In an emotional and gripping conversation on The Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk Show, Matthew Warne opens up about his life-changing battle with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Matthew’s diagnosis came as a shock. A man who had always been healthy, working a job he loved, and celebrating a holiday dinner with friends suddenly faced the unimaginable. In December 2021, after a sore head escalated to slurred speech, Matthew knew something was seriously wrong. Despite an initial misdiagnosis of a stroke, an MRI revealed a 33mm tumour in his right parietal lobe.
The Fight Begins: Surgery and Standard Treatment
The shock of hearing the words “you’re a dead man walking” was overwhelming, but Matthew’s story is one of resilience. He underwent surgery on New Year’s Eve 2021, coming out of the operation with no significant deficits. Following this, he began the standard course of treatment—chemotherapy and radiation. However, the road was far from easy, with the physical and emotional toll of treatment wearing on him.
Fatigue, Side Effects, and the Emotional Toll
One of the hardest parts of the treatment was the fatigue. After undergoing radiation, Matthew experienced extreme exhaustion, where even sitting on the sofa would cause him to fall asleep. He also suffered from loss of taste due to the chemotherapy, which led to significant weight loss. Yet, even in the face of these challenges, Matthew found strength in his ability to still walk, talk, and remain active in his own life.
Recurrence: A New Challenge
A year into treatment, Matthew’s doctors informed him that the tumour had recurred. This time, the recurrence was located inoperably in the centre of his brain, throwing him into a panic. However, rather than succumbing to fear, he began researching alternative treatments. He explored immunotherapy options like dendritic cell vaccines and peptide vaccines available in Germany, which led to promising results.
Personal Reflections: Family, Support, and Preparation
Through all of this, Matthew’s wife, Nancy, has been a constant support. But Matthew also understands the emotional toll his diagnosis takes on her, and he’s made a conscious effort to ensure she has financial security and the tools to navigate life should the worst happen. He speaks candidly about how important it is to plan ahead, including writing a will, ensuring lasting power of attorney (LPA) is in place, and preparing the necessary paperwork for peace of mind.
Living in the Present: Finding Strength Through Routine
Matthew has learned to focus on what he can still do. While he no longer works, he’s dedicated to maintaining his routine and staying positive. He often distracts himself with light-hearted activities, including watching movies with explosions, car chases, and lasers. His perspective is that focusing on the present and distracting oneself from the heavy burden of illness is key to surviving mentally.
Advice for Others: Take Control and Stay Proactive
Matthew’s advice for others who find themselves in a similar situation is clear: stay proactive in seeking treatment, explore every available option, and never lose hope. He encourages brain tumour patients to ask for second opinions and consider trials or alternative therapies. He also speaks highly of support groups, which have helped him tremendously during this difficult journey.
While brain cancer is a devastating diagnosis, Matthew’s story offers hope, insight, and practical advice for others affected by the disease. As he says, “I don’t know when that day is, but I do know it’s not today, or even tomorrow.”
Matthew’s journey has shown that despite the challenges, we can still find ways to live meaningfully, with gratitude and love for those around us. You can listen to his full story on The Aunty M Brain Tumours Talk Show podcast or watch the episode on YouTube.
