Grade 2 Oligodendroglioma | Grand Mal Seizure & Awake Brain Surgery – Sarah’s Story
Sarah’s life changed in an instant when she experienced a grand mal seizure. Medical investigations revealed the cause: a Grade 2 oligodendroglioma brain tumour.
In this episode of the Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk Show, Sarah shares her experience of diagnosis, awake brain surgery, recovery and learning how to live with the uncertainty of a brain tumour.
What began as a frightening seizure quickly became a completely new world of hospital appointments, MRI scans, neurosurgeons and difficult decisions.
Sarah ultimately underwent awake brain surgery, remaining conscious for part of the procedure so her surgical team could monitor important brain functions while operating.
But surgery was not the end of Sarah’s story.
She talks honestly about recovery after brain surgery, adjusting to life with a Grade 2 oligodendroglioma and the worry that can accompany future MRI scans and the possibility of further seizures.
Sarah is also a mum, and her experience shows how a brain tumour diagnosis becomes woven into ordinary family life — school runs, work, relationships and everyday moments alongside appointments and scan anxiety.
In a later personal account, Sarah described living with ongoing worries about seizures and MRI results while continuing everyday life with her husband and daughter.
In this interview, Sarah talks about:
🎙️Grade 2 oligodendroglioma
🎙️Grand mal seizure
🎙️Seizures as a brain tumour symptom
🎙️MRI brain tumour diagnosis
🎙️Awake brain surgery
🎙️Oligodendroglioma surgery
🎙️Recovery after brain surgery
🎙️Living with a brain tumour
🎙️MRI scans and scan anxiety
🎙️Fear of further seizures
🎙️Motherhood after a brain tumour diagnosis
🎙️Adjusting to a new normal
If you have been diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma, experienced seizures before your brain tumour diagnosis, or are preparing for an awake craniotomy, I hope Sarah’s story helps you feel less alone.
Claire Bullimore is an influential figure in the brain tumour community. She embarked on her brain tumour journey and was diagnosed with an intraventricular meningioma. In response to her experiences, Claire founded ‘Aunty M Brain Tumours,’ a platform dedicated to sharing brain tumour stories. Based in London, England, Claire also identifies as a blogger and speaker for Aunty M Brain Tumours, shedding light on the challenges faced by those diagnosed and amplifying their voices for better awareness and support. Through her dedication and advocacy, Claire’s efforts have been recognized by Brain Tumour Research and other organizations, spotlighting her commitment to making a positive difference for individuals impacted by brain tumours.
