Podcasts · Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk Show
Living With a Grade 4 Astrocytoma: Jo's Story
· 14 min · Explicit
Episode Living With a Grade 4 Astrocytoma: Jo's Story
Jo had already faced cancer once.
After surviving breast cancer a decade earlier, she believed that chapter of her life was closed. But in 2024, after months of headaches, exhaustion, brain fog and anxiety — symptoms she thought were menopause — everything changed.
A seizure at work led to an emergency hospital admission and the devastating news: a Grade 4 Astrocytoma, IDH-mutant, deep within her brain.
In this episode, Jo shares:
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The shock of being diagnosed with a fast-moving brain tumour
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Being told it was Grade 4 — and choosing not to hear survival statistics
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Brain surgery to remove 90% of a 6cm tumour
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Six weeks of daily radiotherapy
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Chemotherapy treatment after already enduring it years before
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The emotional impact of living with a “stable but not gone” diagnosis
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Navigating disability benefits and financial changes
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The vital support of Maggie’s, Macmillan, and brain tumour charities
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The love and strength of her husband, Joe
Jo speaks with honesty about depression, identity changes, exhaustion, and the ongoing anxiety of scan results — while also expressing deep gratitude for the NHS team who cared for her.
Her tumour is currently stable. And for now, that is everything.
This is Jo’s story.
If this episode resonates with you, please share it to raise awareness of brain tumours and the reality of living with a Grade 4 diagnosis.
⚠️ Content note: This episode includes discussion of seizures, brain tumour diagnosis, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, depression, and anxiety.
#BrainTumourAwarenessMonth #Astrocytoma #Grade4BrainTumour #IDH-mutant
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