Living Beyond Brain Cancer
A brain tumour diagnosis can change your life in a moment. For Ruth Kavanagh, a sudden seizure in 2014 led to the discovery of a rare, aggressive brain tumour. What followed was brain surgery, radiotherapy, a recurrence and a journey through the physical and emotional challenges of living with brain cancer.
Ruth Kavanagh was 34 years old when she was diagnosed with a Grade 3 anaplastic ependymoma, a rare malignant brain tumour.
Before her diagnosis, Ruth had built a career as a litigation attorney. She was accustomed to analysing complicated situations, finding answers and solving problems. But nothing could fully prepare her for the uncertainty of a brain cancer diagnosis.
Her story is not simply about the medical treatments she underwent. It is also about rebuilding confidence, learning to live with uncertainty, finding emotional support and using her experience to help other people.
When a Seizure Changed Everything
Before her diagnosis, Ruth had experienced symptoms that were difficult to explain. Doctors were considering an MRI scan to investigate the possibility of a neurological condition, including multiple sclerosis.
However, on 6 April 2014, events took a frightening turn.
Ruth experienced a major seizure while having a manicure. She woke up in hospital, where doctors explained that imaging had revealed a lesion in her brain.
What had begun as an ordinary day became the start of a completely different life.
Further investigation and surgery would be needed to establish exactly what was happening.
For Ruth, who had spent her professional life working with facts and evidence, suddenly being faced with so many unanswered questions was particularly difficult.
Diagnosed with a Grade 3 Anaplastic Ependymoma
Ruth underwent brain surgery to remove the tumour.
It was only after surgery, when the tissue had been examined, that doctors confirmed the diagnosis: Grade 3 anaplastic ependymoma.
Ependymomas are uncommon tumours that develop from cells associated with the lining of the brain’s ventricles and the central canal of the spinal cord.
A Grade 3 diagnosis historically described a higher-grade tumour with more aggressive characteristics.
Learning that her tumour was malignant while still recovering from brain surgery was understandably overwhelming.
Ruth has written openly about the moment she heard the word cancer. She describes feeling numb, struggling to process what she was being told and finding herself unable to put the experience into words.
It was a very different kind of challenge from anything she had faced before.
Brain Surgery, Radiotherapy and Finding Strength
Following her diagnosis, Ruth’s medical team recommended radiotherapy.
During the summer of 2014, she underwent six weeks of treatment, travelling to hospital five days a week.
Radiotherapy for brain tumours can be physically and emotionally demanding.
Patients may be fitted with a specially made thermoplastic mask to help keep their head in the correct position during treatment. Although the mask is an important safety measure, some people find the experience uncomfortable or frightening.
Ruth described her experiences with the radiotherapy mask and the determination required to attend treatment each day.
At the time, she focused on getting through treatment and returning to the life she had known.
Like many people facing a brain tumour diagnosis, she wanted to believe that once treatment had finished, she could put the experience behind her.
But recovery proved more complicated than that.
The Hidden Emotional Impact of Brain Cancer
One of the most important parts of Ruth’s story is her willingness to discuss the emotional consequences of a brain tumour diagnosis.
Finishing treatment did not automatically mean feeling safe again.
Ruth became increasingly frightened that her cancer would return.
Ordinary sensations, minor illnesses and unfamiliar feelings could trigger anxiety about recurrence or another seizure.
Even when follow-up scans showed no evidence of the tumour, the fear did not immediately disappear.
This is an experience that many people affected by brain tumours recognise.
A clear scan can bring enormous relief, but it does not necessarily remove the emotional impact of everything someone has experienced.
Ruth eventually sought professional support to help manage her anxiety.
With encouragement from her medical team, she began rebuilding her confidence, returning to work part-time and finding ways to enjoy life again.
Her experience highlights an important message: emotional recovery deserves as much attention as physical recovery.
When the Brain Tumour Returned
In 2015, Ruth experienced a recurrence of her brain cancer.
Facing a recurrence after already undergoing surgery and radiotherapy brought another set of difficult decisions and challenges.
Her treatment journey involved further brain surgeries, medical appointments, hospital stays and ongoing monitoring.
In a personal account published in 2021, Ruth described having undergone seven brain surgeries in total.
The impact of repeated treatment extended beyond the hospital.
Living with the possibility of further seizures, adapting to changes following surgery and facing an uncertain future became part of her everyday life.
Yet Ruth was determined that her diagnosis would not be the only thing that defined her.
Becoming a Voice for Brain Cancer Awareness
Following her diagnosis, Ruth became involved in raising awareness of brain cancer and supporting others affected by the disease.
She used her experiences to speak publicly, fundraise and advocate for people living with brain tumours.
As someone who had experienced the uncertainty of diagnosis, the demands of treatment and the emotional challenges of recovery, she understood how valuable it could be to hear from another person who had been through something similar.
Patient stories can provide something that medical information alone cannot always offer: a sense of connection.
Hearing how another person coped with treatment, asked for help or adjusted to life after surgery can make a difficult experience feel less isolating.
Ruth’s advocacy demonstrates why sharing these experiences matters.
Living with Uncertainty After Brain Cancer
Brain tumour recovery is not always a straightforward journey from diagnosis to treatment to recovery.
For some people, it involves long-term symptoms, repeated treatment, ongoing rehabilitation or difficult emotions.
For others, the challenge is learning how to live with the uncertainty of future scans.
Ruth has spoken and written about accepting that her experiences changed her physically, emotionally and mentally.
Rather than expecting life to return exactly to how it was before diagnosis, she began finding meaning and purpose in the life she was living.
Her story reminds us that people affected by brain tumours are more than their diagnoses.
They are individuals with careers, families, relationships, ambitions and interests that continue to matter throughout treatment and beyond.
Listen to Ruth tell her story in full in the Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk Show interview below, or keep reading for the written version
By sharing interviews like Ruth’s, we hope to help patients and families feel less alone, raise awareness of rare brain tumour types and encourage conversations about the realities of living with a brain tumour.
Understanding Anaplastic Ependymoma
What is an anaplastic ependymoma?
An anaplastic ependymoma is a historical term used to describe a higher-grade ependymoma.
Ependymomas are tumours of the central nervous system that can develop in the brain or spinal cord.
Modern classification increasingly considers molecular characteristics as well as the appearance of tumour cells under a microscope.
What are the symptoms of an ependymoma?
Symptoms depend on the size and location of the tumour.
They may include:
- Headaches, sometimes accompanied by nausea or vomiting
- Seizures
- Changes in balance or coordination
- Vision problems
- Weakness or changes in sensation
- Difficulty with concentration or memory
- Symptoms caused by increased pressure inside the skull
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, and many of these symptoms can have causes other than a brain tumour.
How is an ependymoma treated?
Treatment depends on the tumour’s location, characteristics and the patient’s individual circumstances.
Options may include surgery, radiotherapy and regular MRI monitoring.
Some patients require further treatment if their tumour returns.
Treatment decisions should always be discussed with the specialist neuro-oncology team.
Can an ependymoma return after treatment?
Yes. Some ependymomas can recur, even after surgery or radiotherapy.
The risk varies according to several factors, including the tumour’s molecular subtype, location, extent of removal and other clinical characteristics.
This is why specialist follow-up and surveillance scans are important.
Frequently Asked Questions About Life After an Ependymoma Diagnosis
Can you live a normal life after brain tumour surgery?
Many people return to activities they enjoy after brain tumour surgery, but recovery varies considerably.
Some people experience lasting physical, cognitive or emotional changes and may benefit from rehabilitation or additional support.
Is anxiety common after brain cancer treatment?
Yes. Anxiety about recurrence, upcoming scans and possible seizures can affect people after treatment.
Psychological support, counselling and discussion with healthcare professionals can help.
Why are follow-up MRI scans important?
MRI scans help doctors monitor the area where the tumour developed and look for changes that may require further investigation.
The frequency of scans depends on the individual diagnosis and treatment history.
Where can someone find support after an ependymoma diagnosis?
Brain tumour charities, specialist medical teams and patient communities can offer reliable information, practical advice and emotional support.
Where to Find Help After an Ependymoma Diagnosis
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with an ependymoma, support is available.
The Brain Tumour Charity — Information about brain tumour types, treatment, emotional wellbeing and practical support.
https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/
Brainstrust — Personalised support, coaching and practical information for people affected by brain tumours.
Brain Tumour Research — Information about brain tumour research and awareness.
https://braintumourresearch.org/
National Cancer Institute — Information about ependymoma and other central nervous system tumours.
You can also explore more personal experiences through the brain tumour stories and interviews on Aunty M Brain Tumours.
https://auntymbraintumours.com/
Medical note: This article shares an individual’s experience alongside general educational information. It is not a substitute for advice from your own medical team.
A Final Thought from Aunty M
One of the reasons I continue sharing brain tumour stories is because no two experiences are ever exactly the same.
Even people diagnosed with the same type of tumour can have very different symptoms, treatments and recoveries.
Ruth’s story is a reminder that there is so much more to a brain tumour diagnosis than the surgery, scans and hospital appointments.
There is also the emotional side. The uncertainty, the fear of another seizure, the worry before a scan and the challenge of rebuilding your confidence when life has changed.
These experiences deserve to be heard.
Thank you to Ruth for sharing her story and helping us raise awareness of rare brain tumours.
Have you been affected by an ependymoma or another brain tumour?
You’re always welcome to share your experience with the Aunty M Brain Tumours community. Your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
Because every brain tumour story matters.
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.
