Grandma's Quick Temper and Memory Lapse Revealed a Brain Tumor

A Journey of Resilience and Creativity

Jan Burrell, a 62-year-old grandmother from Stroud, Gloucestershire, experienced a sudden change in her behavior that left her confused and frightened. What began as occasional forgetfulness and irritability eventually led to a shocking diagnosis of a brain tumor. Her story is one of resilience, creativity, and the power of love.

For years, Jan had been dealing with migraines, which she attributed to aging. However, in January 2021, she noticed a significant shift in her personality. She became short-tempered, angry, and even lost recognition of herself. During a brief walk to the chemist, she experienced a loss of vision and speech, prompting an emergency trip to the hospital.

At the emergency room, it was discovered that Jan had suffered a seizure caused by a brain tumor the size of a fist. After further tests, she was diagnosed with meningioma, a type of brain tumor. She underwent a craniotomy to remove most of the tumor, but the experience left her with permanent visual impairment known as quadrantanopia—a loss of vision in one quarter of her visual field. She now requires annual scans to monitor the remaining tumor.

Before her diagnosis, Jan had always been a proactive and independent person. She ran a cleaning and gardening business and had a strong sense of responsibility. However, in 2019, she started noticing memory lapses, such as forgetting to lock up houses after cleaning. At first, she dismissed these incidents as signs of aging or early-onset Alzheimer’s. Despite her husband Steve’s reassurance, she felt something was wrong.

In January 2021, the symptoms returned, and this time they were more severe. Jan felt a sense of losing control, which made her hesitant to leave her home. It wasn’t until a seizure in February 2022 that the truth came to light. During a walk to the chemist, she lost part of her vision and struggled to speak. When she tried to communicate at the counter, only a grunt came out. This frightening experience led to her being rushed to the hospital.

After a series of tests, doctors confirmed the presence of a brain tumor. The news was devastating for Jan, who had never considered the possibility of having a brain tumor. She was terrified, fearing she might not survive the surgery or lose her ability to create art.

To cope with her fears, Jan decided to write a book for her grandson, Finn, who was just four years old at the time. She titled it "Finn’s Wonderful World," a heartfelt message of wonder and joy. Writing the book was a way for her to express her love and ensure that Finn would have a piece of her heart, regardless of what the future held.

The process of writing the book was slow and deliberate. Each letter was written by hand, and she never crossed anything out. The story flowed directly from her heart to the page. It took three years for Jan and her husband, Steve, to save enough money to publish the book. Every copy sold goes toward Brain Tumour Research, a charity close to their hearts.

Jan's story has touched many, including Letty Greenfield, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research. She praised Jan’s courage and creativity, noting how her journey highlights the importance of awareness and funding for brain tumor research. “Jan’s story is incredibly moving and a powerful reminder of the resilience and creativity that can come out of adversity,” she said.

Today, Jan is able to read her book to Finn, who is now four years old and looks exactly like the boy she drew. Seeing him enjoy the story she created for him is the most special gift she could have received. Her book has given her purpose and focus, and she is grateful for the support and determination that have helped drive change in the fight against brain tumors.

To purchase a copy of "Finn’s Wonderful World" and support Brain Tumour Research, visit JanBurrellArt on Etsy UK.