Karen Tait’s life turned upside down when flu-like symptoms turned out to be a brain tumour. What began as hot, achy, and clammy feelings alongside blurry vision snowballed into two years of being bedridden. Doctors initially chalked it up to fibromyalgia, depression, or menopause. Her world shrank as she struggled with severe sensitivity to light and noise, and even needed her husband Neil to carry her around the house.
Despite multiple doctor visits with Neil and her daughter Elle advocating for her, Karen was often told it was all in her head. But a routine MRI for past cancer in 2024 unveiled the real issue: a brain mass. After a successful craniotomy, Karen was diagnosed with a grade 2 benign meningioma. This discovery was both a relief and a heartbreak for her family, who had endured so much alongside her.
Reflecting on her journey, Karen shares the mix of emotions—validation, relief, anger, and fear of the upcoming surgery. Post-surgery, she handled the brightest hospital lights with a newfound clarity and relief. She walked out stronger, ready for yearly check-ups and keen to support vital research on meningiomas.
Her story highlights the crucial need for understanding brain tumours better. As Karen champions The Brain Tumour Charity’s ongoing research, she hopes her journey sparks awareness and change for others grappling with similar diagnoses.
Stay tuned to support Karen and the advancements in brain tumour research—it could change lives!