Woman Discovers Brain Tumor Then Faces Tragedy as Husband Dies of Same Disease
Julie McCullough, 58, endured a double tragedy that devastated her life in just six months. After experiencing “intense pain” in her arm and “severe headaches,” Julie underwent a CT scan that revealed two brain tumors. Just two months after her surgery, her husband, Robert, 66, collapsed and was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor, leaving Julie heartbroken.
Julie, a former nurse from Newtownards, Northern Ireland, first noticed symptoms in January 2023. “I was driving to my mum’s house when I suddenly felt incredibly sick,” she recalled. “An intense pain shot down my left arm, which went into spasm. My mum called an ambulance.” Paramedics initially suspected a heart attack or stroke, but a CT scan at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast revealed the truth: a brain tumor, reported by the Mirror.
Julie underwent surgery to remove the larger tumour and began her recovery, which was physically and emotionally grueling. “I struggled to walk, speak, and even write,” she said, relying heavily on her mother, Ireane, 77, for care.
As Julie focused on her recovery, Robert began to display troubling symptoms, including mood swings and behavioral changes. His health rapidly declined, and after collapsing at Ireane’s home, a CT scan confirmed he had a large brain tumour. Devastatingly, doctors gave him just two months to live.
“For them to also say that my Robert, my rock for so many years, only had two months left to live was unbelievable,” Julie said. The couple decided against chemotherapy, choosing instead to spend their remaining time together at home. Robert passed away peacefully in July 2023, cared for by Julie and local nurses.
Reflecting on her loss, Julie said: “I had a wonderful life with Robert, but in six months, everything changed. Job lost, husband died, health gone.” Despite her ongoing seizures and inability to return to work, Julie is determined to raise awareness for brain tumour research.
She is participating in the 99 Miles in November challenge to honor Robert’s memory and support the Brain Tumour Research charity. “I want to make sure that no one else has to go through this,” Julie said. “We may not complete the full 99 miles, but we’ll do what we can. I know he’d be proud.”
Brain tumours remain one of the least-funded areas of cancer research. Julie’s efforts, alongside her resilience in the face of loss, highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and support for those affected.