Julie was out walking her dog when she began to struggle to walk and was later diagnosed with two inoperable brain tumours
A woman was given just three weeks to live after being diagnosed with two brain tumours after getting pins and needles – but is still fighting. Julie Swallow, 56, experienced the sensation in her right foot and leg, and soon found herself struggling to walk while out with her dog.
After contacting her GP from home, she was advised to visit A&E where a brain scan revealed two inoperable tumours located centrally in her brain. Despite the grim prognosis of just three weeks left to live, Julie has defied all expectations five years on.
Now living with three tumours, she undergoes regular MRI and CT scans to monitor their growth or potential spread, reports Bristol Live. Defiant Julie, a former canine hydrotherapist from Huntington, Cambridgeshire, said: “To be honest, I never took any notice of the three-week prediction.”
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She said: “I’ve always said, when I die is not up to my doctor – it’s between me and my God. I’m not even a hugely religious person.
“But I am extremely stubborn and continue to fight daily. Some days it’s harder than others, but I put on my ‘big girl pants’ and get on with it. I appreciate it’s different for everyone, but that’s how I deal with it.”
In 2021, Julie initially dismissed the pins and needles – thinking it was just a result of her physically demanding job. She said: “I genuinely thought I’d trapped a nerve, and that going to A&E was ridiculous, but my friend said I should call the doctor.”
One evening, Julie found herself dialling 111 and ended up being directed to contact her GP, who then insisted she go straight to Kings Lynn Hospital. Having already been through a battle with breast cancer, doctors broke the news that the tumours in her brain were metastatic – indicating they had originated elsewhere in the body.
Julie said: “After finishing the scans, I was taken to the waiting room, and a nurse told me that they’re keeping me there. A doctor told me that I probably have got about three weeks to live, and to tell my husband and family – but here I still am. As I always say, when I die is between me and my God – not me and my doctor.
“It will catch up with me eventually, but in the meantime, I take every day as it comes.” The medical team informed Julie that chemotherapy wouldn’t be an effective treatment for her type of tumour. Instead, she’s been receiving monthly injections, along with regular MRI and CT scans to keep an eye on the tumours’ progression.
In March 2024, she had to deal with a fourth tumour, which was successfully excised. She has recently completed radiotherapy treatment for the third tumour.
Reflecting on her journey, Julie shared: “That tumour I had removed had caused me the biggest issues in terms of recovery. When I came round from it, I couldn’t walk very well, and I have really struggled with my mobility since then.”
Despite dealing with a difficult journey since her initial diagnosis, Julie maintains an optimistic outlook, finding joy in simple pleasures. She said: “Because I have lived longer than anticipated, and I am still here going strong – I appreciate the little days. I take more time than most people to appreciate the little stuff, a text message from a friend, someone visiting, or the blossom on the trees.”
She also stated: “There is something good in every day, and I just look for that. I have two choices, I can get busy living, or I can get busy dying – I am going to be busy no matter what.”
Cameron Miller, the Director of External Affairs and Strategy at The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “It’s so important that we see increased awareness of the signs and symptoms of brain tumours to ensure anyone affected can get the diagnosis, treatment and support they need at the earliest opportunity.”
He added: “The warning signs vary by age group, tumour type and where in the brain a tumour is located. But we would encourage anyone who is worried about a symptom that’s unusual for them, particularly if it is persistent or if they experience a combination of symptoms, to speak to their doctor.”
He said that concerned individuals can also reach out to the charity’s Support Team at the provided number or visit the suggested website to learn more about potential indicators of brain tumours: “Anyone concerned can also speak to our Support Team on 0808 800 0004 or find out more about the possible signs and symptoms at bettersafethantumour.com/”.
NHS symptoms to look for with brain tumours
The NHS website says that symptoms of a brain tumour can vary depending on the exact part of the brain affected. But it says that common symptoms include:
- persistently feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting) and drowsiness
- headaches
- vision or speech problems
- mental or behavioural changes, such as memory problems or changes in personality
- progressive weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
- seizures (fits)
Sometimes you may not have any symptoms to begin with, or they may develop very slowly over time, the website adds.
