Hi my name is Chad and I am 18.

Summer 2020 I had a place in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and was learning to drive and then out of the blue my whole life crashed!

At the end of August 2020 I went to have a routine eye test. The optician sent me straight to Torbay Hospital for a scan which showed a mass in my brain. The next day I was transferred to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth with acute  Hydrocephalus and was told I had a brain tumour. I had an operation to drain the excess fluid and take a biopsy to determine what sort of tumour it was and whether it was cancerous or not. A few weeks later the diagnosis confirmed I had a non-cancerous low grade ‘pilocytic astrocytoma’ which unfortunately is inoperable. 

After another operation to fit a permanent shunt which drains into my stomach and, after recovering from a Cerebral Spinal Fluid infection, I had a few months when my tumour was quite stable! 

Unfortunately the last scan showed it had grown and I now have to have surgery at the end of September 2021

During the last year I have had loads of support from my family and friends but also from The Teenage and Young Adults Cancer support team at Derriford. I have also been supported by The Brain Tumour Charity and have joined their young person’s support group. I hope to become a young ambassador for The Brain Tumour Charity, helping to raise awareness of this devastating disease.

Update- I had surgery on 30th September 2021 which successfully removed 70% of the tumour. Unfortunately since then I have had further surgery due to an infection and had to have part of my skull removed. I am now due a further operation in January 2022 to try to remove more of the tumour to save my sight and to rebuild my skull.

Update November 2022 The surgeon managed to remove more of the tumour and cysts in January. I then had 6 weeks of radiotherapy and have had part of my skull missing for the last 11months. I am due a scan in December to see what affect this has had and whether or not my skull can be rebuilt yet. I had to give up work so now I volunteer at my local hospital and hospice.

Update-January 2023  Unfortunately my December scan showed a cyst on my tumour but the good news is that the tumour is stable! Unfortunately the cyst has got 6mm bigger in the last two months. My Neuro surgeon now wants to delay reconstructing my skull until he sees what the cyst is going to do. So now awaiting rescan in March! Fingers crossed the cyst has been caused by the radiotherapy and will hopefully burst and will not require further surgery. I continue to volunteer for the NHS and our local hospice as I am unable to work now due to short term memory issues caused by past surgery.

Update January 2024 

March 2023 scan showed the cyst and tumour were stable. My neurosurgeon ordered another scan for August2023 and January 2024. These were both stable so I had to make a decision about having the cranioplasty. After much discussion we found out that the risk of having a stroke and developing epilepsy and getting an infection were quite high if I went ahead with the operation, so I have decided not to go ahead with the op. I have also started to drive again and I would have to give this up. At the moment I am well and able to do loads.

Update February 2024

I passed my driving test!!!

My Fundraising so far…

The cycle ride-

My first challenge was a 26-mile bike ride along the River Exe from Exmouth to Dawlish, supported by my good friend Issac. This may not seem far to those who cycle, but for me (also carrying too much weight after all the drugs I have had!) it was quite a challenge! This took  place on Easter weekend –with gift aid, donations reached  over £5000  for The Brain Tumour Charity. 

Torbay 10k-

On Sunday 12th September I participated in Torbay 10k. I used to run a lot  before being diagnosed with a brain tumour and am a member of Riviera Racers Running club. Riviera Racers have been amazing supporting me and many members have generously donated to my fundraising. I completed it and then 3 days later had my surgery.

Dartmoor walk-

This summer I am planning a walk across Dartmoor with my brother Joe. We plan to walk from Haytor, camp overnight and finish in Princetown.

WATCH THIS SPACE!

My mum wanted me to add this-something she wrote on her Facebook page……!

.’It’s late at night and I don’t do the adoring parent thing but I am making exception and wanted to write this-

So today Chad and I went to Derriford to have his wound checked only to be told he needed immediate surgery for an infection. As usual Chad took this on the chin, excepted it in his usual positive upbeat way-whilst I’m realing from the thought of another operation.
Whilst waiting for the surgery we bumped into a gentleman we had previously come across in Torbay Hospital when Chad had been in for a blood test. We had chatted about this gentleman’s brain tumour at the time and how he had lost the use of his left arm and leg. He was very down and depressed and said he couldn’t face it anymore-
So now today it was fantastic to see him again-he had had successful surgery, he was walking and able to move his arms and going home tomorrow to his wife and two young children.
He said he hadn’t stopped thinking about Chad and had tried to search for him on Facebook to thank him as it was Chad’s positivity and strength at such a young age that had spurred him on to get through his operation. He asked (in tears) if he could shake Chads hand to thank him for giving him the strength to get on with surgery and be able to get back to his family.
I was so touched. Chad is just incredible- his cheerfulness and positivity is just humbling. He never complains and just keeps saying ‘thank you mum and dad for being here and I do love you’
Chad went into surgery -smiling! He has had a large part of his skull removed which will need to be rebuilt in the future. Lots of drains, IV, lines etc but he is ok.
‘Just a hiccup mum, I’ll be alright. I’ll fight it with my true Nelson spirit!’

The Brain Tumour Charity  

The Brain Tumour Charity is the world's leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives, we're moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour. We're set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. And we're doing it right now. Because we understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can't wait.