Elizabeth Murphy, a 60-year-old woman from Taunton, initially believed she was experiencing typical menopause symptoms when she began struggling to find words, type, and spell. Attributing these challenges to brain fog and work burnout, she didn’t realize the seriousness of her condition.
“I thought it was the menopause,” Elizabeth recalls. “I was stuttering, struggling to find words, and couldn’t type as fluently as I used to. When headaches started, I went to the doctor, who noted high blood pressure. But when my face began to droop, my colleagues urged me to seek further help. That’s when everything changed.”
Elizabeth was referred to Musgrove Park Hospital, where she received the shocking diagnosis: not just one, but two brain tumours. Initially told it was a brain bleed, the true nature of her illness came as a devastating surprise.
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“I was in complete shock when they told me it was a tumour,” she says. “After a nerve-wracking five-month wait to see neurology, I learned both tumours were benign and slow-growing. The doctors advised a ‘watch and wait’ approach, with regular MRI scans to monitor any changes.”
Inspired by her diagnosis, Elizabeth joined the Brain Tumour Research charity’s “99 Miles in November” challenge, aiming to raise awareness and vital funds for research. Participants can walk, run, cycle, swim, or exercise in gyms, completing 99 miles throughout the month.
“I’m grateful to be here and to celebrate my 60th birthday,” Elizabeth shares. “I’ll be completing part of the challenge in Sri Lanka, walking to raise money for research. I’ve already raised £130 and received a smartwatch to track my miles. I want others to have hope, but we desperately need more funding and support for patients who face long waits and uncertainty.”
Letty Greenfield, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, emphasized the importance of recognizing subtle symptoms. “Elizabeth’s story shows how brain tumour signs can be mistaken for stress or menopause. It’s crucial to listen to your body and seek medical advice when symptoms persist.”
The NHS advises seeing a doctor if you experience seizures, persistent headaches, prolonged nausea or vomiting, memory issues, personality changes, paralysis on one side, or problems with vision and speech. Early consultation can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment.