Episode 60. Brain Tumours with Christine Miskelly – Author of An Elephant in the Brain

I am joined in this podcast by Christine Miskelly to discuss her experience of witnessing how a brain tumour manifested in her husband Ivor. Christine narrated the subtle symptoms that Ivor first manifested, such as poor planning, social withdrawal, excessive slowness, impassivity and easy distractibility. We also discussed how the brain tumour altered Ivor’s personality, particularly reducing his empathy, and how it impacted on their relationship.

The podcast also explores the shock of getting a brain tumour diagnosis for Ivor, but also how this brought them together to face the challenges ahead. We also discussed the brain biopsy and the treatment plan which included surgery and radiotherapy. Our conversation also explored Ivor’s sad progression, his post-treatment initial improvement before the subsequent progression as he developed seizures, and as his scan showed further tumour growth.

Christine explored the emotional turmoil she went through this period, and how family, friends, and the kindness of strangers helped her to cope. Her perspectives also included how the whole experience included finding beauty and love. Other themes we covered were Ivor’s advance directive, his terminal decline in a care home, and the aftermath of his death.

Christine did her first degree in Psychology at the University of Durham back in the 1970s, and the bulk of her career was spent teaching Psychology at A-level. In more recent years, she studied Consciousness and Transpersonal Psychology with the Alef Trust. She said supporting students through this period of their lives has been one of her great joys.