A woman on vacation in Thailand experienced distressing symptoms that turned out to be caused by a serious brain tumor. Caoimhe Jennings, 28, and her husband Ollie were celebrating his birthday in Thailand when she began to exhibit signs of severe paranoia.
Although she had various other symptoms, the paranoia was particularly alarming as her health deteriorated. Upon returning home, she was advised to go to the hospital urgently after receiving her scan results.
Reflecting on her experience, Caoimhe, from Derry, Ireland, shared, “I felt like I was losing my mind completely. During dinner on the beach, I became convinced that a tsunami was imminent due to the high tide. I also irrationally believed that I was unwell from methanol poisoning after just a sip of alcohol. It was a very paranoid state of mind.”
She also recalled a surreal incident on a boat cruise where she couldn’t see giant lizards despite them being clearly visible in photos. Another troubling moment was when she suddenly forgot how to ride a bike.
Caoimhe’s symptoms began in January 2025 with dry eyes, which worsened despite using drops. Initially attributing the issues to stress related to a new job opportunity, her condition continued to deteriorate, leading to wetting herself, facial and feet swelling, and double vision.
After seeking medical help, she underwent emergency surgery for hydrocephalus to drain excess fluid from her brain, revealing the presence of a significant brain tumor. Subsequent surgeries followed, including a procedure to encourage membrane drainage.
Despite initially successful surgery and a positive outlook, it was later confirmed in October that the tumor had mutated and became terminal. Caoimhe was informed of a limited life expectancy in months, prompting considerations of treatment options.
In January 2026, Caoimhe and Ollie got married, with some positive developments indicating tumor shrinkage. She remains hopeful, focusing on making the most of each day and engaging in activities like baking, determined to defy the prognosis and cherish the time she has with her loved ones.