A Bristol dad was left shocked earlier this year after a numbness down his side turned out to be the result of a rare and incurable cancer. Initially thinking he may be having a stroke, he was soon diagnosed with a Stage 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme, an aggressive and fast-spreading brain tumour.
Will Spencer, 47, is a Sales and Operations Manager for a medical device company and former Royal Marine Reservist. He has a 12-year-old son, and is fundraising for private treatment to try to control the cancer to give him more time with his loved ones.
“It was around mid-April, I was getting this numb feeling down my left hand side and I went to the GP and they referred me to the stroke unit at Southmead Hospital. I went in hoping I hadn’t had a stroke, and I left thinking this is so much worse,” said Will.
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“It had been a real surprise, I’m generally fit and healthy and I’ve never smoked or taken drugs. You just can’t put your finger on why it’s happened.”
Will has found that he is a candidate for Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT), a therapeutic treatment which can reduce the tumour burden in some patients.
Will’s tumour is in an area of the brain described as “eloquent”, meaning it is too sensitive to be operated on. He has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy on the NHS which he says he is “incredibly grateful” for.
The cost of the LITT treatment alone is £77,000. Will is trying to raise £100,000 for his treatment and is also looking into a number of immunotherapy routes.
Will has said its not easy navigating this and how to speak about his diagnosis. He feels it is important to keep children informed but also to not overwhelm them.
“It’s a tricky age because most of the support is for little ones or teenagers. He looked at me as being indestructible, so he’s been worried,” said Will.
“I’m enjoying his childhood and it’s important to me that he does too but equally, I don’t want to block him out of what is happening for me”.
Will’s friend Liam has organised the fundraiser. Will said Liam and other friends have been “fantastic” at making sure he’s doing well.
This week, Will will finish his current stage of treatment. Glioblastoma Awareness Day will take place on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, which calls for public awareness and sustained efforts into research for more advanced treatments and a cure.
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Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
