In this episode of the Aunty M Brain Tumours Podcast, we sit down with Lauren Papadopoulos Green, who courageously shares her journey with Schwannoma, a rare type of brain tumour. From her first alarming symptoms at age 17 to the recent recurrence of her tumour, Lauren opens up about her experiences navigating diagnosis, surgery, and recovery. She also discusses the mental and emotional impact of living with a recurring tumour and the importance of finding support through charities and online communities.
Key Moments:
- First Symptoms and Diagnosis
Lauren recalls the initial signs of her illness, starting in 2012 when she was 17. Initially, her limbs would spasm unexpectedly, a symptom her family dismissed at first. As the spasms progressed, however, her symptoms escalated. When her arm went completely numb on her 18th birthday, Lauren’s family decided to seek medical advice. After several challenging MRI attempts due to her spasms, doctors found a tumour, giving her only a 5% chance of survival. - Surgery and Recovery
Following a rushed diagnosis, Lauren underwent surgery in England shortly after her 18th birthday. She describes the experience as surreal, recalling how her family was kept in the dark about the severity of her condition. Astonishingly, the surgery went more smoothly than anticipated, leaving Lauren in recovery faster than anyone expected. Though she downplayed her role in her recovery at the time, looking back, she recognizes the resilience it took to endure such an ordeal.
- Life After the First Tumour
After her initial surgery, Lauren was under monitoring for a decade. With each passing scan, she believed her journey with the tumour was finally over. Her medical scans, which eventually became less frequent, gave no indication that the tumour would return. Lauren moved on with her life, pursuing her education, career, and personal goals. - The Tumour’s Return
In September 2022, after a decade of clear scans, Lauren was shocked to learn that her tumour had grown back. She reflects on the difficulty of processing the news, especially since her life was now filled with achievements and relationships that she feared she could lose. Unlike her first experience, where events moved rapidly, this time, Lauren faced the anxiety of waiting, knowing her tumour was actively growing but unclear about the timeline for further treatment.
- Finding Support Through Charities
Taking initiative, Lauren found solace and resources through brain tumour charities, including The Brain Tumour Charity and Brain Tumour Research. She accessed valuable counselling services, helping her process her emotions and regain a sense of control. Through these charities, she connected with others facing similar challenges. - Sharing Her Story Online
To help others and cope with her own journey, Lauren began sharing her experiences on TikTok. What started as a personal form of therapy evolved into a public story that reached people worldwide. Lauren shares how connecting with others online has provided her with a sense of community and purpose, turning a challenging experience into a platform to support others.
Resources:
Connect with Lauren:
- TikTok: @laurenpapagreen
Here are more: Schwannoma Stories
