'It changes your life forever'- Leitrim woman shares her journey with a brain tumour

Colette Scollan, a 42-year-old Leitrim Village woman, went on a life-changing journey after being diagnosed with a grade two meningioma, a type of brain tumour, in February 2022. 

Colette shared with the Leitrim Observer that after being diagnosed, "everything goes at a different pace" and is grateful that her tumour was operable, followed by a successful treatment. 

"It all started in December 2021 when I began to have what I thought were severe migraines. I was experiencing headaches, blurred vision, nausea, was sensitive to light and felt woozy.

"I went to my GP, who referred me for an MRI, which would subsequently reveal a meningioma", she explained. 

In March 2022, the Leitrim Village woman went through a neurosurgery to remove most of the meningioma at the Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, followed by 30 radiotherapy sessions from October to November 2022. 

"I'm a year on from treatment, and things are stable and looking good. I'm starting to feel better, and my energy is starting to come back, but it was a tough road for sure. 

"When I got my diagnosis, I was completely shocked… because I wasn't expecting it at all. And when I got my MRI results, I was like, how am I going to tell my family? My friends? 

"I had a lot of help from friends and family who helped me to get my treatment in Dublin - everybody gave me a lift because I was not able to drive, helped me mind the kids and dinners." 

Colette is a mother of two, a daughter of five, Bonnie, and a six-year-old boy, Cooper and is married to Damian.

She says that receiving the diagnosis of a grade two tumour and needing radiotherapy had a significant impact on her life. 

"My energy levels remain lower than normal. I have to plan in advance when my busy days will be so that I don't have two busy days in a row, or else I become exhausted and overwhelmed. I am still not allowed to drive, which can be frustrating, especially with two young children who need ferrying about. 

"Not being able to drive was really challenging. You feel like your independence was taken away. I always say I'm lucky that my surgery and treatment led to positive outcomes. 

"I have a future to look forward to. It [the diagnosis] changes your life forever. But now the outlook looks good, and hopefully things will stay stable for a long time", she said. 

Despite the challenges, Colette highlights to the Leitrim Observer the positive outcomes of her journey with a brain tumour. 

"Notwithstanding everything, I am grateful that my tumour was operable and that things are stable for now. I take minor things in life less seriously, and I prioritise my family and myself over everything else", Colette said. 

She works as an eHealth planning manager at the HSE and has recently returned to work part-time. 

"Even if it is tough not being able to operate at the level that I had prior to my tumour diagnosis. I am trying to work towards a 'new normal' and hope that energy will come in time", she said. 

Speaking to the Leitrim Observer, Colette says it is crucial to bring awareness of brain tumours in Ireland due to the importance of an early diagnosis. 

"When I was struggling, I reached out to Brain Tumour Ireland, and they were amazing. Now, I'm trying to raise awareness because I feel like it's time to give something back to others who may find themselves in a similar situation.

The 2023 Brain Tumour Awareness Week runs until November 4, with events to discuss ongoing advancements in research and bring awareness to brain tumours in Ireland. 

The event is hosted by Brain Tumour Ireland, and further information can be found at https://braintumourireland.com/brain-tumour-awareness-week-2023/. 

As part of the 2023 Brain Tumour Awareness Week, Brain Tumour Ireland is launching a new online support group for parents to complement the existing online patient and family support groups. 

Wild Youth band member and Brain Tumour Ireland ambassador Conor O'Donohoe says that it is essential to offer support to those diagnosed with a brain tumour and to remain positive. It is very important when navigating diagnosis and treatments. 

"My advice is to simply be there for them, to give them your love and support, and to stay positive. Have patience if they need to walk more slowly or are forgetful, and do whatever you can to lift their spirits. Be grateful for every second you have and appreciate every moment", he said. 

For Mr Stephen MacNally, a neurosurgeon at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, while symptoms of a brain tumour can also apply to so many other health issues, it is always best to get checked out. 

"According to the latest figures from the National Cancer Registry (2018-2020)1, there are approximately 823 people diagnosed with a brain or other central nervous system (CNS) tumour each year in Ireland, with glioblastoma being the most common malignant tumour involved.

"The good news is that the outcomes today, compared with 20 years ago, are much better thanks to the way we manage brain tumours. In terms of early diagnosis, the majority of brain tumours present with a seizure or deficit, including visual deficits or perhaps some subtle character changes.

"The National Cancer Registry also notes that brain and CNS tumours have a younger age profile than most cancer types, representing more than 25% of all childhood cancers in Ireland. Each year, approximately 65 children and teenagers are diagnosed with a brain or CNS tumour. 

"Symptoms of a brain tumour can include headache, visual problems, speech difficulties, seizures, personality changes, memory loss, nausea and vomiting", Mr Stephen added.

Colette has definite hopes for the future and says, "I hope my health continues to improve. I hope that I live to see my kids get older and enjoy their own lives.

"And I hope that my brain tumour isn't the first thing I think of every day when I wake up", she said.