Nicole Cutler, 28 – From Ear Pressure to Marathon Runner
Nicole Cutler, 28, experienced a sudden pressure in her ears during a flight from California to Boston. She didn’t realize this simple discomfort would dramatically change her life. Surgeries led to paralysis and a challenging recovery… Now,Nicole runs marathons.
Cutler initially sought help for hearing loss in her right ear, unaware that this symptom signaled a much larger issue. Shortly after, tests revealed a important tumor that had been growing in her brain for years.
After noticing the hearing loss, Nicole promptly scheduled an appointment with an audiologist. When a hearing test detected no sound in her right ear, she was referred for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. The results were shocking: nicole had a tumor the size of an avocado in her brain.
A Silent Growth for 15 Years
Further examination identified the tumor as an acoustic neuroma. This benign tumor typically grows slowly on the nerves responsible for hearing and balance. in Nicole’s case, it had grown over years, eventually pressing on her brain.
“I was devastated to be diagnosed with a brain tumor while feeling like I was living my best life,” Nicole said. Looking back, she realized she’d experienced symptoms since childhood.
“I frequently fell, experienced dizziness, and had occasional hearing problems. I always assumed these were normal. Now, everything makes sense.”
12 Hours of Surgery, Months of Paralysis
Nicole underwent a 12-hour brain surgery. The procedure was followed by months of paralysis and a difficult healing process. Despite the immense challenges, Nicole persevered.