A MAN was identified with a mind tumour after his signs have been initially mistaken for melancholy.
Richard West, 64, turned anti-social, quick tempered and forgetful when Covid restrictions lifted in 2021.
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He visited his GP on a number of events however was advised it was ‘lockdown melancholy’ and given medicine for anxiousness.
However after a “psychological breakdown”, Richard went again to his physician and was booked in for an MRI, which revealed a 2.8in (7cm) tumour on the left frontal lobe of his mind.
He underwent a surgical procedure in June 2022 to take away the tumour, which was identified as a meningioma, the commonest sort of main mind tumour.
Richard had six weeks of radiotherapy after his tumour grew again and he’s now monitored with common scans.
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Richard, a former college lecturer, from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, mentioned: “It was a troublesome time as a result of all the things was altering quick.
“I might been a lecturer on the College of Westminster in London for greater than 20 years, however totally different strategies of educating and evaluation have been being launched.
“On the similar time, I used to be growing a brand new course in sports activities administration which was very demanding.
“When restrictions have been lifted, folks went again to work in 2021.
“Nevertheless, though I cherished my job, I returned with no enthusiasm.
“I used to be depressed, quick tempered, and most worryingly, forgetful and anti-social. Deep down, I knew one thing wasn’t proper.”
Richard had beforehand been efficiently handled for prostate most cancers in 2020 and felt “numb” when scans revealed his mind tumour.
“My ideas instantly turned morbid,” he mentioned.
“All I may assume was, ‘How lengthy have I acquired?'”
He had a profitable surgical procedure in June 2022 and noticed his signs enhance virtually instantly.
Richard mentioned: “The ache and stiffness in my muscular tissues and joints went away.
“I may stroll, run, go to the gymnasium, learn and talk once more. It was like having a brand new life.”
However after a stroke in January 2024, Richard was advised his tumour had returned.
I really feel like I should not be alive – however right here I’m, feeling constructive and getting fitter by the day
Richard West
“While within the automobile I had an ‘episode’,” he mentioned.
“The imaginative and prescient in my proper eye turned blurred and I could not learn or make sense of phrases.
“We made it to the MRI centre and defined what had occurred, but it surely was really useful the scan ought to go forward as deliberate.
“It wasn’t till two days later that I went to my GP, and additional assessments confirmed I might had a stroke.
“I used to be fortunate to be alive because it may’ve been deadly.
“When the outcomes got here again, the residual meningioma had grown a few millimetres, and a 30-day course of radiotherapy was really useful.
“That was powerful to cope with, however counselling and practising mindfulness helped me by.”
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Richard is internet hosting a music occasion to lift cash for Mind Tumour Analysis and Berkhamsted-based psychological well being charity Hector’s Home.
He mentioned: “Having survived prostate most cancers, to be identified with a mind tumour and to have had a stroke, I really feel like I should not be alive – however right here I’m, feeling constructive and getting fitter by the day.
“I wish to elevate consciousness of mind tumours, to convey them to the eye of extra folks in order that we are able to drive funding in the direction of analysis into the illness.
“Mind tumours change you as an individual. Buddies, household and folks you meet do not all the time realise, as a result of from the skin you may seem ‘regular’.
“However inside, there are all types of anxieties. What’s going to the following MRI scan reveal? Is that this sudden headache one thing to fret about? Did I simply neglect the automobile keys, or is my reminiscence fading?”
‘A merciless illness that shatters lives’
He added: “For a lot of, their journey will contain ongoing radiotherapy, extra surgical procedure, and all the time a nagging worry that the tumour will regrow.
“In fact, not everybody feels the identical and their journey could also be totally different.
“It’s a merciless illness that shatters lives. That is why I am targeted on selling a gig to lift funds for causes which can be vitally vital to me.
“If we had extra information and understanding of the illness, there’s a potential to cease it from altering lives so drastically.”
Charlie Allsebrook, group growth supervisor at Mind Tumour Analysis, mentioned: “Richard’s story is a reminder that mind tumours are indiscriminate; they will have an effect on anybody at any age.
“We’re grateful to Richard for sharing his story and want him all the very best for his evening of music.”
To purchase a ticket to Richard’s fundraiser and make a donation, go to: tickettailor.com/occasions/braintumourcharity
The most typical signs of a mind tumour
Greater than 12,000 Brits are identified with a main mind tumour yearly — of which round half are cancerous — with 5,300 dropping their lives.
The illness is essentially the most lethal most cancers in youngsters and adults aged below 40, in accordance with the Mind Tumour Charity.
Mind tumours cut back life expectations by a mean of 27 years, with simply 12 per cent of adults surviving 5 years after prognosis.
There are two primary varieties, with non-cancerous benign tumours rising extra slowly and being much less more likely to return after therapy.
Cancerous malignant mind tumours can both begin within the mind or unfold there from elsewhere within the physique and usually tend to return.
Mind tumours could cause complications, seizures, nausea, vomiting and reminiscence issues, in accordance with the NHS.
They will additionally result in adjustments in persona weak point or paralysis on one facet of the issue and issues with speech or imaginative and prescient.
The 9 most typical signs are:
HeadachesSeizuresFeeling sickBeing sickMemory problemsChange in personalityWeakness or paralysis on one facet of the bodyVision problemsSpeech issues
If you’re struggling any of those signs, significantly a headache that feels totally different from those you usually get, it is best to go to your GP.
Supply: NHS
