Katrina Carlin, a 23-year-old mum who lives in Accrington, Lancashire, was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour known as a colloid cyst in February 2022. She noticed a “dent” on her head and was told by doctors that the grape-sized tumour was too small to be operated on. She was informed that she would have to wait for five years for the tumour to grow before it could be removed. Despite her tumour being nearly double the size of TV presenter Davina McCall’s, who recently underwent surgery for a similar tumour, Katrina was told that her cyst was not large enough to warrant immediate removal.
Colloid cysts are a type of brain tumour that can cause symptoms if they are large or in a location that affects the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. In some cases, patients may be monitored over time with regular MRI scans if the cyst is small and not causing any symptoms. However, if symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, nosebleeds, and vision problems are present, the tumour may need to be removed. Katrina has been experiencing these symptoms since her diagnosis, which she believes are linked to her tumour. Despite seeking medical advice, she was informed that surgery would not be performed until the tumour grew in size, which has left her feeling dismissed and frustrated.
Since her diagnosis, Katrina has been struggling with short-term memory loss, nosebleeds, vision problems, and fatigue. She worries about the potential consequences of her condition, especially since she has a young child to care for. This fear has been exacerbated by the fact that her symptoms have been worsening, and she feels that her concerns have not been taken seriously by her medical providers. Despite working in a hospital herself, she has felt unheard and hopes to advocate for herself to ensure that her condition is properly monitored and treated.
Katrina’s situation is further complicated by the fact that she works in a hospital and interacts with patients and doctors on a daily basis. She has been advocating for herself to her medical providers in hopes of receiving the necessary treatment for her tumour. She has expressed frustration at the lack of action taken regarding her condition, given that her symptoms have been progressively worsening. Despite being told that her tumour is too small for immediate intervention, she believes that the potential risks associated with leaving it untreated warrant a more proactive approach to her care.
As Katrina waits for further evaluation and treatment, she continues to experience the symptoms associated with her colloid cyst. She hopes to have her concerns addressed and taken seriously by her healthcare providers, as she feels that her condition is not being sufficiently monitored or treated. The uncertainty surrounding her prognosis and the potential risks of her tumour growing in size have left her feeling anxious and fearful for her future. She remains determined to advocate for herself and ensure that her health needs are met in a timely and comprehensive manner.
