Exeter mum mistook brain tumour symptoms for postnatal fatigue

A computer science teacher from Cullompton has shared her shock diagnosis of a brain tumour after mistaking early symptoms for postnatal exhaustion.

Amy Dyer, 37, said she first began experiencing low concentration, tiredness and mental fog after giving birth, assuming it was “just postnatal exhaustion, maybe low iron or fatigue. Nothing unusual.”

“I thought I had what everyone calls ‘baby brain’,” Amy said. “I didn’t go to the doctors because I genuinely thought it was just part of motherhood, especially after having a baby.”

But her life turned upside down after she suffered a seizure in her sleep.

“I was startled to wake up to my sister, Chloe and husband, Will, staring at me in horror,” she said. “I thought they were joking, how could I have had a seizure if I was asleep?”

Amy was taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital where she had another seizure and underwent a CT scan. Doctors found a space-occupying lesion in her brain and prescribed anti-seizure medication before sending her for an MRI.

“One minute I was in bed, the next, I was in hospital, facing brain scans and big decisions, it was dreadful,” she said.

Amy was then referred to University Hospital Plymouth for a biopsy and was diagnosed with a low-grade astrocytoma. She was given the option to monitor the tumour or have surgery.

“I heard the words tumour, and my world changed,” she said. “I didn't want to wait to see if the tumour would develop, so I chose surgery. The risks scared me: seizures, complications, even death. But I knew I couldn’t leave it and risk it becoming inoperable.”

In June 2023, she underwent an awake craniotomy during which doctors assessed her responses while she performed exercises with her left hand before being placed under general anaesthetic. The majority of the tumour was successfully removed.

“I was in hospital for five days. Thankfully, I didn’t lose mobility on my left side,” she said. “They weren't able to tell me the percentage of the tumour they removed but I am happy that they felt the operation was a success.

“They sent it away to be tested and found out that it was in fact a grade 3 astrocytoma. Doctors asked to keep some of the tumour to aid research which I agreed.”

Amy experienced vision loss after the operation and underwent physiotherapy and occupational therapy before starting 33 sessions of radiotherapy, followed by oral chemotherapy. She now has routine scans every four months.

“I’ve learned to take life slower. Before, I was on a hamster wheel. Now I value people, time and memories more than possessions. I haven’t had a seizure since the first two in 2022, and I received a clear scan for June 2025 which is great news.”

Now Amy is joining Brain Tumour Research’s 88 Squats a Day in July Challenge to raise funds and awareness for the condition.

Katrina Jones, Head of Community Fundraising at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Amy’s strength and determination in sharing her story is truly inspiring. By opening up about her experience, she’s not only raising vital awareness of the signs and symptoms of brain tumours but also helping to highlight the urgent need for more funding into research.

“We’re incredibly grateful for her support and proud to have her as part of our fundraising community.”

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002. The charity is calling for £35 million a year in research funding to bring survival rates in line with other cancers.

To support Amy’s fundraising challenge, visit: facebook.com/donate/730191156133757