How I Discovered a Brain Tumor After Giving Birth

In September 2023, after experiencing a relentless three-week migraine, I visited my doctor, who attributed it to stress and a possible pinched nerve. Despite persistent numbness in my left arm, no tests were ordered, and I trusted his judgment. My migraines subsided, and a few weeks later, I discovered I was pregnant.

Throughout my pregnancy, I had occasional migraines, numbness, and even chest pain, but my concerns were dismissed again.

After going through a very intense and traumatic labor, I started experiencing strange episodes of disorientation and color changes in my vision. I repeatedly told the nurses, but they brushed it off as exhaustion and hormonal shifts. Finally, one nurse took me seriously, leading to an MRI that revealed a golf ball-sized brain tumor. I was immediately transferred to a specialized hospital for further evaluation.

I underwent an awake craniotomy several months later. I was blessed to have a gross total resection (GTR) of my WHO grade 2 oligodendroglioma. I’m now on a wait-and-watch treatment plan, and I have MRIs every three months.

I owe so much to my little guardian angel, Blair. If it weren’t for the difficult labor that triggered these symptoms, who knows how long the tumor would’ve gone unnoticed. She’s truly a blessing in more ways than I can count.

My life has completely changed, and it’s made me reflect on what truly matters. Family is everything. I’ve started reevaluating my goals, with my biggest priority being to spend as much time as possible with my loved ones. With a five-year-old and a newborn, I want to create as many happy memories as I can. I’m also committed to living a healthy lifestyle because my goal is to reach 94 — and that means taking care of myself both mentally and physically. Staying positive isn’t always easy, but I know it’s essential, and I’m determined to keep that mindset, no matter how tough some days may be.

Living with an invisible illness can be incredibly isolating, which is why finding a community has been so important to me. Connecting with others who truly understand the challenges of having a brain tumor has provided a sense of comfort and validation that’s hard to find elsewhere. While I’m fortunate to have an amazing support system of family and friends, there’s a unique understanding that comes from talking to people who have been through it themselves. I’ve met incredible individuals who have helped me cope, shared their experiences, and answered questions I didn’t even know I had. I’d like to think I’ve been able to offer support in return. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by people who stay positive despite their struggles — positivity is contagious, and I strive to be around those who uplift and encourage one another.

Before my diagnosis, I knew very little about brain tumors. It’s heartbreaking that they are the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in people ages 15-39, yet they receive so little attention. This lack of awareness and research needs to change. That’s why I’m going gray in May, to help shine a light on this issue. We can’t fix something this broken if people don’t even know about it.

TAGGED WITH: Oligodendroglioma

Opinions expressed within this story belong solely to the author and do not reflect the views or opinions of the National Brain Tumor Society.