A casual selfie captured during a trip to New York City turned out to be more than just a cherished memory for Megan Troutwine, a 33-year-old woman from the US. While exploring Midtown Manhattan with her cousin and posing for a selfie by the reflecting pool at Rockefeller Center, Troutwine noticed something peculiar about her drooping eyelid in the photo.

Feeling uneasy about the subtle change in her appearance, Troutwine decided to consult her neurologist upon returning home to Hudson. Despite the seemingly unharmed nature of the selfie, Troutwine’s intuition prompted her to seek medical advice. Within minutes of undergoing an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), she received a shocking diagnosis of a meningioma, a type of brain tumour.

Despite being classified as benign, Troutwine’s tumour was growing aggressively, necessitating immediate medical intervention. Her journey led her to Moffitt Cancer Center, where she underwent surgery to remove the tumour, followed by additional procedures and radiation therapy.

Reflecting on her experience, Troutwine acknowledges the challenges she faced, including cognitive difficulties and memory loss. However, she found strength in resilience and learned to extend grace to herself during moments of adversity.

Troutwine’s story sheds light on the prevalence of brain tumours, such as meningiomas, which, although typically benign, can pose significant health complications if left untreated. Her journey took an unexpected turn when doctors discovered another brain tumour, this time a glioma, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups and vigilance in monitoring one’s health.

As Troutwine continues her journey with regular check-ups at Moffitt Cancer Center, she remains vigilant, knowing that her genetic predisposition, specifically the PTEN gene, places her at a heightened risk for other cancers. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to one’s body, seeking medical advice when necessary, and advocating for one’s health and well-being.