Learning she had multiple meningiomas was very difficult for Mayuko to deal with. Last year was a “whirlwind” of hospital appointments, scans and surgeries. Mayuko, from Edinburgh, had two craniotomies, in February and June. After her second surgery, she decided to challenge herself to learn piano, thinking that taking on a new skill might aid her recovery.
Mayuko, now part of the Charity’s Scottish Steering Committee, is sharing a video of her playing one of the first pieces she learned, to raise funds for two charities that supported her – Maggie’s, and ourselves.
Mayuko’s Story
My life was turned upside down by my diagnosis. It affected every aspect of it – work, friends and family.
Mayuko
Mayuko, an IT specialist, is still coming to terms with the shock of her brain tumour diagnosis, which came in 2023. Instead of her usual routine, juggling work and family, life turned into a string of hospital visits. Mayuko had to prepare herself for two surgeries. She said:
“I sank into a pitch-black depth of depression, withdrew myself from work, and avoided meeting people.
“The only thing that kept me going was my family, who stayed by my side. I tried my hardest to maintain my normal self with my children, which would have been difficult without support from my partner. The reaction of people outside my family varied – some drifted away, others showed support. I didn’t have many friends, as my life revolved around work and family.
“My second operation was particularly difficult – due to its location, it was very risky, and some potential risks explained by my surgeon were frightening, including “death” on an operational table. It happened very quickly; the surgery was arranged swiftly and left me no time to think – and after over 12 hours of operation, I woke up alive. I never felt so grateful that I was, but it left me with a deep scar, physically and mentally.”
Mayuko was able to access our Counselling Service, describing the sessions as “life changing.” She was also welcomed at her local Maggie’s Centre, near to where she lives: “The first time I visited them, I was greeted by such warmth, I broke down in tears.” With this support, and the work of her “wonderful” medical team, Mayuko emerged from a difficult experience determined to make a difference.
“I decided not to waste any time of my life, live to the fullest, and find a mission to help others in my situation.”
How piano helped
Mayuko knew that learning a new skill had helped people with other brain conditions, such as stroke and dementia. And a book she read after her second surgery, by Japanese pianist, Ryuichi Sakamoto, inspired her to get started on piano.
“I was deeply moved to learn that his passion for music, and his fierce energy to keep involving music in his life after he was diagnosed with cancer, kept working until the very end.
“I started learning through online materials, mainly YouTube videos, around three weeks after my second surgery, and then I found the one that teaches you to play my favourite piece, composed by Maestro Sakamoto.
“The key was to play every day no matter how I felt – even 5 minutes – but when I felt good, I often played the piano longer, which was very enjoyable and soothing. It took me two months to perform as I did in the video (inadequately, from an experienced pianist’s point of view, I bet!).
“Learning piano hugely helped me, both mentally and physically, to the point that I cannot imagine how I would have been without it. I am still playing the piano, have started playing a different piece of music by Sakamoto, and am now learning properly with a piano teacher when I can. I still get moments of low mood and tense feeling, but when it happens, I tend to sit at the piano and start playing – and it helps!”
Raising Funds
Now Mayuko hopes to raise funds for Maggie’s and The Brain Tumour Charity, the two charities who helped her.
“It’s important to me to give something back to them, so that they can use the funds to help others in my situation. It is crucial to raise awareness of brain tumours, as the diagnosis often happens in emergencies, after many visits to GPs when nobody thinks it is a symptom of a brain tumour. I believe there’s potential improvement in early diagnosis as well as the quality of life of the patients.”
Learning piano helped Mayuko through the toughest time of her life. What’s her advice for anyone coping with a similar diagnosis?
“Read books, watch films, listen to music, learn something new, do whatever it takes to inspire you to keep you motivated to “live” every moment in life and just enjoy each day when you can. Most importantly, do not feel ashamed to seek help from charities like the Brain Tumour Charity or Maggie’s. I actually found new friendships that were more authentic and meaningful throughout my journey.
“In my case, music has really helped me, but I believe the key is to enjoy something you feel passionate about, whether it is music, painting, reading,
Share your story
When you or a loved one is diagnosed with a brain tumour, it can take time to absorb the news. But we often hear from individuals who say they’ve reached the point where they’d like others to learn a bit about what they’ve been through in case they find themselves in similar circumstances. It can also help to share your story if you are involved in fundraising or awareness raising activities. If you decide to do this, if and when the time is right for you, we are hugely grateful.