Episode #1 | The Symptoms I Ignored Before My Brain Tumor Diagnosis

🧠 EPISODE DESCRIPTION

They told me it was all in my head, but the truth was, it was a brain tumor.

In the very first episode of I Have a What? Surviving a Brain Tumor, I, Johnathan “TeflonJohn” Smith, share how it all started and how I learned to listen to my body when no one else did. Before I ever received my brain tumor diagnosis, I was living with what seemed like common issues: headaches, dizziness, and pain behind my eye. I went from appointment to appointment, hoping for answers, but what I got instead was frustration and disbelief. I was told to relax, reduce stress, and stop worrying. What I did not realize was that I was living with a meningioma, a slow-growing brain tumor that was quietly changing everything.

In this episode, I talk about what it feels like to know something is wrong and have no one believe you. I explain how I dealt with medical gaslighting, how I started keeping track of my symptoms, and how my wife’s encouragement to keep pushing saved my life. You will also hear about the moment I finally decided to take control of my health and demand answers.

Throughout this episode, I share lessons learned from my journey so far:

• ​ The importance of trusting your instincts when it comes to your health
• ​ How to recognize the early warning signs of a brain tumor
• ​ What to do when your doctor does not take your concerns seriously
• ​ The power of documenting symptoms and asking for second or third opinions
• ​ Why advocating for yourself can make the difference between early detection and delayed diagnosis

This is not just a story about illness, it is a story about strength, perseverance, and faith. It is for anyone who has ever been told “you are fine” when you know you are not. It is a reminder that your pain is real and your voice deserves to be heard.

Every episode of this series is dedicated to my grandfather, James Smith Jr., who taught me what it means to work hard, stay strong, and put family first. His legacy keeps me grounded and focused on helping others through my story.

By sharing my experience with meningioma, I hope to help others who may be experiencing unexplained symptoms or frustration with the medical system. Whether you are a survivor, a family member, or someone seeking answers, I want this series to remind you that you are not alone.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to I Have a What? Surviving a Brain Tumor to follow my ongoing journey through diagnosis, surgery, recovery, and healing.

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Topics: brain tumor, meningioma, early warning signs, patient advocacy, medical gaslighting, health awareness, resilience, faith, family, survival story

Hashtags: #BrainTumor #Meningioma #HealthAwareness #TeflonJohn #SurvivorStory #Faith #Resilience