Need help now?Patient stories
"We read to know we are not alone."C.S. Lewis Shadowlands
You will never need to hear a story as much as you do now. Through hearing other people’s narratives we are reminded that we are not the first person to have suffered in this way, although it feels like it. The pain isolates us and it simply feels private. It can't be shared. And in my experience, I think that is right. No amount of counseling, support or reading can take away the feeling of desolation it does feel like a one-person rope over the abyss. But I do know that hearing about other people’s experiences of brain cancer helped us to find our way on our journey. Here we have created a space for people like Meg to write their stories and share them with you. And if you want to add your story, then please let us have it.
Meg's story
A week before her 19th birthday, on July 22nd, 2004, Meg was admitted to A&E having lost consciousness at work. When she came round, she had no recollection of what had happened to her, nor what she had been doing for the previous few days. Work colleagues who were with her at the time described her symptoms and it sounded very much like she had had a seizure. She was always the reliable child - ask Meg to post a letter and you knew it would be posted. Not any more.Read Meg's story
Andy's story
My name is Julie; I am in my 30s and have two children. This is our history of events leading up to and during the time my husband Andy was diagnosed with a brain tumour. It is not intended to be a sad account; however, our journey together as a family has been challenging, but has also been one of hope.Read Andy's story
Michael's story
I was only a little boy when I was first ill. I just didn't think much of it; I carried on running for my school and played on the 1st rugby team until I was admitted to the John Radcliffe in 1985. I also played mini-rugby for Henley. I knew I was ill but I had no idea how severe it was. The doctors didn't know, so how was I or my parents supposed to know?Read Michael's story
Paul's story
At the age of sixteen things were pretty much perfect for me. I was good enough at school to be deemed 'one of the good guys' by the teachers. However, barely two months into being seventeen something happened that would change this state of 'near perfection' forever, and lead my life down a much different path to the one I had been lining up for.Read Paul's story
Lynn's Story
I was born in January 1966, am married to Paul and have a wonderful daughter Katie who is 16 in Sept. I worked as a radio operator in a control room, working 4 days on and 4 days off, had a good social life and we had 2 nice cars, lovely house, good holidays (the last one being Jamaica, Aug 2007). We also have one nutty collie and a blind rabbit! In November 2007 I was diagnosed with a right hypoglossal nerve sheath tumour. Read Lynn's Story
Richards Story
a tribute to a man who lived a colourful, exciting life, living every minute to the full. We are proud to have been able to support Richard and his family in their battle against a brain tumour. Richard's legacy not only lives on through his loving family, but in the donations made to brainstrust at his funeral. It is with these generous donations that we are able to keep our 24/7 brain tumour support line open, and send out more brain boxes than every before to our patients and their carers. Read Richards Story
Date published: 17-05-2009 Last edited: 17-05-2009 Due for review 31-01-2012
