'I thought it was menopause before diagnosis convinced me I'd die'

A mum who blamed her headaches and exhaustion on the menopause was actually suffering from something that left her 'crying at home'. Tracy Flynn, 51, initially brushed off her symptoms until a routine eye examination in May 2024 uncovered a large tumour. Following a series of tests, including CT and MRI scans at Southampton General Hospital, medics confirmed the brain tumour – an acoustic neuroma – was situated behind her right ear. Whilst the tumour was successfully removed, Tracy continues to suffer from permanent mobility loss. The mum-of-three, from Eastleigh, Hampshire, said: "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." An acoustic neuroma is a tumour which sits on the vestibular nerve, connecting the inner ear to the brain. Tracy underwent major surgery carried out by three surgeons at Southampton General Hospital on October 1, 2024, to have the tumour removed. Although surgeons successfully removed both the tumour and her balance nerve, the 10-hour operation has left Tracy with lifelong complications. Tracy now lives with permanent mobility loss, hearing loss in her right ear, facial palsy and balance difficulties. She said: "There was a time when I couldn't walk at all. I was in a wheelchair and had to learn to walk again step by step." Surgeons were relieved to detect the tumour before it developed further, which could have led to even more serious complications and potentially proved fatal. 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." Following her recovery, Tracy will be taking on the '99 Miles in November' challenge, walking alongside her 17-month-old grandson Marley to raise funds and awareness for others affected. The challenge is organised by Brain Tumour Research, which will use the fitness fundraiser proceeds to support research and improve outcomes for patients like Tracy. Participants are encouraged to complete 99 miles by walking, running, cycling, swimming, or accumulating 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." Those wishing to join the challenge this month, or donate, can do so via the website. Letty Greenfield, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, expressed: "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."