Living Fully With a Grade 2 IDH-Mutant Astrocytoma
A diagnosis that came out of nowhere
When Jaime Olbertz first learned she had a brain tumour, it wasn’t because of symptoms that led doctors straight to it. It was something found almost by accident, years after a completely different medical crisis.
As a teenager, Jaime experienced a traumatic brain injury caused by an anaphylactic reaction to a peanut butter cookie. She lost oxygen to her brain and had to relearn how to walk, talk, and function again. After months of recovery and follow-up scans, she was told she was in the clear.
Life moved forward.
But years later, after the birth of her third child, something didn’t feel right.
“I was so tremory it was hard to walk from the couch to the bedroom… I just felt off.”
That instinct led her back to a neurologist—and ultimately to a discovery that would change everything.
“There’s a mass in your brain…”
A CT scan, MRI, and EEG revealed something unexpected: a small mass in the front of her brain.
What made it more shocking was that it had apparently been there for years—visible on earlier scans, but never communicated to her.
“My heart dropped… what do you mean there’s something in my brain?”
Initially, doctors recommended a “watch and wait” approach. For nearly a year, Jaime had scans every three months, monitoring subtle changes.
Eventually, in 2023, she underwent a biopsy.
The diagnosis: a grade 2 IDH-mutant astrocytoma. For those unfamiliar, this is a type of astrocytoma grade two IDH mutant tumour, which can appear in adults.
Watch Jaime tell her story in full in the Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk Show interview below, or keep reading for the written version
“I Named My Tumour, Felicia”
Choosing a path forward
With a low-grade tumour, Jaime was presented with multiple options—surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or continued monitoring. In cases of astrocytoma grade two IDH mutant, decisions are often very complex.
Instead of rushing into a decision, she and her husband took a step that would shape her journey:
They sought multiple opinions.
“You have to stand up for yourself… get second opinions, get third opinions.”
After consulting different specialists, Jaime chose to undergo laser ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to destroy tumour tissue.
The result: approximately 85% of the tumour was removed.
When treatment takes a new turn
Following surgery, Jaime returned to watch-and-wait monitoring. But about a year later, scans showed the tumour had started to grow again.
Because her tumour had been genetically profiled, she was eligible for a newer targeted treatment: Vorasidenib.
She’s now been on the medication for nearly a year—and the results have been remarkable.
“My tumour is actually shrinking… that wasn’t something they told me would happen.”
While the adjustment period came with nausea and fatigue, those side effects eased over time. Today, she describes the treatment as “a godsend.”
A new perspective on life
Living with a brain tumour has changed how Jaime sees the world—but not in the way you might expect.
Rather than being consumed by uncertainty, she’s grounded herself in the present.
“You’re never promised anything… it’s given me a beautiful perspective on life.”
She focuses on everyday moments with her husband and their three children—who are fully aware of her condition. In fact, they’ve even given her tumour a name:
Felicia—the “sixth member” of the family.
Openness has been central to how they cope.
“The more open we can be with them, the better.” Additionally, this honest approach has helped normalise conversations around astrocytoma grade two IDH mutant conditions.
Strength in community and purpose
Jaime continues to work full-time at a therapy clinic, supporting children and families through occupational, speech, and physical therapy.
It’s work that deeply connects to her own experience.
Having gone through a traumatic brain injury herself, she understands what recovery truly takes—and brings a level of empathy that can’t be taught.
“I relate to them on a whole different level… I’ve been there.”
Her life today is full—balancing work, motherhood, treatment, and everything in between.
“The busier I can keep myself, the better… I don’t have time to think about what’s happening in my brain all day.” In brief, Jaime’s experience with astrocytoma grade two IDH mutant has taught her the value of living every moment.
Lessons from Jaime’s journey
Throughout her experience, a few powerful messages stand out:
- Advocate for yourself – Ask questions, seek multiple opinions, and don’t settle for uncertainty
- Listen to your body – Rest when you need to, especially during treatment
- Lean on your support system – Family, friends, and community matter more than ever
- Bring comfort into hard spaces – Whether it’s your favourite shampoo or a podcast, small things make a difference
- Live now – Book the trip, make the memory, do the thing “You never know… so do all the stuff you want to do.”
A story that gives hope
Jaime’s journey is not just about diagnosis and treatment—It’s about strength, perspective, and finding joy. even in uncertainty. Meanwhile, stories like hers can help others facing an astrocytoma grade two IDH mutant diagnosis to find hope.
Her story is a reminder that even in the face of something as life-altering as a brain tumour, it’s still possible to live fully, love deeply, and move forward with purpose.
And sometimes, it’s even possible to watch something once feared begin to shrink.
Read More Astrocytoma Stories
Read more personal Astrocytoma stories on Aunty M Brain Tumours
If You Have Recently Been Diagnosed With an Astrocytoma
If you have landed on this page after an astrocytoma diagnosis, whether it is your own or someone you love, please know you are not alone.
Every astrocytoma story is different.
Astrocytomas can vary in grade, location and how they affect a person’s life. Some are slower-growing, while others are more aggressive.
Some people have surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Others may have regular scans to monitor their tumour. Some experience long-term effects, while others face different challenges during treatment and recovery.
Try not to compare your journey too closely with anyone else’s.
Reading other people’s experiences can offer comfort, understanding and reassurance. However, another person’s diagnosis or outcome does not determine what will happen to you.
Take things at your own pace, ask questions and remember that you do not have to face this journey alone.
Where to Go After an Astrocytoma Diagnosis?
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with an astrocytoma, there are organisations offering information, emotional support, practical advice and opportunities to connect with others.
Astro Brain Tumour Fund
A UK charity dedicated to supporting people affected by low-grade gliomas, including Grade 1 and Grade 2 astrocytomas.
The charity provides information, opportunities to connect with others and funding for research into low-grade brain tumours.
The Brain Tumour Charity
Provides information about different types and grades of astrocytoma, possible treatments and living with a brain tumour.
It also offers emotional support, support groups and resources for patients, families and carers.
Visit The Brain Tumour Charity
Read its information about astrocytomas
brainstrust
Offers practical and emotional support to people living with brain tumours, including those affected by low-grade and high-grade gliomas.
Its services include individual support, coaching, information and opportunities to connect with others who understand life with a brain tumour.
Brain Tumour Support
A UK charity providing support for anyone affected by a brain tumour, including patients, families, carers and loved ones.
It offers individual and group support, opportunities to connect with others and specialist emotional support.
Brain Tumour Research
Funds research into brain tumours and campaigns for greater awareness and investment in research.
Its work aims to improve understanding, develop better treatments and ultimately find cures for all types of brain tumours.
NHS Neuro-Oncology and Rehabilitation Services
Your specialist medical team can help you understand your particular astrocytoma diagnosis, treatment options and follow-up care.
Depending on your needs, additional support may include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, psychological support or help managing seizures and fatigue.
Ask your GP, specialist nurse or neuro-oncology team about appropriate referrals.
Would You Like to Share Your Astrocytoma Story?
At Aunty M Brain Tumours, we believe every person’s experience deserves to be heard.
Whether you have recently been diagnosed, are undergoing treatment, living with long-term effects or supporting someone you love, your experience could help another person feel less alone.
Find out how to share your brain tumour story
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.
