Mother of Three Overcomes Two Brain Tumors, Expresses Gratitude to Doctors for Saving Her Smile

Claire Corser, a 40-year-old mother of three, has expressed profound gratitude to the doctors who played a crucial role in preserving her smile after she was diagnosed with two different brain tumors. Claire’s challenging journey began in 2010 when she was diagnosed with Acoustic Neuroma, a slow-growing tumor, after experiencing a persistent 12-week headache and hearing loss.

The initial surgery to remove the tumor was successful, but in 2016, a routine scan revealed a second tumor, Meningioma, the most common type of benign brain tumor. The aftermath of the first tumor left Claire with facial palsy, a condition that threatened her ability to smile fully. Fortunately, the surgeons were able to save her smile during the second operation, a gesture that Claire says meant everything to her. “It was a really big thing to me because I wanted the facial palsy to recover, and there was a chance that it might not,” she explained.

Her journey has been a tumultuous one, starting when her oldest daughter was just six months old. Claire had struggled with balance issues and hearing loss, which led to the initial diagnosis. The thought of having a brain tumor was shocking to her, especially when she underwent a 12-hour surgery to remove the first tumor, told Gloucestershire Live.

However, the discovery of the second tumor was a shock, as she had no symptoms and thought her life was back on track after her first recovery. The possibility of having Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), a genetic condition causing tumors to grow along nerves, loomed over her, but tests later confirmed she did not have the condition.

Now, Claire has routine scans every two years to monitor her brain but reports she is doing “absolutely wonderful” and is not on any medication. She’s even taken proactive steps to give back, raising money for brain tumor charities and donating her hair to the Little Princess Trust, which makes wigs for cancer patients.

Claire’s story is one of resilience and gratitude. Despite the initial fear and uncertainty of her diagnosis and surgeries, she has found a way to turn her experiences into positive actions, contributing to causes that support others facing similar challenges. Her journey is a testament to the importance of cherishing every moment and recognizing life as a precious gift.