When James noticed his partner Tom struggling with something as simple as starting their car, he knew something was seriously wrong. The 32-year-old marketing manager had suddenly forgotten basic mechanical processes he'd known for years - but what followed was an even more frightening medical journey that nearly went undiagnosed.
The Day Everything Changed
"It was the most bizarre thing," James recalls. "Tom got in the driver's seat and just stared at the ignition. He turned to me and said 'I've forgotten how to start the car.' I thought he was joking at first."
This wasn't ordinary forgetfulness. Tom, who had always been mechanically minded and could previously fix almost anything, was suddenly unable to process the sequence of inserting the key, pressing the clutch, and turning the ignition.
Dismissed as Anxiety
When James urged Tom to visit their GP, the initial diagnosis was anxiety. "The doctor told us he was probably just stressed from work and that was causing memory issues," James explains. "But I knew in my gut it was something more serious."
Over the following weeks, Tom's symptoms escalated dramatically. He developed crippling headaches that painkillers couldn't touch and began experiencing disturbing changes in his personality and cognitive function.
The Alarming Symptoms That Followed:
- Severe, persistent headaches worse in mornings
- Confusion with routine tasks and processes
- Personality changes and increased irritability
- Problems with balance and coordination
- Difficulty finding the right words in conversation
The Shocking Diagnosis
After pushing for further investigation, an MRI scan revealed the terrifying truth: Tom had a brain tumour. The mass was located in an area affecting his cognitive processing and memory recall.
"Hearing the word 'tumour' was absolutely devastating," James shares. "But in a strange way, it was also a relief to finally have an explanation for what was happening to him."
Recovery and Awareness
Following surgery and treatment, Tom is now on the road to recovery, though he continues to face challenges with memory and cognitive function. The couple have chosen to share their story to help others recognise the early warning signs that medical professionals might miss.
Key Brain Tumour Symptoms to Watch For:
- Unexplained memory loss - especially for routine processes
- Persistent headaches that don't respond to medication
- Personality or behaviour changes
- Balance problems or coordination issues
- Speech difficulties or confusion with words
- Vision problems or blurred sight
- Seizures in someone with no history of epilepsy
James emphasises the importance of trusting your instincts when something feels wrong. "If we hadn't pushed for that scan, who knows what might have happened? Don't be afraid to seek second opinions if you feel your concerns aren't being taken seriously."
The couple hope their experience will encourage others to act quickly on unusual symptoms, potentially saving lives through earlier detection and treatment.
