A woman who went for a routine eye test at Boots said it saved her life after it led to her being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Katie Dunn, 30, says the meningioma could have been "both life-changing and even life-limiting" if it had been left undetected. The tumour was found after an optician noticed abnormalities during a routine test and referred Katie for an MRI scan.
Katie, a beautician, said: “I feel like the eye test saved my life and eyesight. As if it was left any longer, I could have lost my vision completely due to it pressing on my optic nerve." Katie, from Hampshire, was sent for an MRI scan in February 2021 after going to a Boots in Romsey.
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She visited Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital - and results showed the shocking discovery of a large tumour on her brain. Katie has since had two surgeries and in December 2022 underwent fertility preservation before starting radiotherapy.
She said: “The type of tumour I have is slow growing which means I could have had it for years. Had it been left undetected then it could have caused other issues, both life-changing and even life-limiting. I rely on my eyesight for my job, and I drive too, so it would take away my livelihood and independence."
Katie, who is telling her story through Brain Tumour Research, is now monitored with regular scans. She said: “I’ve had some hair loss where the radiotherapy was targeting the mass and my nose and throat are still recovering from the second surgery as they cut away what they could of the tumour via my nose.
"Other than that, I feel fortunate to be able to share my story to help raise awareness. I’m incredibly thankful to my neurosurgeon, Mr Mathad and radiotherapy consultant Dr Enrico Clarke who have looked after me. It's made me realise that even when you don’t feel that you’re strong enough to deal with something like this, when it comes to it you somehow find the strength within you.”
Katie raised almost £3,000 for Brain Tumour Research last year. And she and her family are taking on the 10,000 Steps a Day in Challenge in February again in 2023. Mel Tiley, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re grateful to Katie for sharing her story with us as well as fundraising an incredible amount and we wish her well with her ongoing scans.”
To sign up to the charity challenge, people are invited to join a special Brain Tumour Research Facebook Group or set up a JustGiving page. Mel added: “The best part is that you can complete your steps wherever you are.
"Head to your local park and enjoy the fresh air. Take a new route around your community every day. Walk on the treadmill at the gym. Go for a wander during your lunch break at work. Stay home and complete your steps around your house or garden. It’s your challenge, your way."
Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK. It also campaigns for the government and the larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure.
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