Surviving the Impossible: One Woman’s Journey Through a Brain Tumour
Erica Brooks, 42, faced a terrifying diagnosis in October 2024. What began as dizziness, brain fog, and neck pain—symptoms she dismissed as low blood pressure or perimenopause—turned out to be a Grade 3 brain tumour.
"I'm going to be OK."
— Erica Brooks, on her decision to maintain a positive outlook
A Sudden Shift
Brooks, who had no prior health issues, was in the final stretch of a degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition after a long career in business and finance. The diagnosis came as a complete shock.
Over the following 18 months, she underwent:
- A craniotomy (surgery to remove the tumour)
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy (PCV regimen)
Remarkably, the tumour was fully removed with no resulting brain damage. Just one week after surgery, Brooks completed her final university exam and submitted a lab report.
The Power of Perspective
Brooks made a conscious choice to shield her children from the full weight of the diagnosis. She never used the words "cancer" or "tumour," instead referring to it as a "mass in my brain."
Her resilience surprised even her medical team. Her oncologist expressed astonishment at how well she tolerated the rigorous PCV chemotherapy regimen.
Brooks attributes her strength to a simple shift in focus: controlling what she can through diet and exercise.
Looking Forward
Today, Brooks is tumour-free and continues with regular MRI scans every three months. She admits to occasional anxiety before results, but chooses to view the scans as a blessing.
"These scans give me reassurance," she says. "They are a gift."
Now, Brooks is channeling her experience into a new venture: BellaPure Pty Ltd, a nutrition business she plans to launch. Her background in Food Science and Human Nutrition—completed against all odds—is now the foundation for helping others take control of their own health.