Georgina Wilkinson, 42, was diagnosed with a Suprasellar Meningioma in September 2016. He had no symptoms prior to her diagnosis. Four years on, Georgina is still coming to terms with the loss of who she used to be and the life she used to lead.
When people hear the words ‘I am brain tumour free’ does not always mean that life can go back to how it was prior to diagnosis. It is important that people on the outside looking in understand that even a person who is now Suprasellar Meningioma free, may not be having a perfect ending. Here is her story.
How did you find out about your diagnosis?
I was having a routine eye test which showed a pale optic nerve, so I was referred to an ophthalmologist at the local hospital. The specialist thought I may have suffered a small bleed on the brain during emergency surgery 12 months prior for peritonitis and sepsis. She sent me for an MRI.
The radiologist was so cheerful following the MRI that I thought I couldn’t possibly have suffered a bleed. My daughter and I went out and naively celebrated that evening. Three days later I was told I had a Brain Tumour which needed surgery.
Since my Suprasellar Meningioma surgery, I am still coming to terms with the loss of who I used to be and the life I used to lead. I’m partially sighted following surgery so I lost my job my driving licence and my independence.
Finances are a struggle and I live in a rural location which although beautiful it’s become very lonely and isolated.
I’m starting to fight back and adapt to a new normal. I’m making plans to move in the next 6 months back to my home town in an attempt to claw back some independence. I have a wonderful support system of friends there and access to regular public transport. I’m also looking into various volunteer roles, criminal justice appeals to me and would put my law degree to good use!
What is the toughest challenge survivor’s face?
The vision problems aside – I’m a bit slower at processing information and get sensory overload in crowded and noisy places which are sometimes difficult for people to understand.
What motivates you?
This I find very difficult at the moment. I used to be very motivated but it was mostly career-driven, which I feel I have lost for the time being. I’m slowly starting to believe that there is the possibility of having a fulfilling and meaningful life in spite of a disability.
Any advice for people or loved ones that get daunting diagnoses?
- Ask for help
- Seek out support and comfort
- Do not google! Only accept medical advice from medically qualified experts
Who is your personal hero or heroes?
Hands down my daughter Holly! She was with me when I was diagnosed and was only 22 years old. She is incredible and had already helped me recover from a huge life-saving operation less than a year prior to the brain tumour diagnosis. Neither of us knew that the surgery would leave me with a significant disability. She has coped admirably and is a constant source of positivity and looking on the bright side.
What would you say is the most interesting thing you’ve ever done?
Met my birth mother – a whole other story!!
Conclusion: Thank you, Georgina, for sharing your story about your Suprasellar Meningioma and being so honest about your feelings.
Metastatic Brain tumors begin as Cancer can originate in other parts of your body and spread to your brain. They develop when cancer cells are carried in the bloodstream. Lung and breast are the most common cancers that spread to the brain.Brain tumor surgery options depend on the type of brain tumor you have, how quickly a brain tumor grows and how it will affect the function of your nervous system.