From Climber to Survivor: My Oligodendroglioma Diagnosis and Recovery Journey
In late 2023, Delyth Smith was diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma, a rare type of brain tumour. What followed was a life-altering journey involving seizures, emergency brain surgery, complications, and a long road to recovery.
In this candid interview, Delyth shares her experience—from the subtle early symptoms to the emotional and physical impact of treatment—and how humour helped her cope through it all.
Early Signs: When Health Slowly Declines
Delyth explains that her symptoms didn’t appear overnight. Instead, they developed gradually over several years.
She describes a steady decline in her physical and mental wellbeing, initially attributing it to external factors such as COVID-19, menopause, and depression. During this time, she became a frequent visitor to her GP, sensing that something wasn’t right.
Once an active climber and mountaineer, she began struggling with basic physical activities. Even walking short distances became difficult. In one alarming incident, she forgot how to drive while in the middle of town and had to abandon her car.
Personality Changes and Overlooked Symptoms
One of the most striking aspects of Delyth’s story is the dramatic change in her behaviour.
She describes becoming unusually impulsive, outspoken, and emotionally volatile—far beyond what she or those around her would consider normal. At times, she would say inappropriate things without warning, almost as if she had lost her filter.
These changes were later linked to the tumour’s location in the frontal lobe, an area of the brain responsible for behaviour, personality, and decision-making.
Other symptoms included:
- Memory loss
- Emotional instability
- Increased appetite
- Withdrawal from social life
These subtle but significant warning signs are often overlooked in cases of brain tumours.
The Seizure That Changed Everything
Delyth’s diagnosis came after a major medical emergency.
While recording social media interviews in Sheffield, she suffered a severe seizure. She lost consciousness, bit through her tongue, and woke up in an ambulance, initially believing she had simply fainted.
A CT scan quickly revealed the presence of a brain tumour.
She recalls seeing the scan and noticing what looked like a “snowball” in her skull—an image that would soon be explained as the tumour.
Rapid Diagnosis and Brain Surgery
Within days, Delyth was referred to a specialist team and scheduled for surgery.
She underwent a craniotomy, a complex procedure to remove the tumour. Surgeons were able to extract approximately 90% of it, leaving a small portion near critical blood vessels to avoid further risk.
Due to its size and calcification, doctors determined that the tumour had likely been growing slowly over many years—a detail that offered some reassurance.
Weeks later, she received the official diagnosis: oligodendroglioma.
Complications and a Second Operation
Recovery proved far from straightforward.
Shortly after being discharged, Delyth experienced serious complications, including a leak of cerebrospinal fluid and signs of infection. She was readmitted to hospital and placed under close monitoring.
Her condition worsened rapidly when she developed a high fever. Emergency intervention was required, leading to a second craniotomy within hours of her return to hospital.
She was then treated with strong antibiotics and steroids, which brought their own challenges.
The Emotional Impact of Treatment
Delyth describes the emotional effects of treatment as intense and, at times, overwhelming.
Steroid medication amplified her emotions dramatically. After years of feeling numb, she suddenly experienced everything at full intensity—joy, anger, sadness—all heightened.
She recalls moments of extreme emotional sensitivity, including waking early to watch the sunrise and feeling deeply moved by its beauty.
However, this heightened emotional state also placed strain on her relationships, particularly with her family.
Life in Hospital and Mental Health Challenges
Delyth spent nearly two months in hospital, an experience she found deeply traumatic.
Being surrounded by other patients—many of whom were receiving terminal diagnoses—had a profound psychological impact. She believes this contributed to symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress.
After returning home, she continued to struggle emotionally. Her first Christmas following surgery was particularly difficult, marked by conflict, vulnerability, and a strong desire to return to the comfort of her childhood home.
She describes feeling less like a wife and mother, and more like a dependent child—highlighting the identity shift many patients experience.
Ongoing Monitoring and Uncertainty
Since her surgeries, Delyth has undergone regular scans to monitor the remaining tumour.
For two years, the tumour site has remained stable, which is considered a positive outcome. However, the possibility of regrowth remains, and future treatment options—including additional surgery—have been discussed.
This ongoing uncertainty is a reality for many people living with brain tumours.
Turning Experience Into Purpose
During her time in hospital, Delyth began documenting her experiences through notes and audio recordings.
What started as a coping mechanism eventually evolved into a book.
With working titles such as Brain Worm and Fifty Shades of Grey Matter, the project combines humour with honest reflections on life as a patient. She refers to this approach as “tumour humour”—finding light in difficult situations without diminishing the seriousness of the experience.
Her aim is to:
- Raise awareness of brain tumours
- Highlight the patient journey
- Support conversations around mental health
- Donate proceeds to brain tumour charities
Gratitude and Support
Throughout her journey, Delyth emphasises the importance of support from medical professionals, family, and hospital staff.
She speaks highly of her surgical team and the everyday kindness of nurses and support staff, who helped bring moments of humanity and humour during difficult times.
She also acknowledges the unwavering support of her family, including her mother, who stepped in to care for her household during her recovery.
Key Takeaways: Recognising Brain Tumour Symptoms
Delyth’s story highlights how brain tumours can present in unexpected ways.
Early symptoms may include:
- Personality or behavioural changes
- Memory problems
- Emotional instability
- Difficulty with everyday tasks
- Seizures
Her experience serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking medical advice when something doesn’t feel right.
Conclusion
Delyth Smith’s journey with oligodendroglioma is one of resilience, humour, and transformation.
While the road has been challenging, she continues to focus on recovery, awareness, and helping others understand the realities of living with a brain tumour.
Her story is not just about illness—it’s about identity, survival, and finding meaning in the most unexpected circumstances.
