During a holiday in Ibiza in May 2023, Amy McNamara, 30, experienced a seizure in her sleep, initially suspecting it was due to drink spiking.
Amy McNamara, a 30-year-old from Bathgate, West Lothian, was vacationing with friends on the Spanish island when she unexpectedly fell ill during her sleep. Her friend, who was present, was greatly distressed by the incident, while Amy herself had no memory of the event.
Amy recounted, “I had just gone to lie down when suddenly paramedics were rushing into the room. I initially thought perhaps someone had tampered with my drink. The medical team in Ibiza conducted basic tests, which I passed, and I was able to leave the hotel room feeling fine.”
No further seizures occurred, and Amy was able to resume her holiday, dismissing the incident as a one-off event.
However, as the summer progressed, Amy began experiencing spontaneous panic attacks and blurred vision, which she attributed to extensive screen time due to her job as an accountant.
Concerned, she consulted her GP, which led to a neurology appointment and a preliminary diagnosis of epilepsy.
Initially, Amy was informed that a confirmatory scan was not standard procedure.
However, a scan was eventually performed to exclude other possibilities. Amy shared, “A lot of my diagnosis happened by chance. I almost didn’t get a scan. Then, during my scan, they initially forgot to use contrast. Luckily, a nurse called me back at the last minute. Without that second scan, my tumor might have gone undetected for a much longer time.”
The tumor was later identified as a grade 4 astrocytoma, a common type of primary brain tumor that originates from star-shaped glial cells known as astrocytes. Amy underwent surgery a few weeks later.
Despite the initial surgery in August of that year, 10% of the tumor remained in her skull due to its location in her left temporal lobe and concerns about potential impacts on her speech.
Amy expressed her gratitude towards her surgeon, “My surgeon is incredible. I felt completely confident in his abilities. When I awoke from my second surgery, it was comforting to see him at the end of my bed with a smile, pleased to have removed 95% of the tumor.”
She underwent several intense rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and is now under regular monitoring, with scans scheduled every three months.
Dealing with her diagnosis and the invasive treatment was extremely challenging. Amy attempted to return to work but struggled with concentration and performing at her previous level.
She explained, “Although I’m relieved that most of my tumor was removed, it’s difficult to accept that some of it remains. The daily chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions for six weeks, followed by additional chemotherapy for six months, were exhausting and frightening.”
Amy discovered the Brain Tumour Charity’s free counselling service and decided to seek help.
“I could discuss things that I couldn’t share with my family. I was in a dark place, writing farewell letters, scared of dying while pretending everything was fine. That’s not healthy,” she admitted.
“My counselor was wonderful from the beginning. It felt like she knew me, and she could see the improvements in me as my treatment progressed,” Amy added.
“I’m forever thankful to the Charity for the support they offered me and my loved ones. It significantly impacted my well-being and helped me manage my treatment. It also helped me establish a routine and regain some independence, without the constant fear and frustration caused by memory issues,” she concluded.
Motivated by her experience, Amy participated in an Active Autumn challenge to raise funds for other families facing similar challenges, and to regain some of her physical fitness.
Support her fundraising efforts here.
Hi, I’m Benjamin, a member of the Sherburne County Citizen team. With a passion for writing and a deep interest in current affairs, I thoroughly enjoy bringing you the latest news and trends that affect our daily lives.
