Paige Footner, a 31-year-old paramedic and circus performer, ignored strange noises in her ear for three years, attributing them to stress. But when an MRI revealed a 4cm brain tumour, her life changed forever.
Ignored Symptoms for Years
Paige had pulsatile tinnitus in one ear for three years. She initially thought it was stress-related, but after a year or two, it worsened and became constant. She mentioned it to her GP, who referred her to an ENT specialist. However, due to her circus commitments, it took over a year to follow up. The specialist suggested it was likely benign, possibly from past trauma or infection, and recommended an MRI as a precaution.
Paige also experienced occasional headaches, which she attributed to shift work. She was recently diagnosed with ADHD, which her neurosurgeon believes was a symptom of the tumour, located in her frontal lobe. The tumour was an incidental finding; doctors think it wasn't causing the tinnitus.
Diagnosis and Surgery
The MRI revealed a significant brain tumour. The radiologist said it could be cancer, and Paige was referred to a neurosurgeon. After multiple scans, the tumour showed atypical findings, requiring surgery for a definitive diagnosis. The neurosurgeon initially thought it might be a benign meningioma, but further scans showed concerning features, raising the possibility of cancer or lymphoma.
Surgery became urgent, forcing Paige to cancel her Edinburgh Fringe festival trip and overseas work, which was a huge financial and mental blow. However, after surgery, she received good news: the tumour was a grade one meningioma, which is benign. However, it has a high proliferative score, meaning it can be more aggressive and has a higher chance of returning. Doctors will monitor it closely and may perform surgery again if needed, rather than using radiotherapy.
Life-Changing Experience
The diagnosis forced Paige to reassess her life. In the radiology clinic, time froze, and her life flashed before her eyes. As a paramedic, she often sees people's regrets before they die. She realised she had failed to live fully: at 30, she had never experienced love, had a boyfriend, or even a romantic kiss. She was a virgin. The pain of missing out on love was indescribable. She also regretted hustling at work and missing friends' events.
But she also looked back with a smile, recalling her circus performances around the world, achievements she never thought possible, and incredible friends who became family. She said: 'At the end of the day, all we have are our memories and connections with our loved ones. And I had more than most, what a privilege.'
Struggling to Tell Others
Paige initially struggled to tell people about her diagnosis because she felt it was her job to be 'brave.' She messaged her boss, Matt, saying she had a brain tumour and wouldn't be at work. Her boss insisted she tell her family and friends, which opened the door for people to show her love and support. Even her crush messaged her.
Recovery and New Goals
Paige had surgery to remove the 4cm tumour. She had an all-female medical team, and her neurosurgeon was one of the kindest and most compassionate people she has ever met. After surgery, she became quite sick and was in hospital for three weeks. She couldn't move her left arm well, couldn't walk without falling over, and sometimes couldn't lift her head off the pillow or talk. One doctor said she might never return to acrobatics or paramedics, which was confronting. But her neurosurgeon was reassuring and figured out that seizures from swelling were causing the issues.
Paige has lost her driving license due to seizures and cannot work for a year, causing financial stress. She also cannot perform. She said: 'People talk a lot about the difficulties of immediate recovery post major surgeries, but the months after when you go home, and you're starting to feel better but can't go back to your normal life, are also incredibly hard to navigate.'
She has made a pact to go on 50 dates in search of love and is studying for the exam to get into medical school, inspired by her neurosurgeon. She advises: 'Chase that dream, do the thing, start the hobby, tell the boy you like him. The pain of dying with regret is far, far, far worse than the pain of any rejection, failure or embarrassment.'
