Imagine experiencing frequent hallucinations only to be told it’s just anxiety. That’s what happened to 28-year-old Jessie Mae Lambert from Derby. In October 2023, she started having terrifying episodes, but doctors initially brushed them off as mental health issues. Despite being put on anxiety meds, Jessie’s hallucinations persisted – sometimes up to seven a day.
Her turning point came when she suffered a seizure in front of her mum, Trish, which finally led to an MRI. The scans revealed what her doctors had overlooked: a grade two astrocytoma, a type of brain tumour, as well as epilepsy. Jessie underwent a significant brain surgery to remove 40% of the tumour, but the location near her main nerve meant doctors had to be cautious to avoid a possible stroke.
After gruelling months of treatment, including six weeks of radiotherapy, Jessie is now facing regular MRI checks, which show the tumour gradually shrinking. But the journey hasn’t been easy. The operation and treatment have affected her memory and attention span, posing challenges in her career. Adapting to these changes, she’s pursuing training as a nail technician.
Jessie recalls the wait for her diagnosis, the anxiety, and crying for days once she knew. Viewing a TikTok video featuring someone with similar symptoms ultimately prompted her to seek further medical advice, proving pivotal to getting the right diagnosis.
Now, Jessie urges others facing similar health hurdles not to let their diagnosis define them. “I feel like I’ve wasted years, but I’m determined to make the most of my life,” she says. Her advice? “Have your time to cry and heal, but don’t let the diagnosis take over your life.” Let’s spread awareness and encouragement for those battling health obstacles. 💪❤️