Nicola Shaw, a 38-year-old teacher from Manchester, had just returned from a dream trip to Antarctica when she began experiencing an unusual Tingling in Left Cheek. Initially dismissing it as stress, she soon found the pain spreading to her nose, eye, and head, becoming so severe that she would double over in agony.
The pain became unbearable, leading her to seek medical attention. What she thought was a minor issue turned out to be a life-threatening condition—a meningioma tumor, located in a rare and dangerous position near her brain stem and left optic nerve.
Nicola’s journey from diagnosis to recovery has been filled with immense challenges, but she has emerged stronger and more determined than ever.
The Road to Diagnosis and Treatment
When Nicola first experienced the tingling sensation, she brushed it off as a symptom of stress. However, by January 2023, the pain intensified, making daily life unbearable. Encouraged by a friend, she decided to see a doctor, who recommended an MRI.
At first, she hesitated, believing the suggestion to be excessive. Nevertheless, she proceeded with the scan, which revealed a devastating reality—a meningioma tumor. This type of tumor is generally benign, but its location near critical structures of the brain made it particularly dangerous.
The diagnosis came as a shock. Nicola struggled to accept the news, insisting that there must have been a mistake. However, the MRI scans left no room for doubt, and she was quickly referred to a neurosurgeon. A stroke of luck came in the form of a student’s father, who happened to be a neurosurgeon at the hospital she was referred to.
He explained that her tumor was extremely difficult to remove, ranking a nine out of ten in complexity, with only 2% of such tumors found in similar locations. Despite the grim prognosis, she sought a second opinion, and the decision was made to move forward with surgery.
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In April 2023, Nicola underwent a grueling 10-hour surgery at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago, one of the leading brain tumor treatment centers in the country. Surgeons successfully removed 95% of the tumor, but her battle was far from over.
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She faced significant post-surgical challenges, including double vision, memory loss, and persistent jaw pain. To aid in her recovery, she even tried Botox treatments, but the ordeal was far from over.
Unexpected Tumor Growth and Further Treatment
Three months after her surgery, Nicola went in for a routine scan, hoping for good news. Instead, she was met with another devastating setback—the tumor had begun to grow again.
In just six months, it had expanded by 17 millimeters, leaving her doctors puzzled. There was no clear explanation for its aggressive regrowth, but it was evident that another course of action was necessary.
Given the tumor’s location, traditional surgery was not an option. Instead, Nicola’s medical team recommended Gamma Knife radiotherapy, a specialized treatment that uses targeted radiation to destroy tumors while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.
The procedure, however, was daunting. As a patient under 50, Nicola was concerned about potential long-term effects, but she had little choice.
The day of the Gamma Knife procedure was one of the most excruciating experiences of her life. The process involved inserting four screws into her skull to secure her head in place, with each screw site numbed using three separate injections. The pain was so intense that she screamed and begged for it to stop.
To make matters worse, the final screw was placed near her titanium plate, accidentally clipping her eyelid, leaving her with a black eye and a scar. Once secured, Nicola endured two hours of absolute stillness as radiation was precisely delivered to the tumor. The aftermath was physically and emotionally draining, leaving her in relentless pain.
Life After Treatment and Advocacy for Brain Tumor Research
Following her radiotherapy, Nicola was forced to make a difficult decision—she could no longer continue teaching. The toll of her treatments, combined with the uncertainty of her condition, made it impossible for her to return to her previous life.
She decided to move back to the UK to focus on her recovery, both physically and mentally. For the next nine months, she attended therapy sessions with a specialist who worked with cancer patients, helping her process the trauma she had endured.
A year after undergoing Gamma Knife radiotherapy, Nicola received the long-awaited news—her tumor was stable. Though she still requires regular scans to monitor any potential changes, she finally has a sense of stability. However, her journey has fueled a newfound purpose: raising awareness and funds for brain tumor research.
Determined to make a difference, Nicola set her sights on an extraordinary challenge—a 50-kilometer trek across the Sahara Desert to raise money for Brain Tumour Research.
The six-day expedition, scheduled for March 27, 2025, will test her endurance as she battles extreme temperatures, shifting sand dunes, and long, grueling days. Alongside 15 other participants who have been personally affected by brain tumors, she aims to shine a light on the urgent need for better treatment options and funding for research.
Reflecting on her journey, Nicola expressed her frustration with the lack of awareness and funding for brain tumor research. She noted that, despite the prevalence and severity of brain tumors, they receive significantly less funding than other types of cancer. She hopes that by sharing her story and taking on this demanding trek, she can inspire others to contribute to the cause.
Carol Robertson, National Events Manager at Brain Tumour Research, praised Nicola’s resilience and determination. She emphasized the significance of Nicola’s efforts, stating that every step she takes in the desert will bring the organization closer to improving outcomes for brain tumor patients. Nicola has already raised over $7,000, and she remains committed to reaching her fundraising goal before the trek begins.
Nicola’s story is one of immense courage, perseverance, and hope. What started as a simple tingling sensation in her cheek turned into a life-altering battle, but she has emerged stronger than ever.
Her journey serves as a reminder of the importance of early diagnosis, the need for continued research, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity. As she prepares for her Sahara trek, she carries with her the determination to make a lasting impact—not just for herself, but for countless others affected by brain tumors.
To support Nicola’s journey and contribute to Brain Tumour Research, donations can be made through her Just Giving page. Every contribution brings researchers closer to finding a cure and gives hope to those who continue to fight this devastating disease.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏