Woman Mistook Years of Her Life After Brain Tumor Diagnosis
A 71-year-old woman named Glen Lily experienced a startling and disorienting reality shift after a fall four years ago.She awoke believing she was 41,convinced her adult sons were still teenagers,as reported by the British daily mirror and other sources. This bizarre experience was ultimately traced to a grapefruit-sized brain tumor.
Lily had been experiencing tinnitus and dizziness as 2017, but initial examinations by an otolaryngologist revealed no significant issues. However, the tumor had been growing aggressively, culminating in the fall in 2021 that prompted a more thorough inquiry. Doctors determined the tumor was life-threatening and required immediate surgery, estimating she had only six months to live without it.
Following a grueling 11-hour surgery, LilyS life was saved, though she experienced lasting effects including vision loss and chronic headaches. The tumor was classified as low grade, but radiation therapy is considered unlikely due to the risk of recurrence.Remarkably, Lily has now lived four years beyond initial expectations, stating, “I am a lucky person.”
Now, Lily is dedicated to raising awareness about brain tumors, participating in the ‘Walk of Hope’ event organized by Brain tumor Research. She highlights the fact that brain tumors are the most common cause of cancer deaths in adults under 40 and children. ”I lived a happy life enough.Now I want to speak for young patients,” she says.
The urgency of increased research funding is underscored by statistics: in the UK, approximately 12,000 people are diagnosed with brain tumors annually, yet only 1% of national cancer research expenditure is allocated to the disease. Patient groups and researchers are advocating for £35 million per year to bring brain tumor research funding in line with other major cancers.
Brain Tumors in Korea: A Rare but Serious Concern
In Korea, brain tumors represent approximately 0.7% of all cancer diagnoses.According to the Central Cancer Registration Headquarters, 1,976 cases of brain tumors were newly diagnosed in Korea during 2022.
Symptoms of brain tumors are highly variable, depending on the tumor’s location. The Korean Society of Brain Tumor notes that frontal lobe tumors can cause seizures, personality changes, and memory problems. Temporal lobe tumors may lead to difficulties with language comprehension or memory. Parietal lobe tumors can result in sensory abnormalities and reading/writing difficulties, while occipital lobe tumors often cause vision defects. Tumors in the cerebellum or brainstem can manifest as walking difficulties, dizziness, and vomiting, and tumors in the cerebral pons often begin with hearing loss and tinnitus.
While initial symptoms can mimic common ailments like headaches or dizziness, experts emphasize the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen, as they could indicate neurological damage.
(Image: Getty Image Bank / lower Right = Glen Lily-Brain Tumor Research)
