Getting back on track after 10 meningiomas

After having an eye test to check blurred vision, Kerry Brown was told she had several brain tumours. She shares her story of coping with ongoing challenges and being inspired to create ‘memory bears’ for bereaved families. 

I’ve always loved travelling with my partner Gary and daughter Emma. I have special memories of holidays in Tenerife; relaxing by the pool, soaking up the sun and enjoying the nightlife, venturing out but also making the most of the hotel. 

When I experienced hot flushes, fatigue and vision problems, it was put down to menopause. As the blurred vision in one eye persisted, I decided to go to Specsavers for an eye test, explaining that it felt like there was a thumbprint over my lens. They did some tests but seemed concerned so sent me for an MRI scan. This revealed several tumours which had to be removed. The surgery led to the discovery of 10 meningiomas.

I was shocked to be told that I had been living with these tumours for a long time. One of them had been pressing on my optic nerve. Because the nerve was crushed for so long, I gradually became blind in one eye over the period of a year. I experienced seizures and had to take medication to prevent these from happening. I also had to cancel holidays because I couldn’t get insurance due to my health condition. 

It felt like a double loss, not only did I need to be seizure free but also having partial sight meant I couldn’t drive. I was frustrated and felt like so much was being taken away from me. I had to rely on Emma and Gary for simple things like taking me to the supermarket, I felt like I was a burden even though they really wanted to help. They were great and tried their best with everything. My sister was also so supportive and helped me through this challenging period. 

Kerry with her sister, Leah, sister-in-law, Kerri, and friend, Teresa

I used to be tired all the time, even now I have a different routine and sleep much earlier. At one point I couldn’t stay awake past 7:00pm because I was so exhausted. Gary and Emma have had to be patient. When I was angry, aggressive, and down, they would let me know I wasn’t being nice. Meningiomas can have an impact on mood and behaviour, so they know it's the tumours messing with my brain. I experience memory loss and sometimes I feel like I am a different person. I still take Citalopram for depression and anxiety, because of the tumours. Rest is really important too. If you don’t listen to your body and your intuition it can be dangerous. 

Eventually when the seizures stopped after five years, I could drive again. At first, it knocked my confidence and I doubted myself. I had to stay optimistic and tell myself that I could do things. It was great to get my freedom and independence back. We returned to Tenerife for our first holiday since being seizure free, and then to Spain and Türkiye. We made the most of travelling again. 

Personalised memory bears

Coping with brain tumours has changed my approach to life. I knew the meningiomas wouldn’t beat me. When I was told it was a year recovery I said: “no chance!” I knew I had to be positive to continue with my job and the things I enjoy. I did shorter days to gradually get myself back to work. When I returned to the office, I had to take a moment halfway through the day for a 15-minute nap, but my colleagues have been extremely understanding and supportive.

I enjoy creative activities like painting by numbers, sewing cushions and making teddy bears. Doing these things has felt particularly therapeutic after my diagnosis. I’ve been in my workplace for 13 years; we make items for the deceased such as coffin interiors. I’ve been inspired to create ‘memory bears’ for our customers. When a loved one passes away, family and friends can send in pieces of their clothing such as tie, cardigan or shirt and I will make a bespoke bear. It gives me a sense of fulfilment knowing that a unique teddy brings a little bit of comfort. 

I hadn’t heard of meningiomas until I was diagnosed but now realise they are more common than people realise. I still have five tumours and recently had radiotherapy in March to tackle two tumours that had grown back. I will undergo an MRI scan in August, and I will continue having yearly checks. But I am hopeful and optimistic about the future and might even start planning our next sunny holiday.