The other half of me’s story:

Wow, it’s been over a year since my initial brain tumour diagnosis, and the first anniversary of my brain surgery is fast approaching too. What a year it has been.

I’ve learnt an incredible amount about brain tumours since being thrown into this world of being and living each day as a patient. I’ve experienced some of the lowest lows that I didn’t think were possible, but I have also experienced some pretty good highs amongst all the sh*t (mostly thanks to the morphine, lol).

I’m still learning more and more every day on this journey, but one thing that has remained the same throughout all of this, is that brain tumour research and funding has continued to stay at an all time low, despite the fact that 33 people each day receive a brain tumour diagnosis, 5,300 people lose their lives to brain tumours each year, and brain tumours continue to be the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40.

Something needs to change. I barely knew anything about brain tumours in general, let alone knowing anything about the gruelling treatments that brain tumour patients endure, despite knowing that the prognosis remains poor even after undergoing these horrendous treatments.

I have never and will never again experience anything quite like brain surgery. Being awake while having your brain operated on is up there with one of the most traumatic experiences that, I believe, a person could go through, and no matter how much I try to, I will never ever forget that experience, the pain, and the recovery period that follows.

I went into my surgery so blasé, thinking it would be ‘a good experience’ as a healthcare professional, and genuinely believing that I’d be good to return to work after a few weeks of recovery. How wrong I was.

I was off work for 3 months before I started my phased return to work, and I was very quickly humbled at just how exhausting being back at work would be. I’d gotten so used to being in my little safety bubble at home that I’d forgotten what being in the ‘real world’ felt like.

Anyway, at the time of writing this, it’s been 10 months since my surgery, and while I’ve had bouts of improved energy levels and mood.. on the whole, I’ve really been struggling.

A lot has been put to the test in these last few months including friendships/relationships with those closest to me, motivation, aspirations, willingness to continue, and the list goes on. But I’m still here and I’m still fighting. It’s been a bloody hard ride and I know it’s not going to get any easier, especially if research and funding for brain tumour care and treatments continue to remain as they are. So, for my fellow warriors, I’m asking for your support in helping me to raise funds, once again, for the amazing Brain Tumour Charity.

I will be taking part in the 10k Twilight Walk again in March 2025, and while I’m grateful for any support and any money raised, I would love to beat the amount we raised for the last charity walk in March 2024 of £2,200 (which I’m still genuinely so shocked and incredibly grateful for!!!) so please please please help me and my little brain tumour community raise funds for better brain tumour care in the future ❤️

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and for sticking by my side through it all - I will forever be grateful and I promise not to haunt you when I’m no longer here 👻

All my love,

Victoria/Vic/Vik/Tor/Tora (or whatever else you might know me as) x