Chris’ story
In 2017, Chris’s life was changed by a brain tumour diagnosis, and in the time since he has faced recurrences and ongoing challenges. He regularly attends our monthly Men’s Support Group and finds it helpful to talk about his experiences of living with a brain tumour over the past eight years.
Chris tells us about the impact on his life, how support has helped and fulfilling a lifelong dream.
I was working at Somerville private hospital as an instrument co-ordinator with theatre teams. I’d had a few funny turns, sometimes affecting my speech, but no headaches and I really didn’t know that anything serious was wrong. It was when I had tinnitus that I went to my GP and he got me in as an urgent two week referral to Maidstone Hospital.
First diagnosis
I was diagnosed on March 3rd 2017, with a grade 2 oligodendroglioma, and told there’d be no treatment straight away but I had to have lots of tests on my speech and memory etc. It was in September 2017 that I had my first surgery to remove the tumour.
Sadly from surgery I got a severe infection and had to go back into hospital for two weeks. I had a bone flap removed where the infection was, and ended up with a four inch hole in my head before, eight months later, I had a titanium plate fitted.
Then in 2019 I was diagnosed with a second tumour, involving another operation, and in 2021 a third tumour was found. They were planning to do awake surgery this time. Due to where the tumour was growing, the operation risked paralysing me on my left hand side, and so awake surgery would help to control that risk. However, because I looked well it was decided in the end not to operate and treatment now has been 30 sessions of radiotherapy and six months of chemotherapy.
For the last eight years this has changed mine and my family’s life.
I’ve lost my driving licence for all that time, I get very fatigued, I’ve lost empathy and can feel overwhelmed with things and like a failure because I can’t do what I used to. I have to live on my pension, thankfully I do currently get PIP, but it can be very demoralising.
How support keeps you going
The shock on my family was also immense.
My wife and I have such a good relationship, I don’t know what I would of done without her, and my son and daughter, supporting me through all this and coping with how it’s affected me mentally.
Lots of walks out with the dog helped. I had three years neuro psychotherapy and twelve weeks of counselling with a very local cancer charity called Babons. I then found out about Brain Tumour Support on Instagram and connecting with my Support Professional, Gavin, and other people to share experiences has been really important. It’s great to be able to attend the Men’s Support Group.
Groups give you a real insight into other people’s brain tumour journeys and it makes you feel like you’re not alone. Talking to a Support Professional also gives me the opportunity to talk to someone outside of my support network and I can talk to someone in a safe space.
On an upbeat note my tumour is now stable which is a positive. I’m not cured, they just keep it at bay because there is no cure for my type of tumour, but stable is good!
A flight of a lifetime
Chris with Emma after his second diagnosis
Another positive note – I will be taking my dream flight in a Spitfire on the 22nd of June 2025!
It’s been an ambition for so many years and after my second diagnosis my lovely daughter Emma started a fundraiser for me to be able to do it, but I also needed to lose weight which I’d put on since my illness. I have now lost five stone eleven to achieve it, which I am very proud of and, although I’m also nervous, I can’t wait for the flight!
Chris Shade | June 2025
Moments from Chris’ big day
On 22 June 2025, Chris had the most incredible day at Biggin Hill and achieved his dream of flying in a Spitfire, and many of his family and friends who have been so supportive were there to share this special experience.
Soon after the flight Chris summed it up ‘What a fantastic day. Absolutely awesome, I am buzzing!’ And in sharing his story he told us:‘
I hope it could inspire other people that there is light at the end of the dark tunnel.’
Read more about Chris’ story and his flight of a lifetime as covered by his local news.
Brain tumours can affect any one of us, irrespective of age, lifestyle or general health. Every 33 minutes someone in the UK receives this shocking diagnosis, and when faced with the words ‘You have a brain tumour’ the right support to help navigate the path ahead is vital.
Brain Tumour Support wants to ensure that no one feels alone at any stage of that journey. So if you are able to make a donation, helping us to be here for more people like Chris, we would be very grateful. Our support services are always free to access and rely on the generosity of fundraising and donations to be maintained. Thank you so much.
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