Woman says three-day headache was first symptom of brain tumour
A woman was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour after her three-day headache was initially thought to be a migraine.
Natalie McKenna-Mounty, 47, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma - a fast-growing brain tumour - after experiencing what she thought was a stroke in her home in 2020.
"I had a severe headache for about three days, and then it felt as if I’d had a stroke," McKenna-Mounty, from Ramsgate in Kent, explains.
"I couldn’t talk, and my mouth drooped. I was taken to hospital, scanned, and diagnosed with a glioblastoma. Because this all happened during lockdown, I was on my own when I heard the news."
Glioblastomas are the most common type of brain tumours and more than 3,000 people are diagnosed with one in the UK each year. It has an average prognosis of 12 to 18 months and these tumours almost always recur.
While doctors were able to remove 70% of McKenna-Mounty’s tumour, signs of regrowth and recurrence began in June this year.
McKenna-Mounty’s tumour is in the cognitive area of her brain, which means she loses concentration and gets tired easily.
"My life has changed dramatically, as I can no longer drive, work, or travel abroad. I’m not able to work, due to the tumour being in the cognitive area," she adds.
"I lose concentration easily and get very tired. Since my diagnosis, I find it hard to do all the things I used to do – like going to places that were normal before my illness, like the cinema, the pub or the gym. I find some social situations hard. I’ve lost my independence, and now have to accept help from other people."
McKenna-Mounty says one positive impact that the diagnosis has had on her life is that she has learnt to slow down, put the past in the past and 'seize the day'.
"My mum and I have this tattooed on our wrists. The motto is important to me. I live in the moment," she adds.
"There have been lots of ups and downs, but I've always tried to keep positive and strong. It’s important that I feel strong – you can still be strong, even with cancer. I am mindful of my diet, I do yoga, meditation and appreciate family and friends’ support.
"I’ve learned to love myself and my body, and I find peace in that. My diagnosis has made me stronger; I look at things differently now."
What is glioblastoma?
According to Cancer Research UK, glioblastomas are an aggressive and fast-growing type of brain tumour and the most common malignant (cancerous) brain tumour in adults.
The Brain Tumour Charity (BTC) says they are a diffuse type of tumour which means it has tendrils that can reach to other areas of the brain.
Signs and symptoms of glioblastoma
The BTC says some of the most common symptoms of glioblastoma include:
Headaches
Personality changes
Trouble remembering things
Trouble understanding, thinking or speaking
Sight problems
Seizures
Depression
Fatigue
Glioblastoma causes
As with most brain tumours, the BTC says it is not known why glioblastomas start growing and that there is nothing you could have done to prevent it from growing.
Some risk factors involved in a small amount of brain tumours include genetics, being overweight or obese, being over 75 years of age, being a female, and previous cancer diagnosis.
Treatment for glioblastoma
Cancer Research UK says the most common treatments for glioblastomas are surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
However, treatment plans vary depending on the amount of the tumour that was removed during surgery, how well you are, and any gene changes.
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