown, she underwent awake brain surgery, remaining calm in a situation that would shake most. Post-surgery, she found healing through positivity,...
-
Michelle's Oligodendroglioma Story
In this episode, Michelle shares her journey with oligodendroglioma grade 2, a brain tumour she was diagnosed with in 2010 following a grand mal seizure. Despite the challenges, she gave birth to a healthy daughter and found strength in her community. Michelle opens up about her experiences with...
-
Madi's Oligodendroglioma Story
In this episode of Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk Show Podcast, Madi shares her powerful journey with an oligodendroglioma grade two brain tumour. Her story begins with unexpected seizures that led to a life-changing MRI. Initially told her tumour was slow-growing and not a major concern, Madi's move...
-
Christine's Angiomatous and Microcystic Meningioma Story
In this episode, Christine shares her journey with angiomatous microcystic meningioma, a diagnosis that profoundly impacted her daily life. She opens up about the significant symptoms she faced, the emotional toll of waiting for surgery, and the relief of finally receiving treatment. Christine...
-
My Husband Had Brain Cancer - Glioblastoma Multiform
In this powerful episode, Imogen shares her journey of love, loss, and resilience after her husband, Wayne, passed away from glioblastoma in May 2024. Together since their teens, Imogen and Wayne built a life filled with music, family, and dreams for the future. But in early 2022, their world...
-
Surviving my Ependymoma and Thriving as a Cancer Rehab Specialist
At just 20, Steph Still’s life changed forever. Unusual symptoms led to a devastating diagnosis— Ependymoma. Surgery was her only option, followed byRadiotherapy, but it came with a heavy price. She had to relearn how to move, how to speak… how to live. The battle didn’t end in the operating…
more -
My 4yr Old Son Had A Brain Tumour - He Is 24 Now
Claire Harris shares her emotional journey on the podcast, recalling the terrifying moment her son Jake was diagnosed with a brain tumour at just four years old. Initially misdiagnosed, it was a persistent health visitor who helped fast-track the MRI that changed everything. From major brain...
-
I'm Rising Funds For These Charities, And Maybe One Day They Can Help Find A Cure, For Me
Israr Jan-Parker shares her journey of being diagnosed with a brain tumour, the emotional and physical challenges she faces, and her determination to raise awareness and funds for Brain Tumour Research and The Brain Tumour Charity. She discusses the various challenges she undertakes to support…
more -
Vicki's Astrocytoma Story
In 2017, Vicki was diagnosed with an astrocytoma after battling severe migraines and vision issues. She faced surgery, complications, and an awake craniotomy with remarkable resilience. Despite the tumour growing to Grade 3, she endured chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and seizures—all while holding...
-
Maria's Meningioma Story
Maria Peta was diagnosed with a meningioma on New Year’s Eve 2009 after her initial symptoms were misdiagnosed as migraines. A second opinion revealed a golf ball-sized tumour, changing the course of her life. As she navigated the fears and uncertainties leading up to surgery, she used humour to...
-
Kiera's Medulloblastoma Recovery Story
In this inspiring episode, Kiera Mitchell shares herpowerful story of resilience after being diagnosed with a Medulloblastoma brain tumour at just 19, and left her with mobility issues. She talks about her challenges of rehabilitation and how fitness became a crucial part of her recovery. From...
-
Katie's Oligoastrocytoma Story
Katie Smith shares her journey of being diagnosed with an oligoastrocytoma, the challenges she faced with treatment and recurrence, and her ongoing battle with uncertainty and grief. She discusses her advocacy for brain tumour research and the impact of her experiences on her family. Katie...
-
Madi's Multiple Meningiomas Story
Madi Ruby, has been living with a brain tumourfor more than half of her life. First diagnosed at 23 in 1995 with a 6cmmeningioma, she underwent surgery and built a successful career in TV sales andIT, all while raising her son with her husband, Neil. But in 2013, her tumourreturned—this time with...
-
Her Legacy Will Go On: Our Daughter Died From Brain Cancer
Through the eyes of her parents, we witness Amani’s heartbreaking yet powerful journey with Glioblastoma Multiforme Amani's strength never wavered from the first symptoms to the desperate fight for treatment. She dreamed of making a difference, and she did that —her #WalkofHope and #Chat2Amani…
more -
Steven's Inoperable Parasagittal Meningioma Story
Steve Blake was diagnosed with an inoperable meningioma. For 18 months, he battled misdiagnoses before finally hearing the words "You have a brain tumour." The emotional toll of brain surgery and the harsh reality of recovery tested him in ways he never imagined. Brain surgery was just the...
-
Julia's Inoperable Meningioma Story
Julia’s world changed with an incidental finding—a sphenoid wing meningioma that doctors said could never be fully removed. From the emotional toll of diagnosis to the complexities of brain surgery, radiotherapy, and Gamma Knife treatment, her journey has been anything but easy. Yet, through it...
-
Matthew's Glioblastoma Multiform Story
Matthew Warne shares his journey with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), detailing his initial diagnosis, treatment experiences, and the emotional and physical challenges he faced. He discusses the importance of mental resilience,exploring alternative treatments, and making lifestyle changes to cope...
About this show
Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk Show - A podcast sharing inspiring stories of brain tumour survivors. Join our supportive community for heartfelt interviews, insights from medical experts, and empowering tales of resilience. Tune in, be inspired, and spread awareness on the path of brain tumour recovery.I’d love for you to join me on the podcast. If you have a story to share, advice to give, or just want to be part of the conversation, please reach out! Your voice could be the one that someone else needs to hear.
Hosted by
Claire Bullimore
Categories