Podcasts · Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk Show

Living Fully With an IDH-Mutant Astrocytoma

30 Mar 2026 · 11 min · Explicit

Jaime was diagnosed with an IDH-mutant astrocytoma — but not in the way anyone would expect.

After surviving a traumatic brain injury years earlier, Jaime went through scans and rehabilitation to relearn how to walk, talk and function again. It was only much later, after noticing worsening tremors following the birth of her third baby, that more tests revealed something nobody had ever told her before:

There had been a small mass on her brain all along.

In this honest and uplifting interview, Jaime shares: • Finding out about her brain tumour completely by accident • The shock of learning something had been seen on earlier scans • Living through watch and wait • Why she pushed for second and third opinions • Choosing laser ablation surgery • Being diagnosed with a grade 2 astrocytoma • Starting Vorasidenib for her IDH-mutant tumour • Seeing her tumour begin to shrink • Living with uncertainty while raising three children • Staying present and finding joy in everyday life Jaime speaks powerfully about advocacy, openness, and making the most of life even when the future feels uncertain.

Her message is clear:

Stand up for yourself. Ask questions. Stay present. Book the trip. Get the tattoo.

This episode is part of a 31-day series sharing real brain tumour stories for Brain Tumour Awareness Month 2026.

If this episode resonates with you, please share it. Every story helps raise awareness.

⚠️ Content note: This episode discusses brain tumour diagnosis, prior traumatic brain injury, surgery, scan monitoring, and long-term uncertainty.

The episode on the publisher’s site ↗ (opens in a new tab)