Mum’s menopause symptoms turned out to be a brain tumour uncovered at routine eye test
A mum-of-three put symptoms down to the menopause - it turned out she had a brain tumour.
A woman who put her headaches and fatigue down to the menopause was actually suffering the effects of a brain tumour - and has spoken of how the news left her “convinced” she was going to die.
Tracy Flynn was struggling with the symptoms in 2023 and 2024, but put them down to the menopause, before a routine eye test revealed the true extent of her illness. Soon after that exam the brain tumour, called an acoustic neuroma, was confirmed behind her right ear following CT and MRI scans at Southampton General Hospital.
The mum-of-three, from Eastleigh, Hampshire, said of the wait for test results: “Ten days went by, and I didn’t hear from the hospital, so I thought no news was good news. I was terribly wrong.
“When the neurologist told me that I had a brain tumour over the phone, I was stunned. I went home and cried. I was convinced I was going to die.”
The doctors confirmed an acoustic neuroma, a tumour that rests on the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain. Following the diagnosis, Tracy underwent major surgery - performed by three surgeons at Southampton General Hospital over 10 hours - on October 1 last year to remove the tumour.
However, despite having the tumour successfully removed, the mum-of-three still struggles with permanent mobility loss, hearing loss in her right ear, facial palsy, and balance problems.
“There was a time when I couldn’t walk at all,” she said. “I was in a wheelchair and had to learn to walk again step by step."
Surgeons were glad to catch the tumour before it grew further, which could have caused even more complications and potentially death.
Tracy said: “Looking back, all the clues were there, I just didn’t put them together. Had I not gone to the opticians, I might not be here now. My optician was able to see towards the back of my eye, and that is how my tumour was found. Symptoms can feel like common ailments, never ignore them and always press for answers.”
Now, Tracy will be taking on the 99 Miles in November challenge in aid of Brain Tumour Research, walking with her 17-month-old grandson Marley to raise money and hope for others affected by the condition.
Participants are encouraged to reach 99 miles by walking, running, cycling, swimming, or clocking up miles in the gym, at their own pace, in their own way.
“Taking on 99 Miles in November means so much to me because now I can walk, and I’m doing it for those who can’t.” said Tracy. “It’s my way of giving back, raising awareness, and showing that there is life and hope after a brain tumour.”
Letty Greenfield, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Tracy’s story is an incredible reminder of how easily brain tumour symptoms can be mistaken for something else.
"We’re so grateful she’s sharing her journey to help others and to raise vital funds for research. You can sign up for the 99 Miles in November challenge and join us and others in the pursuit of finding a cure against brain cancer.”
Anyone wanting to join the challenge, or make a donation, should visit the Brain Tumour research website.