A MUM-OF-THREE from Cirencester who was told that her migraines and brain fog were signs of the perimenopause was devastated to learn that the cause was a brain tumour.
Pippa Griffiths, age 45, who works as a nursery assistant, was rushed to hospital in September after she woke up with a numbness on one side of her face.
She had been experiencing severe fatigue for months but claims she had been told by doctors that it was probably an early symptom of menopause.
However, when she was taken to hospital an MRI scan showed that she had a mass, known as a meningioma, growing on her brain.
The tumour was removed by surgeons the following month.
Ms Griffiths said: “I thought my symptoms could be down to stress after moving from France to the UK.
"I tried everything to control the pain in my head including cool packs on my forehead. Nothing worked.”
She had in fact suffered a tonic clonic seizure, which lasted 45 minutes, during which she was given CPR by her sister.
Despite the risk that the tumour could return at any time, Pippa has decided not to undergo radiotherapy treatment due to the possible long term health risks.
The nursery assistant added: “When the doctor listed the possible side effects of radiotherapy, I made the decision not to pursue that treatment.
"I was warned that it 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.
"Since surgery, my migraines have stopped and the brain fog has lifted.
"It’s incredibly important to raise awareness of brain tumours, not only to understand their symptoms and causes, but also treatments and ultimately a cure.”
Three months after surgery, Pippa is now preparing take part in 10,000 steps a day challenge in February to raise money for Brain Tumour Research.
Mel Tiley, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re sorry to hear about Pippa’s diagnosis.
"The fact that she has declined any further treatment at this stage due to the side effects of current brain tumour treatment, demonstrates the need for greater investment to research the disease.
“It’s with the support of people such as Pippa, that will bring us closer to finding a cure for all types of brain tumours.”
To donate to Pippa’s challenge visit tinyurl.com/3ucsjjhn
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