A Sudden Seizure and Diagnosis
In this deeply personal episode, Will Roth shares his journey of being diagnosed with an anaplastic astrocytoma (as classified at the time of diagnosis in 2016). Will’s story begins with an unexpected seizure that marked the onset of his brain tumour diagnosis. Before that night, Will had been symptom-free, living a “normal” life. But the seizure would change everything, leading to the discovery of a grade three tumour requiring urgent medical attention.
After surgery, Will learned that his brain tumour would require both radiotherapy and chemotherapy to treat. But even more daunting than the physical symptoms was the fatigue that followed his treatments. It was one of the toughest side effects he had to endure. Will candidly shares how this fatigue impacted his life and how palliative care became crucial in managing the side effects of treatment.
The Importance of Palliative Care
Managing the side effects of cancer treatment is often an overlooked part of recovery. Will emphasises the role of palliative care in his journey—something that became essential for alleviating the fatigue and other side effects that impacted his daily life. Palliative care gave Will the support he needed to get through the most challenging parts of his treatment, helping him find moments of relief during a very tough time.
Fertility Considerations: A Critical Conversation
Another essential part of Will’s treatment plan was fertility preservation. Before beginning his treatment, he and his doctors discussed fertility considerations, ensuring that Will could make informed choices about his future. Will is one of the many cancer survivors who emphasise the significance of addressing fertility before beginning treatment, as it can be a difficult and emotional decision that can have lasting effects.
The Power of Support
The importance of support, both emotional and practical, cannot be overstated in Will’s journey. He openly credits his family, friends, and healthcare team for their role in his recovery. Their presence and love were vital in getting him through the darkest times, and Will continually speaks of the deep gratitude he has for their unwavering support.
Having a strong support system helped Will navigate the highs and lows of his journey, and it gave him the strength to face each new day with courage.
A Story of Survival and Hope
Fast forward eight years, and Will is now living with clean scans. His fight with brain cancer is not just a story of survival, but one of hope, perseverance, and the power of community. Will speaks of his gratitude for his care team, who helped him navigate both the physical and emotional challenges of his journey.
His story is also a testament to the need for continued advocacy and awareness surrounding brain cancer. Will shares his hope for advancements in brain tumour treatment and his belief in the power of supporting and advocating for brain cancer research.
A Message of Gratitude and Advocacy
As Will continues to live a fulfilling life, his story serves as a beacon of hope for others battling brain tumours. His journey is one of courage, love, and resilience, and it is a reminder that no one needs to face their cancer journey alone.
If you want to hear Will’s powerful story in his own words, watch the full episode on YouTube or listen to the podcast. This episode is not just about brain tumour survival; it’s a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s ability to endure and overcome.
Watch the full video on YouTube: Link Here
Listen to more stories on the podcast: linktr.ee/auntymbraintumours
