Nicole Cutler lived with a brain tumor for 15 years before discovering it. Her story of struggle, recovery, and activism is nothing short of inspiring.
Okay, but can we talk about living with a hidden threat? Imagine carrying an avocado-sized brain tumor for 15 years without even knowing it! That’s the incredible journey of Nicole Cutler, a vibrant 28-year-old finance professional from Boston.
Her story goes beyond just survival; it’s about transformation and a fierce commitment to raising awareness for brain tumors. 💪✨
The Shocking Discovery
Nicole’s journey kicked off in a pretty ordinary way. At just 22, she was flying back from California when she suddenly lost hearing in her right ear.
At first, it seemed like a typical ear issue, but as time went on, she realized something was seriously off. After visiting an audiologist, she was sent for an MRI, and that’s when everything changed—the shocking news hit her: a tumor was pressing on her brain.
“When I was told I had a brain tumor, it was the scariest moment of my life,” she recalls. Can you imagine? For someone so young and seemingly healthy, this diagnosis flipped her world upside down. The tumor had probably been there for years, contributing to her past experiences of clumsiness, vertigo, and even broken bones.
“I thought my ears just popped,” she said, reflecting on the moment her husband tested an AirPod in her ear, only to find she couldn’t hear a thing. This wake-up call led to further investigation, ultimately uncovering the tumor that would change her life forever. Talk about a plot twist!
The Battle Begins
After receiving her diagnosis, Nicole underwent her first surgery in July 2021, where part of the tumor was removed. But the aftermath? It was brutal. She faced partial paralysis on her right side, losing the ability to walk and control her right arm. “I lost all my balance,” she shared. The physical toll was immense, but Nicole’s spirit? Unbreakable.
With each passing day, she tackled the challenges head-on, diving into physical and speech therapy to regain her mobility and skills. “I had to relearn how to walk,” she said. Her determination was palpable; she refused to let this define her. “I went into outpatient therapy for two months, and it was tough, but I made it through.” Who else is inspired by that kind of grit?
As if that wasn’t enough, a biopsy confirmed that Nicole had a large acoustic neuroma, a rare type of brain tumor affecting about two in 100,000 people. While it grows slowly, it can still pose serious risks. Nicole learned about the symptoms: fatigue, vertigo, headaches, and even single-sided deafness. It was a lot to take in, but she decided fear wouldn’t dictate her life.
Turning Pain into Purpose
After her surgery and recovery, Nicole made a powerful pledge: she would run all six major marathons worldwide to raise awareness for brain tumors. “So far, I’ve completed the Boston, London, Chicago, and New York Marathons,” she proudly states. And her next goal? The Berlin Marathon in September, all while raising money for The Brain Tumour Charity.
“I may never get my full smile back, but I’m learning to smile fully with my heart,” she reflected on her journey. Each mile she runs is a testament to her resilience, and every race is an opportunity to raise awareness and inspire others. The physical scars may remain, but her spirit shines even brighter. Isn’t that something we can all learn from?
In August 2024, Nicole underwent a major nerve graft to restore sensation in her face. “Doctors took a nerve from my left foot and leg to help rebuild my smile,” she shared, a hint of humor in her voice despite the seriousness of the procedure. “I had to go through facial therapy, but now I have a completely new smile.” Talk about turning pain into purpose!
Nicole’s narrative is a powerful blend of courage, vulnerability, and community. She emphasizes the importance of support, stating, “This journey has been brutal. I’ve lost parts of myself—physically, emotionally, spiritually—but I’ve also found something deeper: strength, purpose, and a powerful sense of community.”
As she continues her journey, Nicole remains dedicated to monitoring her health with regular MRI scans, all while inspiring others through her advocacy work. Who else thinks stories like Nicole’s can spark real change in raising awareness for brain health? Let’s keep the conversation going! 💬 #BrainTumorAwareness #Inspiration
