Podcasts · Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk Show
Central Neurocytoma: Holly’s Brain Tumour Story
· 24 min · Explicit
Episode Central Neurocytoma: Holly’s Brain Tumour Story
Holly was diagnosed with a central neurocytoma in April 2023 — but her symptoms had been there for months.
It started with blurry and double vision after gym sessions. Holly stayed silent, convinced that if she admitted something was wrong, it might derail her plans to start law school. But when her eye doctor examined her optic nerves, it was clear something serious was happening.
Holly went for an MRI — and later that day, she saw the words herself on the hospital app: central neurocytoma. A tumour sitting in her ventricles.
In this honest and often darkly funny story, Holly shares:
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Ignoring symptoms for months and why she stayed quiet
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The eye appointment that changed everything
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Finding out her diagnosis by reading her own MRI report
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The phone calls to her boyfriend and parents
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Rapid deterioration — severe pain, vomiting, and vision loss
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Emergency escalation and two brain surgeries (including complications)
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Weeks in hospital with speech, physical and occupational therapy
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Living with lasting vision changes
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The decision to do proton radiation at Mayo Clinic to avoid further surgery
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Side effects like long-term nausea
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How humour helped her cope — and how her perspective on life shifted
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Her advice: having honest, practical check-ins with your support system
This episode contains raw emotion, humour, and a clear reminder that symptoms shouldn’t be carried alone.
⚠️ Content note: This episode includes discussion of brain tumour diagnosis, neurosurgery complications, hospitalisation, and radiotherapy side effects.
This is one of 31 real stories being shared for Brain Tumour Awareness Month 2026.
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