Allison Pickard’s story is one of courage and resilience, showcasing the importance of addressing health concerns early. At 20 years old, living in sunny Southern California, she began experiencing headaches which she initially attributed to factors such as light sensitivity or dehydration. However, this discomfort escalated to a troubling combination of symptoms, including numbness on the left side of her body and vision problems. It wasn’t until July 2024 that she finally decided to see a doctor, spurred on by the worsening nature of her condition.
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In preparation for her appointment, Pickard meticulously documented her symptoms, creating a detailed spreadsheet outlining the timeline of her health issues, alongside daily activities and dietary information. This evidence helped her doctor understand the seriousness of her situation, leading to prompt blood tests and a scheduled MRI. Fortunately, the MRI was conducted earlier than expected. Upon arrival at the local hospital, doctors noted severe brain swelling, necessitating her transfer to a more advanced medical facility.
The shocking diagnosis revealed a tumour located in her right occipital lobe. Pickard recalls the harrowing moment when medical staff informed her that she could “have dropped dead any second”. Following a six-day stay in the hospital, during which her condition was closely monitored, she underwent a craniotomy to remove the tumour. “They cut my head open, they went in, and they got the tumour out,” she explains, noting her gratitude that all of it was successfully extracted.
Post-surgery, Pickard was sent home to recover under her mother’s care, needing to manage a complex medication regime that included pain relief, anti-seizure medication, and steroids. Though the early days of recovery left her bedridden, she slowly began regaining her strength. “I could walk, but not by myself because I was still a little wobbly,” she recalls, reflecting on the difficulties of that time. Remarkably, she experienced very little physical pain despite the invasive nature of brain surgery, attributing this to the brain itself lacking pain receptors.
However, the psychological impact of her treatment proved more challenging. One of her medications caused feelings of depression and disorientation, adding complexity to her already difficult recovery process. A month later, when she finally received her pathology results, she faced another setback; the tumour was identified as a high-grade cancerous type, plunging her back into uncertainty and despair.
Following her diagnosis, Pickard began a rigorous treatment programme consisting of 30 rounds of radiation and six months of chemotherapy. Despite the challenging nature of treatment, she chose not to research her condition, opting instead to rely on her medical team for information. “I was lucky that I had my mum coming to these appointments,” she explains. This strategy allowed her to maintain focus on her immediate health rather than being overwhelmed by what might lie ahead.
While the chemotherapy did not cause hair loss, the radiation treatment resulted in uneven patches of hair falling out, significantly affecting her self-image during recovery. Nevertheless, she persevered through a “fight-or-flight” mentality, focusing on completing her treatment programme without becoming consumed by fears of the future.
By May 2025, after enduring both chemotherapy and radiation, Pickard was relieved to receive the news that she could move towards a normal life again. Regular scans have shown no signs of tumour regrowth, alleviating her fears. Despite the diagnosis being high-risk, her doctor indicated that the absence of any growth over the past two years had placed her in a safer zone.
Throughout her experience, Pickard has been keen to share her journey via TikTok, aiming to connect with others in similar situations. She emphasizes the isolation often felt by young cancer patients, noting that many treatment settings, filled predominantly with older individuals, can heighten feelings of loneliness. “I wanted to create resources for those who might feel lost, just like I did,” she explains.
Now, as she continues her recovery with regular monitoring, her primary message to others facing unexplained symptoms is clear: seek medical advice without delay. “Don’t ignore any symptoms,” she urges, reflecting on her own experience of almost dismissing her health issues. “You deserve to live without those symptoms; if it turns out to be something serious, at least you will have discovered it in time.”
Allison Pickard’s journey serves as an important reminder of the value of listening to one’s body and seeking timely medical advice. Despite her challenges, she has emerged as a determined advocate for awareness, inspiring others to prioritise their health.