A dad left unable to speak or read his kid’s bedtime stories was told he was suffering anxiety but had – a brain tumor.
Edward Lewis, 36, had visited his GP and saw different psychologists on several occasions.
He had suffered episodes leaving him unable to speak – but was told they were a form of a panic attack.
Edward was diagnosed with anxiety and placed on anti-depression medication.
He was prescribed anti-depressants for panic attacks – but it turned out to be an incurable brain tumor.
Edward, from Bishop’s Stortford, England, was diagnosed with an incurable oligodendroglioma in June 2022.
The dad-of-two said: “During 2019, I started experiencing strange sensations where I was occasionally unable to speak for about five to 15 seconds.
In the early hours of June 14 last year, Edward had a full tonic-clonic seizure while in bed with his wife Gayle.
Edward was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex, where a CT scan revealed a 6cm (0.2 foot) (2.4 inch) mass in the middle of his brain.
He was referred to Queen’s Hospital in Romford, Essex for surgery to remove the tumor in July 2022.
Thankfully, the operation was a success with about 70% of the growth removed.
Edward was put on radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
He had his last chemo dose in June 2023 and continues to be monitored with MRI scans every three months – which have been stable so far.
Edward’s prognosis is uncertain. He is now trying holistic therapies and adopting a healthy diet and exercise regime.
He started back at work in January this year and is enjoying spending quality time with his daughters Larna, three and Darcy, four.
He is also campaigning alongside the charity Brain Tumour Research to help reach 100,000 signatures on their petition to increase research funding.
Edward said: “It’s so important that more is invested in brain tumors, to improve the outcomes for patients.
“Some people couldn’t communicate or move at all. I also know some people with this diagnosis are much younger than me.”
Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “We are grateful to Edward for supporting our petition and helping to raise awareness.
“For too long governments have put brain tumors on the ‘too difficult to think about’ pile.
“If everyone can spare just a few minutes to sign and share, we will soon hit the 100,000 signatures we need and help find a cure, bringing hope to families whose loved ones have been affected by brain tumors.”
Produced in association with SWNS Talker
