Two brain surgeries, learning to walk again and finding purpose through brain tumour awareness.
A day out that changed everything
When Molly White visited Thorpe Park in April 2016, she had no idea that a day enjoying rollercoasters would become the beginning of her brain tumour journey.
After riding Colossus, Molly experienced a headache. At the time, she thought little of it. After all, headaches aren’t unusual after a ride full of twists and turns.
But in the weeks that followed, something wasn’t right.
Molly began experiencing vomiting, extreme tiredness and changes to her vision. She was juggling college and two jobs, so exhaustion initially seemed like a reasonable explanation.
As her symptoms continued, however, it became clear that something more serious was happening.
In March 2024, Molly joined me on the Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk Show to share her remarkable story, from the difficulties of getting a diagnosis to undergoing two brain surgeries, relearning to walk and finding a new purpose through helping others.
When doctors couldn’t find an answer
As Molly’s symptoms became more persistent, she sought medical advice.
But getting answers wasn’t straightforward.
She underwent investigations for other possible conditions, including testing for coeliac disease, while her symptoms continued to affect everyday life.
It was an incredibly frustrating experience. Molly knew something wasn’t right, but the cause remained unclear.
Eventually, she was referred for an MRI scan.
The results revealed a large mass in her brain.
Molly was diagnosed with an astrocytoma, a type of brain tumour that develops from cells called astrocytes.
What made her diagnosis particularly unusual was the possible connection to that earlier rollercoaster ride.
Molly was told that the movement of the ride may have contributed to her tumour beginning to cause noticeable symptoms.
She has often credited that visit to Thorpe Park with helping save her life.
Although the precise connection cannot be established from her story alone, one thing is certain: the symptoms that followed eventually led to the discovery of her brain tumour.
Brain surgery on her 19th birthday
On 28 July 2016, Molly underwent her first craniotomy — on her 19th birthday.
Instead of celebrating with friends and family, she was undergoing a major operation to remove as much of the tumour as possible.
The surgery lasted approximately ten hours.
Although surgeons were able to remove a significant amount of tumour tissue, some remained.
Just four months later, Molly faced another operation.
This time, however, things would be very different.
Awake brain surgery and learning to walk again
Molly’s second craniotomy was performed while she was awake for part of the procedure.
Awake brain surgery allows surgeons to monitor important functions, such as speech and movement, while operating near sensitive areas of the brain.
For Molly, this meant being able to respond to the surgical team as they worked to remove more of her tumour.
Her recovery, however, brought another enormous challenge.
Following surgery, Molly experienced weakness affecting the left side of her body.
She needed intensive physiotherapy and had to relearn how to walk.
Initially, she relied on a wheelchair. As she made progress, she moved on to using a walking stick before eventually regaining the ability to walk independently.
For someone so young, having to relearn something most of us take for granted was a huge adjustment.
During our conversation, Molly reflected on just how much she had been through physically and emotionally.
She also spoke warmly about her neurosurgeon, Titus, whom she considers her hero.
When treatment didn’t end with surgery
Although Molly had undergone two operations, her treatment journey wasn’t over.
Some tumour tissue had remained after surgery, and subsequent scans revealed further growth.
She went on to receive radiotherapy, attending treatment over several weeks.
Radiotherapy can be used to treat remaining astrocytoma cells when surgery cannot safely remove the entire tumour, or when further growth is detected.
For Molly, treatment was physically demanding. But follow-up scans brought encouraging news, showing that her tumour had reduced in size.
Her experience highlights something important for anyone newly diagnosed with an astrocytoma.
Brain tumour treatment doesn’t always follow a single, straightforward path.
Some patients need surgery alone, while others may require further treatment or ongoing monitoring.
Adjusting to life after a brain tumour
One of the subjects Molly spoke openly about was the lasting impact of her diagnosis.
Although she had made enormous progress with her mobility, life after brain surgery still involved challenges.
Changes to her vision meant she could no longer drive, affecting her independence and everyday routine.
For many young adults, driving represents freedom. Losing that ability can be particularly difficult when you’re at an age when you’re beginning to make your own way in the world.
Molly also spoke about the importance of those who supported her during treatment and recovery.
Her family, her dog and the medical professionals who cared for her all played meaningful roles in her journey.
What stood out to me was how she had learned to adapt to circumstances she could never have anticipated.
Recovery wasn’t simply about getting through surgery.
It was about rebuilding confidence, adjusting to changes and discovering what life could look like afterwards.
Turning her experience into something positive
Rather than keeping her experiences to herself, Molly became involved in raising brain tumour awareness.
Through her work with brain tumour charities and her role as a Young Ambassador, she has shared her story to help others understand the reality of living with a brain tumour.
Public speaking and advocacy have allowed Molly to turn something incredibly difficult into an opportunity to support other people.
She knows what it’s like to face a frightening diagnosis at a young age, undergo major surgery and deal with changes that other people might not immediately understand.
By speaking openly, she hopes others will feel less alone.
And that’s something I particularly value about sharing these conversations on Aunty M Brain Tumours.
Sometimes hearing from someone who has experienced similar challenges can provide reassurance that medical information alone cannot offer.
Lessons from Molly’s astrocytoma journey
There are several important things I hope other brain tumour patients and families can take away from Molly’s experiences.
- Pay attention to persistent symptoms. Molly’s journey involved vomiting, fatigue, headaches and visual changes. Brain tumour symptoms vary, and unexplained or worsening symptoms deserve medical attention.
- Recovery takes time. After her second surgery, Molly needed physiotherapy to relearn how to walk. Progress can happen gradually, and every person’s recovery is different.
- Life after treatment may involve adjustments. Changes to mobility, vision and independence can affect everyday life, even after treatment has finished.
- Support makes a difference. Family, friends, healthcare professionals and fellow patients can all play important roles.
- Your experience could help someone else. Through advocacy and sharing her story, Molly has found ways to make a difference within the brain tumour community.
Watch Jaime tell her story in full in the Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk Show interview below, or keep reading for the written version
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.
