“I will fight for as long as I possibly can but want to ensure that the best is being done for the whole brain cancer community.”
I have had multiple migraines every month for over 20 years, but on this occasion, it was different, it got worse quickly. I came in from outside, sat on the sofa and it exploded in my head. My last thought was, that’s it, I’m gone.
The date of the seizure was 20th May 2023. That was the start of my journey. A few days later I was informed about the brain tumour.
My procedure has been the standard approach: operate to remove big chunk, then radio and chemo, followed by more chemo. The standard procedure has not changed in decades, nor has life expectancy, the average is 18 months. What we need is more research, more trials, more exploration; fundamentally we need more investment.
Whilst I have a GBM (Glioblastoma tumour), I also have a life I love, a world I’m incredibly grateful for, a history that inspires and builds my strength, and a family that I am utterly devoted to. I will fight for as long as I possibly can but want to ensure that the best is being done for the whole brain cancer community.
Limited life expectancy brings forward your priorities. The main one is my family, particularly my kids, being around as long as possible. I was 13 when my father died. It was gutting, he was a wonderful man, and everyone loved being with him. You can focus on the loss, but over time I was able to focus on the strength he gave me.
“Now I knew I was going to die earlier than scheduled, but now I could make plans!”
One fear that stewed a little longer than others was ‘discovering you were going to die’. I thought that would be the worst thing to live with. And yet, when that fear became a reality, my biggest fear disappeared. Now I knew I was going to die earlier than scheduled, but now I could make plans!