Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk Show

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 middle of town. Her personality shifted — impulsive, emotionally volatile, swearing without filter. It felt...

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 tonic-clonic seizure . She was rushed to hospital, initially treated for suspected preeclampsia, and induced. Sh...

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 her eye doctor examined her optic nerves, it was clear something serious was happening. Holly went for...

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 completely blocking the flow of spinal fluid, causing dangerous brain swelling and herniation. She was rushe...

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 multiple visits to A&E and continued symptoms, a CT scan finally revealed the cause: a brain tumour. In...

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 the surgery in shock, holding her husband tightly as the world around her carried on as normal. Further...

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 chemotherapy made it undeniable. She reflects on how the diagnosis affected their family dynamics, es...

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, including a moment when she couldn't recall her own daughter's name. Through resilience, the support of her...

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, spirituality, and self-education , even watching brain surgeries to understand her journey. A quote that...

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 surgery, radiation, and the lasting effects of an acquired brain injury. She discusses the importance o...

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 to a new province meant navigating a complex healthcare system and seeking new specialists. She o...

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 describes how surgery brought noticeable improvements but also introduced unexpected complications during...

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 changed when Wayne began experiencing unexplained symptoms. What followed was a heartbreaking battle with...

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 room. With a paralyzed vocal fold and a long road to recovery, Steph faced unimaginable challenges. But she...

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 surgery to a surprisingly quick recovery, Claire reflects on the resilience of children, the overwhelming f...

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 the charities and her hope for future advancements in treatment. Israr was diagnosed with a petroclival t...

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 onto hope for her daughter. Now, her tumour is shrinking, and her story is a powerful reminder that stre...

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 cope. The operation marked the beginning of a long recovery, where Maria struggled with her identity an...

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 struggling with mobility to regaining independence, Kiera’s journey highlights the importance of persever...

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 emphasizes the need for awareness and the emotional complexities of living with a brain tumour while also hig...

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 multiple growths. Despite setbacks, Madi refused to let herdiagnosis define her. She retrained as a co...

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  were just the beginning. Even after her passing, Amani’s parents continue her mission, turning pa...

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 beginning—he had radiotherapy, and the challenge of rebuilding life followed. Now, Steve is turning...

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 all, she’s leaned on community, humour, and resilience to keep going. With support from Brainstrust and...

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 with the disease. Matt emphasizes the significance of support systems and planning forthe future while...