NEED TO KNOW
Joshua Smith, from Wales, was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer earlier this year after experiencing brain fog and a 10-day migraine
Surgeons removed 95% of his glioblastoma tumor, and his subsequent treatment includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and regular MRI scans
The 34-year-old and his wife, Kelly, are now raising awareness and funds for brain cancer research
A man from Wales was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer after doctors told him a 10-day migraine was probably nothing to worry about.
Joshua Smith, 34, started experiencing brain fog in January, before having a severe migraine that lasted around 10 days, his wife, Kelly, told the U.K.’s Brain Tumour Research charity.
Kelly took him to see a doctor on Feb. 9, but “they dismissed it and said there was nothing wrong,” she said. Four days later, on Feb. 13, the couple went to the emergency room, but Joshua was sent home with morphine.
Joshua Smith
Credit: Brain Tumour Research
Early the next morning, they were back. “I just knew something wasn’t right,” Kelly said, per the charity. “I can’t explain it — it was instinct… This time they did more tests, including a CT scan.”
After Joshua underwent the scan, they were told he had a mass measuring around 1.77 inches on his brain.
Kelly and Joshua Smith on their wedding day
Credit: Brain Tumour Research
Machinist Joshua, who lives in the Welsh city of Wrexham, remained in hospital for a few days, per Brain Tumour Research. On Feb. 17, he was told it may have been some sort of infection. However, the next day, he found out it was actually cancer.
“That was devastating. It felt like we’d been lifted up and then completely crushed,” Kelly said, explaining that Joshua had stayed positive throughout the ordeal. “It’s been harder seeing his [mom] and dad upset,” she told the charity.
Joshua Smith with his dog
Credit: Brain Tumour Research
Joshua was referred to the Walton Centre, which is a hospital in the nearby city of Liverpool that specializes in neurology.
A doctor told him that his tumor was likely a glioblastoma, and that he’d need surgery.
Joshua Smith’s scar after surgery
Credit: Brain Tumour Research
According to the Mayo Clinic, glioblastoma is the most common cancerous form of brain tumor in adults and can be difficult to treat because it grows and spreads quickly.
“Joshua had to sign consent forms acknowledging all the risks — that he could die, be [paralyzed], or not be himself afterwards,” Kelly told the charity while speaking about her husband undergoing surgery to remove the tumor.
Joshua Smith with his KFC in the hospital
Credit: Brain Tumour Research
Joshua had the procedure on Feb. 24, and the surgeons managed to remove about 95% of the tumor in about two to three hours, Kelly told Brain Tumour Research.
Fortunately, Joshua had no major complications, and the first thing he did after waking up from the operation was call his wife to ask for a bucket of chicken from KFC.
Joshua’s treatment plan post-surgery involves both radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as well as MRI scans every three months. The couple is looking into trials and treatments overseas, too.
Meanwhile, Kelly has been preparing to take on Brain Tumour Research’s 31 Miles in August challenge to raise research funds, the charity shared on Instagram.
“Nothing prepares you for hearing those words and for the rollercoaster journey that would follow,” Kelly wrote on her JustGiving fundraiser page. “Watching your loved one go through major brain surgery, intense treatment, all whilst processing the facts and figures of this cruel disease is nothing short of heartbreaking.”
Joshua Smith in the hospital
Credit: Brain Tumour Research
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“As a family, we are eager and determined to do all we can to raise awareness and money because we do not wish this on anybody,” Kelly added on the page.
The couple are now trying to get on with life as best they can as Joshua continues his treatment. “Joshua sets himself little milestones, things to look forward to,” Kelly told Brain Tumour Research, adding, “Those goals keep us going.”
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