March marks Brain Tumour Awareness Month, and Express reporter Antonia Rubio has been speaking to islanders affected by the illness to share their unique personal experiences…

Ryan O’Shea was diagnosed with a grade one diffuse asstrocytoma in 2022 at the age of 25.

He experienced extreme headaches and migraines – which he described as feeling similar to “electric shocks” – for over six months prior to his diagnosis.

Ryan also felt disorientated and would pass out, and remembers crying in the toilets at work with the lights off due to excruciating pain – but not knowing why.

Pictured: Ryan experienced unusual symptoms before his diagnosis, including extreme headaches, which he described as “electric shocks”.

Despite being prescribed various medications, his symptoms continued.

Ryan eventually got an eye test after a recommendation from a colleague – and the results were alarming.

He was referred to a doctor and then onto the neurology department for further investigations.

Ryan underwent multiple emergency scans, including CT and MRI scans, which revealed a “mass” on his brain.

He was advised that exploratory surgery was needed to obtain a formal diagnosis.

Due to the severity of the situation, there were only two days between specialists identifying the mass on his brain and Ryan undergoing surgery.

He said that, during that time, he organised his will as well as signing all the necessary papers to get everything “in order” before the operation.

Pictured: Ryan was diagnosed with an astrocytoma brain tumour, however, there are over 120 different types of brain tumours.

In the National Neurology and Neurosurgery Hospital, Ryan underwent a biopsy of his left frontal tumour and had an external drain inserted.

He spent weeks in the hospital and needed further surgery to remove the external drain and insert an internal drain.

Ryan said: “Looking back at it now, there were signs something was seriously wrong, but you never expect the worst outcome.”

Upon reflection, he said there were numerous symptoms that he didn’t realise were a result of his brain tumour – including feeling disorientated and passing out on occasion.

He is now helping other islanders affected by brain tumours in his role as an ambassador for Jersey Brain Tumour Charity.

As a client, Ryan received support from the charity during the initial stage of his brain tumour diagnosis, including counselling and continued support whilst he returned to daily life and work.

He now talks about his brain tumour experience openly on social media, as well as documenting his recovery and running journey.

“I try to not let these things hold me back and even though I cannot do certain things anymore I have found my peace in running,” said Ryan.

“I now run multiple times a week and I am currently completing a half marathon series.”

Pictured: Despite having restrictions on what Ryan can do, he says that he’s now found his “peace” in running.

He explained: “Once a person has surgery it is not necessarily over and they are not necessarily ‘fixed’.

“Don’t get me wrong, for some people this can be the resolution to their problems, but for some people like myself, we are left with hidden issues.

“I still struggle with increased fatigue and when I am ill I feel it is more severe than it used to be, and I have increased headaches.”

SUPPORT…

Jersey Brain Tumour supports those affected by a brain tumour and their loved ones.

The charity offers emotional and practical support, such as free one-to-one counselling and peer support through their “buddies” support group.

If you or someone you know requires support from Jersey Brain Tumour Charity, you can contact the team by email at admin@jerseybraintumour.com.