A young woman, Lucy Younger, 24, was diagnosed with a brain tumour after her symptoms were initially dismissed as being attributed to her “fresher” lifestyle and excessive drinking. Lucy began experiencing peculiar symptoms such as smelling bacon, frequent déjà vu, and sensory hallucinations before starting university. Despite her symptoms worsening during her time at university, doctors disregarded them, suggesting she was “drinking too much” and advised her to “slow down”. Over the following year, Lucy made multiple visits to her GP but was consistently dismissed and given antidepressants. Eventually, after further tests, a CT scan revealed a benign brain tumour and Lucy underwent a craniotomy to remove it. She is now advocating for others to persist in seeking a diagnosis to catch brain tumours early.
Lucy first noticed her symptoms before beginning her BA in English at Goldsmiths in September 2018. She experienced déjà vu, visual hallucinations like pink elephants and rollercoasters, and sensory hallucinations such as smelling bacon. Although she initially attributed these symptoms to partying during freshers week, her condition worsened, leading to sensory disturbances and headaches. Despite seeking help from her GP, who diagnosed her with anxiety due to her fresher lifestyle, Lucy continued to experience symptoms.
As her symptoms persisted, doctors suggested her issues were hormonal due to PCOS, but Lucy was convinced that something was amiss. In March 2020, after experiencing seizures, Lucy’s concerns were initially dismissed by doctors who claimed she was too young for a brain tumour. It was only after advocacy from her pharmacist that a CT scan revealed the presence of a benign brain tumour. Following surgery, Lucy now lives with epilepsy and short-term memory loss. She advises others to be persistent in advocating for their health and seeking timely medical attention.
Lucy’s story serves as a reminder that individuals know their bodies best. By being proactive in seeking a diagnosis, early detection of brain tumours can lead to successful treatment outcomes. Lucy’s journey highlights the importance of not disregarding unusual symptoms and the value of advocating for oneself in healthcare settings.