A former Big Brother host shares her harrowing experience with a benign brain tumour, revealing the challenges she faced and the lessons she learned about proactive health care.
I’m thrilled to share that the final MRI scans have confirmed my benign brain tumour is not coming back. The craniotomy, which involved removing part of my skull to take out the tumour, was a challenging experience, but I’m grateful to say it’s behind me.
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain or spine.
There are two main types: primary and secondary.
Primary tumors originate from brain tissue, while secondary tumors spread to the brain from other parts of the body.
The most common symptoms include 'headaches, seizures, and cognitive impairment.'
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 250,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with brain cancer each year.
Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are common treatments for brain tumors.
A benign tumour, such as the one I had, is not cancerous, but it can still cause symptoms like headaches, vision problems, and drowsiness. They account for less than 2% of all primary brain tumours, and their growth rate and symptoms can vary from person to person.
As someone who’s been through this journey, I want to challenge the assumption that benign brain tumours are not life-threatening. While they may not be as aggressive as cancerous tumours, they can still have a significant impact on our lives. I’ve learned that it’s essential to be proactive about my health and to seek medical attention if you notice any unusual symptoms.
Benign brain tumors are abnormal growths of tissue in the brain that do not spread to other parts of the body.
They can still cause symptoms due to their location and size, but they are non-cancerous and usually slow-growing.
According to the American Cancer Society, benign brain tumors account for about 20% of primary brain tumors.
Symptoms may include headaches, seizures, and difficulty with coordination or balance.
Treatment options vary depending on the tumor's location and size, but often involve surgery to remove the tumor.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the medical teams who cared for me during my treatment. Your expertise, compassion, and dedication made a significant difference in my recovery. I’m also grateful to my loved ones who have supported me throughout this journey. It’s been a huge undertaking, but with your love and encouragement, I’ve been able to draw a line under this chapter and move forward.
I’ll continue to advocate for menopause awareness and health checks, hoping that my experience will help others understand the importance of regular screenings. If you’re going through a similar journey, know that you’re not alone, and there is hope for a positive outcome.
Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs in women, typically between the ages of 45 and 55.
It marks the end of menstrual cycles and fertility.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1 billion women worldwide are affected by menopause.
Menopause awareness is essential for promoting women's health and well-being during this transition period.
Symptoms include 'hot flashes,' night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness.
Early awareness and education can help women manage these symptoms effectively.
The support I’ve received from friends, family, and strangers alike has been overwhelming, and I’m so grateful to be able to share this update with all of you. It’s clear that I’m on the road to recovery, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.
