A Donaghadee woman is sharing her powerful and emotional journey following a brain tumour diagnosis In July 2022 to raise awareness during International Brain Tumour Awareness Week.
In July 2022, Linda Geddis’s life changed dramatically after what she thought was a simple case of vertigo turned out to be a brain tumour.
“I went to the doctor thinking I had vertigo,” Linda explained. “It was a Locum Doctor I had at the time and she said to confirm everything, she would send me for a CT scan. The CT scan showed up the tumour in my brain.”
Linda was referred immediately to the Royal Victoria Hospital for an MRI scan, where the tumour was confirmed. “I was referred on for surgery in the Royal a few weeks later and after that, I stayed in the Brain Rehabilitation Unit in Musgrave Park Hospital for a number of months.”
Following five months of hospital care, Linda was referred to the Community Brain Injury Team in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, who supported her recovery journey at home.
Reflecting on the shock of her diagnosis, Linda said, “I think I was totally oblivious to what was actually happening. I probably was very naïve and just went in thinking, right, two weeks in hospital, six months’ recovery and I would be back at work, it would be fine.”
“But it just was not that way at all. It was a long, long journey. In fact, it is still ongoing. I do not really dwell too much on what could have been if I had not had that diagnosis. I am just so lucky the tumour was caught and treated.”
Doctors told Linda that her tumour had likely been present for around two years before it was detected. “I had no other symptoms apart from dizzy spells a few weeks before my CT scan. I just knew I did not feel right and that is what I told the Doctor. I never go to the Doctor for anything, so she knew something was not right.”
Linda credits the Community Brain Injury Team for helping her rebuild her life. “They helped me move back home safely and supported me in doing everyday tasks. They also put me in touch with support groups and others who had gone through something similar.
“A lot of what the Brain Injury Team teach you is about acceptance. Accepting what has happened, learning to adapt and realising that there is still life after.”
Now, Linda wants to encourage others to listen to their bodies and seek medical advice if something feels wrong. “It is so important to raise awareness. You know your own body, if you know you are not right, seek advice and ask questions.”