A Scots mum was diagnosed with a brain tumour after going for a routine eye test.
Jane Kochanski, from Kilmacolm in Renfrewshire , had been having increasingly severe eye spasms for around two years, but in the heart of the pandemic, she hadn’t been to see her GP about it. Wearing face masks during Covid restrictions also meant these largely went unnoticed by those around the 46-year-old.
However, during a routine eye examination this month, her optician noticed the spasms and sent her for an MRI scan. It was there that medics discovered a 3cm low grade meningioma on Jane’s brain stem which was lying on the optical nerve and had wrapped itself around the carotid artery.
This was seen to be causing stenosis, narrowing the artery by around 50%, so Jane’s right eye cannot fully open. She was also warned this significantly increases her chances of having a stroke in the future by restricting blood supply.
In the months leading up to Jane’s diagnosis, she had been feeling tired, more irritable than usual and her usually optimistic personality would easily fluctuate. Sadly, the mum-of-three was completely unaware these are all classic symptoms of an adult brain tumour.
Jane, who is originally from Glasgow, said: “The eye spasms had been happening on and off for the last two years. My eye had also gradually begun to close which I hadn’t had checked out by the GP due to the pandemic.
“My husband and children had commented on it when they saw me in photos but we just assumed that I was tired or maybe it had been caused by the flash. I am very grateful to my optician as I honestly think that she saved my life.”
Jane says her family were devastated when she revealed her diagnosis - but she says talking things through and connecting with others has helped her to come to terms with it.
She said: “My family have all been amazingly supportive. My husband simply couldn’t believe what he was hearing when I told him. My brother was really shocked and my uncle, who I am very close to, was very upset. He couldn’t really digest the information and needed some time to get used to the idea. So, he had a look online and then talked me through it all to reassure me afterwards.
“My mother was the last person I told as I wanted to protect her from the harsh reality of it as I knew she would be upset too. I tried to be strong for her but it was incredibly difficult to say the words: “I have a brain tumour,” to her.”
Now, after turning to The Brain Tumour Charity for information and comfort, she is raising cash for the charity by making regular donations - and she has plans to take on a running challenge too. Jane hopes the money she raises will help raise awareness of the disease and help conduct research into finding a cure.
She said: “I often feel like my hands are tied because no operation can remove my tumour. I can’t do anything about it and I feel powerless. This is scary, frustrating and it also occasionally makes me angry too. It’s hard not to think 'why me' sometimes as well. It is a major life change and such a big blow to the system.
“I do sometimes also feel strong and I say to myself that it will be OK, that I will be able to keep going and that I can be strong for my family as I know that they need me by their side to support them too.
“I hope and pray that, one day in the future, a treatment option will be found so that my tumour can be removed as I know that neurosurgeons are lifesavers. Walking around with a brain tumour in your head is a crazy and colossal feeling but I just have to accept it.
“Laughing with my friends and family and enjoying therapeutic activities such as singing or cross-stitch sewing really help me to ease the pain. It is easier said than done but talking really helps too as well as releasing each emotion as they come. Be brave and you will get through the journey.”
Lorcan Butler, Optical Engagement Manager for The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We are hugely grateful to Jane and her family for their continued support and their desire to raise awareness during National Eye Health Week. The Brain Tumour Charity are delighted to be collaborating with the organisers once again in this fantastic campaign.
“In a busy hectic lifestyle most of us take our eyes for granted and only give them only a second thought once we start to experience problem with the most precious sense-sight. We are only blessed with one pair in our lifetime, so it’s vital that we all learn how to take care of them.
“General Health condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and many more conditions can be detected and observed during a routine eye examination. If you, or a loved one, have any concerns with your eye(s) or your vision please do not hesitate to contact your local optician and get that reassurance that we all need at times.”
The Brain Tumour Charity has launched a new multi-channel advertising campaign, 'Better Safe Than Tumour' to raise awareness of the common warning signs of the disease among adults and children, and support the public to get anything concerning checked out by their doctor.
One of the multitude of symptoms listed in the campaign is changes to vision, including blurred or double vision and abnormal eye movements. The charity also provides support for everyone affected so that they can live as full a life as possible, with the best quality of life.
Anyone affected by a brain tumour can get in touch for support and information on 0808 800 0004 or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org. Find out more at The Brain Tumour Charity website.
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