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Surviving Two Brain Tumors: A Young Woman's Journey
16 Sep
Summary
- Diagnosed with a rare schwannoma brain tumor at 18.
- Tumor recurred 10 years after successful initial removal surgery.
- Uses social media to advocate for brain tumor awareness.
In 2013, an 18-year-old Lauren Papadopoulos Green was diagnosed with a rare, slow-growing schwannoma brain tumor. This diagnosis followed a period of unexplained symptoms, including spasms and fainting spells, which began around 2012 while she was living in Cyprus. Despite a prognosis of low survival odds, the surgery to remove the tumor was successful, and she made a full recovery.
Ten years later, in January 2023, Lauren received devastating news: her tumor had grown back. Having been symptom-free since her initial surgery, the recurrence came as a profound shock. Now 31 and residing in Surrey, U.K., she is under continued medical monitoring for the tumor.
Lauren has become a vocal advocate for brain tumor research and patient support. She uses her TikTok and Instagram accounts (@laurenpapagreen and @itslaurenpapagreen) to share her journey, aiming to be the resource she lacked when first diagnosed. She encourages others to listen to their bodies and seek medical advice for any concerning symptoms.
