‘I had a brain tumour the size of a grapefruit’
Claire Bullimore, 34, supports other tumour sufferers and lives in Norbury, south-west London.
In April 2007, I realised that something was wrong with me. I was on a busy commuter train when I suddenly fainted. For months afterwards, my eyes kept going blurry, I suffered blinding headaches, and I felt emotional for no real reason. I saw my GP, who said my mood swings were hormonal. My optician said there were signs of bleeding at the back of my eyes, and referred me to my local hospital. I was then sent to St George’s Hospital, London, for an MRI scan. ‘I’m sorry,’ the doctor said. ‘You have a brain tumour.’ I was in utter shock. Aged 25, I was given the impression that there was no hope. Next day, I had a 10-hour operation to remove the 10cm tumour. After that, I was in and out of consciousness for two weeks. I couldn’t remember anyone’s names and didn’t know who my dad was. When I spoke, my words were jumbled up. Tests showed I had an intraventricular meningioma. Thankfully, it wasn’t cancerous, but I was treated for swelling on the brain and given pain relief and antiseizure medication. I also struggled with my sight and hearing. After 17 days in hospital, I was discharged. Recovery was slow – I still struggle with peripheral vision in both eyes – but at least I’m alive. On the third anniversary of my diagnosis, I set up a Facebook page and a website, auntymbraintumours. co.uk, to help support others diagnosed with a brain tumour. I’m proud to have 20,000 worldwide followers through social media – and glad I’m here to tell the tale.