A mum-of-three was told her migraines and brain fog were signs of the perimenopause, only to later discover that her symptoms were caused by a brain tumour.
Pippa Griffiths, 45, from Cirencester in Gloucestershire, also suffered with extreme fatigue, which doctors also attributed to perimenopause.
When she woke up with a numbness on one side of her face in September 2023, Pippa was rushed for an MRI scan which revealed a mass growing on her brain, diagnosed as a meningioma.
Following a tonic-clonic seizure lasting 45 minutes, during which she was given CPR by her sister, Pippa underwent surgery to remove the tumour in October.
She said: “Had I not been staying my sister when I had that seizure, I don’t think I’d be here today.”
Despite knowing her tumour can grow back, Pippa has opted for no further treatment due to the risk of life-changing injuries. She is monitored with regular scans.
Pippa said: “I was warned that radiotherapy could cause cognitive decline, cataracts and pituitary gland damage which could lead to further surgeries and life-long meds.
“Being a mum to three children aged between 23 and seven, I wasn’t prepared to take that risk. I want to be well enough to enjoy seeing my children grow up.”
Three months after surgery, Pippa is putting her best foot forward by taking part in our 10,000 Steps a Day in February challenge to raise funds to help find a cure.
To donate to us via Pippa’s challenge, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/donate/720138556740555/
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