Jean's Story: Forever Grateful to Beaumont

In 2013, Jean Hughes' life took an unexpected turn when she began experiencing hearing issues. Living in Beaumont, she had passed by Beaumont Hospital countless times, never imagining it would become such a crucial part of her story. A private MRI revealed a cavernoma in the thalamus region of her brain, which had caused a hemorrhage, affecting her balance and hearing. While the symptoms subsided, she required ongoing monitoring with MRI scans every six months for nearly a decade.

Jean’s life carried on as normal until October 2022, when she noticed difficulties with her right foot. Instinctively knowing something was wrong, she went to Beaumont A&E, where she was admitted immediately. A second, far more serious hemorrhage had occurred, this time bleeding into her brain stem. Under the care of consultant neurosurgeon Donnacha O’Brien, she spent a week in Richmond Ward, prepared for surgery each day—only to be told it was too risky due to the cavernoma’s location.

During her stay, an occupational therapist helped her adjust to the physical challenges ahead, warning her about brain fatigue—something Jean found far more debilitating than she had imagined. Once discharged, even walking to another room felt impossible, and within a week, she was rushed back to A&E as her vital signs dropped dangerously low. A second week in Beaumont, along with steroids and fluids, helped stabilize her, though the side effects of treatment were dramatic.

For months, Jean relied on her children for daily activities, slowly regaining her strength. In February 2023, she underwent radiation therapy under Dr. Clare Faul to reduce the cavernoma and prevent further hemorrhages. The experience, while painless, was terrifying—requiring her to wear a mask that was screwed to the table during treatment. Rather than let that mask remind her of fear, Jean later repurposed it as a planter for flowers in her garden, turning it into a symbol of growth, resilience, and gratitude.

Despite the challenges, Jean’s resilience has carried her through. Her cavernoma has now shrunk significantly, with the hope it may one day disappear entirely. While she still struggles with walking—having even broken her foot in late 2023—she continues physiotherapy and remains determined.

Throughout her journey, Jean found solace in connecting with others who understood her experience, through groups like Cavernoma Alliance UK and Cavernoma Ireland. These connections helped her navigate the isolation of living with a rare condition.

Recently, Jean returned to Beaumont Hospital, this time under the care of orthopedic surgeon James Walsh, for a tendon transfer procedure. After being left with spasticity following her brain hemorrhage, this surgery is a crucial step in helping her walk again. Jean remains deeply grateful to Beaumont Hospital, recognizing the immense impact it has had on her life.

"Honestly, I don’t know where I’d be without Beaumont Hospital. I owe them so much."

From the doctors and nurses to the therapists and support staff, she credits their world-class care with giving her a second chance at life. Every time she looks at the flowers growing from her radiation mask, she is reminded not only of how far she has come but also of the unwavering dedication of Beaumont Hospital.

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