I Had A Bone Meningioma

Rachel Emery was diagnosed with a Bone Meningioma in 2018. Rachel had gone to the hospital after having terrible headaches and swelling around her left eye. She has now been left with permanent site loss to her left eye.

Here is her story.

Rachel’s Meningioma Story

I was having terrible headaches and swelling around my left eye in 2018. I was diagnosed with a Bone Meningioma. I had it fully removal with a 9-hour craniotomy. I was in the hospital for 20 days. I needed speech therapy and occupational therapy. I felt like a toddler.

A month after my discharge I went on a short caravan break but walked too much and pressure built up in my head and I had Fluid build-up. I was given a lumbar puncture and a drain fitted which seemed to work.

I was discharged but then in 2019, I had to have a 3rd operation when the fluid built up again. It felt like I was never going to get better.

Post-Surgery

I have permanent site loss to my left eye so I can’t see clearly. However, I am a lady of leisure, I am retired now so I can relax at my own time. I do feel a bit of a failure in a way. However, I know I must be accepting the changes in my life, accepting a brain injury from a brain tumour. I know I can be thankful for the life I have now and things can get better with professional help and family and friends.

Who is your personal hero or are your heroes?

My heroes are my brain surgeon Dr Corne and the support Nurses Laura and Roisin. Also, Emma Briggs was a huge help with my recovery. I am very grateful to Sharlene Featherstone from Headway Charity, all at Yorkshire Brain Tumour Charity

Tell us something about yourself that people probably didn’t know?

I survived child abuse and although I don’t like to talk about it, I know I am a survivor.  I have been fighting most of my life in some way or another. I sometimes need to remind myself, I have come a long way.