Doctors told me I had anxiety - I actually had a brain tumor
Key Points:
- Lea Marie experienced fainting and fatigue for 10 years, initially diagnosed with anxiety, before discovering a slow-growing brain tumor called low-grade glioma through advanced MRI scans.
- The tumor is located in her temporal lobe, making surgical removal risky due to potential impacts on language and memory, leading doctors to adopt a watch-and-wait approach with regular monitoring.
- Despite the diagnosis, Lea manages her epilepsy with medication, allowing her to maintain an active lifestyle and participate in activities like running marathons.
- Future treatment options may include an awake craniotomy to preserve brain function, along with chemotherapy and radiation, but these are postponed as long as possible due to their risks.
- Lea shares her journey publicly to support others facing similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of community and understanding when dealing with brain cancer.