Episode #6 | Silent Struggles at Work: Coping With Brain Tumor Symptoms No One Can See

🧠 Episode Description

In this emotional episode of I Have A What?! Surviving a Brain Tumor, Johnathan “TeflonJohn” Smith opens the door to a part of the journey many people never talk about, what it feels like to go to work every day while silently carrying brain tumor symptoms that no one else can see.

Before the surgery, before sharing his diagnosis widely, and before connecting with a support community, Johnathan was trying to function at work while experiencing dizziness, headaches, anxiety, and the mental weight of knowing something was wrong. On the outside he looked the same, but inside everything had changed.

He talks about the pressure of keeping up with deadlines, expectations, and everyday conversations while privately fighting fear and exhaustion. He shares how being quieter at work led to misunderstandings, questions, and assumptions from people who had no idea what he was facing. His silence was seen as distance. His exhaustion was misread as disinterest. Meanwhile, he was just trying to make it through the day without alarming anyone.

This episode explores the emotional reality of living with an invisible illness and the impact it can have on your work life, your confidence, and your sense of identity. Johnathan opens up about the fear of being judged, the fear of being treated differently, and the concern that revealing too much too soon might change the way people viewed him professionally.

He also reflects on the lessons he learned from his grandfather, a man who carried himself with quiet strength and integrity regardless of what he was going through. That example helped Johnathan navigate one of the hardest seasons of his life, reminding him to stay grounded, stay respectful, and keep moving with purpose, even when his world felt unstable.

This episode is for anyone who has ever tried to hold it together at work while battling something privately. It is for people living with invisible illnesses, chronic symptoms, mental health struggles, or overwhelming life events that others cannot see. It is a reminder that you never truly know what someone is carrying and that kindness, patience, and empathy matter more than ever.

Johnathan encourages listeners to give themselves grace, to protect their peace, and to remember that unseen struggles are still real, still heavy, and still deserving of compassion. Through vulnerability and faith, he offers hope to anyone walking through their own silent battle.

💭 In this episode you will hear about:

• Working while experiencing brain tumor symptoms• How invisible illnesses create misunderstanding in the workplace• The emotional weight of staying silent while struggling• The fear of being judged or treated differently• Trying to maintain professionalism during a personal crisis• How faith and family lessons helped Johnathan stay grounded

If this episode encouraged you or someone you love, you can support the podcast at:
BuyMeACoffee.com/TeflonJohn

Your support helps spread awareness, hope, and faith to others navigating brain tumor diagnoses, invisible illnesses, and difficult seasons of life. Every contribution strengthens the mission.

Subscribe and follow for new weekly episodes.