Something on the Brain

By Richard Thayer

I am supporting the St Vincent’s Hospital!

I have recently been diagnosed with a brain tumour. Looking back there were so many warning signs that I just kept ignoring or making excuses for. I constantly felt average, had regular headaches, sore eyes and was generally tired no matter how much sleep I got.

Then a few weeks ago we were returning home after a night out in town. I had woken up feeling tired and slightly hungover but nothing out of the ordinary.

As we started our drive home, all of a sudden I experienced what I can only describe as a lightning storm in my head. We got home and I went to bed to try to sleep it off.

The following week I carried on as usual, going to work but the headache remained. It gradually got to the point I could no longer function. My eyes were so sore the left side of my face was numb, I couldn’t focus in meetings and I was struggling to find words. I felt so embarrassed and stupid.  

I ended up spending two days in bed resting and I gradually felt a lot better.

Thankfully, I kept thinking that something wasn’t right. After all, a week-long hangover is impressive – even for me.

I finally decided to go see my GP. I told him what had been happening. The more I told him the more concerned he looked. He handed me a letter and told me I need to go to Emergency Department immediately.

I arrived at St Vincent’s Emergency where I received a CT Scan. I was expecting them to tell me I had, had a mild stroke. But the scan identified a golf ball sized tumour near the brain stem. It's central location means that surgery is going to be long and extremely challenging with a long recovery time.

I wanted to share my experience to help raise awareness of the importance of not ignoring the warning signs of potential health problems. Several people I have shared my experience with have since called me to let me know they have booked an appointment with their GP – which is amazing.

I also wanted say thank you to all the staff who have cared for me in the only way I know how.  

I work for St Vincent’s but I never thought I would be on the receiving end of the treatment and exceptional care I regularly hear patients rave about.

Please donate and help me to raise funds for the teams looking after me and so many more patients in need of our excellent care.

Thank you doesn’t even come close to how I feel about the care I’m receiving.  

Thank you to my Sponsors

$211

Cam Smith

Sty positive, Rich. Many coffee's on the other side. Can I have some of the lollies in your draw?

$105.50

Richard Thayer

$105.50

Sue Parkes

Great to see the photo of you yesterday. You are amazing!

$105.50

Justin Hall

Thinking of you Richard. Look forward to seeing you back asap

$100

Melina Talanis

$100

Inga Feitsma

Thinking of you Rich. Yell out if you need anything! xx

$52.75

Sarah Mary Davies

A wonderful hospital staffed with the best doctors and nurses.

$52.75

Robert Nash

At least you know that St Vincent's will look after you very well! Good luck, best wishes ... you'll do great!

$52.75

Rebecca Macfarling

Go well, Rich. x

$52.75

Robyn Hodges

We're with you every step of the way Rich xo

$52.75

Bec

$52.75

Josie Verga

Thinking of you Richard. You’re in the best hands.

$52.75

Mary Scott

Thinking of you Rich.

$52.75

James Roth

Good luck Richard! You'll smash this! Cheers James

$52.75

Tanya Carlyle

Best of luck with your recovery.

$52.75

Adrian Wilson

Richard, so glad to hear you're well and truly back on deck. Thanks for sharing your story - such an important message for those of us who love to 'kick the can down the road.'

$50

Genevieve Stone

Thinking of you, Amanda and the kids today and going forward.

$31.65

Richard Prentice

Good luck with your recovery Rich. Hopefully see you soon.

$26.38

Anonymous

Wishing you all the best Richard.

$26.38

Rosie Wheen

So glad you are on the road to recovery and thanks for shining a light on the incredible work of the people that took such amazing care of you.

$25

Sharon Wangman

Keep going Dear, you've got this!

Contact

St Vincent's Foundation
Ground floor
Rear, 55 Victoria Parade
Fitzroy, Victoria 3065