Richard West’s journey began with subtle yet concerning changes in his behavior following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions in 2021. He became increasingly antisocial, short-tempered, and forgetful, a stark contrast to his previously engaged and sociable personality. Multiple visits to his GP resulted in a diagnosis of “lockdown depression,” a seemingly plausible explanation given the unprecedented circumstances of the preceding months. He was prescribed medication for anxiety, but his symptoms persisted, escalating to the point of a psychological breakdown. This prompted a return to his doctor and, finally, an MRI scan, which revealed a significant 2.8-inch meningioma, a common type of primary brain tumor, residing on the left frontal lobe of his brain.
The diagnosis, a stark contrast to the initial assessment of depression, was a devastating blow. Richard, a former university lecturer, had navigated the challenges of adapting to new teaching methodologies and developing a new course in sports management amidst the backdrop of a global pandemic. The return to normalcy, rather than a welcome relief, became a period of profound struggle. His enthusiasm for his beloved profession waned, replaced by a pervasive sense of unease. The diagnosis of a brain tumor, following a previous successful battle with prostate cancer in 2020, left him feeling numb and consumed by morbid thoughts about his prognosis.
In June 2022, Richard underwent surgery to remove the meningioma. The procedure was successful, and the positive effects were almost immediate. The pain and stiffness that had plagued his muscles and joints dissipated, and he regained the ability to walk, run, engage in physical activity, read, and communicate with the clarity and ease he had previously enjoyed. It felt like a rebirth, a chance to reclaim the life that the tumor had threatened to steal. However, this reprieve was short-lived.
In January 2024, while en route to a scheduled MRI, Richard experienced a sudden onset of blurred vision in his right eye, coupled with an inability to process words. Despite these alarming symptoms, the MRI proceeded as planned. Two days later, further tests at his GP confirmed that he had suffered a stroke, a potentially fatal event that underscored the precariousness of his health. The MRI results revealed that the residual meningioma had grown, necessitating a 30-day course of radiotherapy. This new setback was emotionally challenging, but Richard found solace and strength through counselling and the practice of mindfulness.
Despite the daunting challenges he has faced, Richard maintains a remarkably positive outlook. He recognizes the improbability of his survival, having overcome both prostate cancer and a brain tumor, and now a stroke. This profound awareness fuels his determination to raise awareness about brain tumors and advocate for increased research funding. He understands firsthand the insidious nature of the disease, how it can subtly alter a person’s inner landscape while leaving their outward appearance largely unchanged. He acknowledges the constant anxieties that accompany a brain tumor diagnosis – the apprehension surrounding each MRI scan, the fear that a sudden headache signifies something sinister, the uncertainty of whether forgetfulness is a simple lapse or a sign of cognitive decline.
Richard is channeling his resilience and positive spirit into organizing a music event to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research and Hector’s House, a mental health charity. He hopes to shed light on the profound impact of brain tumors, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by patients, including the need for continuous radiotherapy, the possibility of further surgeries, and the ever-present fear of recurrence. He underscores the devastating nature of the disease and the urgent need for greater understanding and research to prevent it from shattering lives. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the indiscriminate nature of brain tumors, affecting individuals of all ages, and the importance of supporting research efforts to improve outcomes for those diagnosed with this challenging disease. His story also highlights the crucial role of early and accurate diagnosis, as his initial misdiagnosis delayed appropriate treatment and allowed the tumor to progress. Finally, Richard’s story underscores the importance of mental health support for individuals facing serious illnesses, as he found solace and strength through counselling and mindfulness practices during his difficult journey.