As 26-year old Kieran Shingler got a runny nose and sore throat on Bonfire Night, he went to what most people do, and took some Sudafed, and mentioned he had the flu. However, in this case, a negative Covid test was the initial indicator that something far more heinous was going on with this fit, healthy triathlete and HGV driver of Warrington, Cheshire.
The tragic experience that Kieran had on his way to the terminal diagnosis with being flued is a rather effective reminder of how easily the initial symptoms of a brain tumor may be disguised as a regular seasonal cold.
Flu into Grade 3 Astrocytoma.
Kieran was fit as a fiddle, and usually worked 10-hour shifts as an HGV driver and then used to go to the pool to have a swim session. Nevertheless, he started getting frequent headaches that started disrupting his training. His interest in eating (his appetite, as a true foodie, had died) had completely disappeared, so his partner, Abbie Henstock, decided to take him to A&E. In the case of Warrington Hospital, the physicians at the first instance diagnosed meningitis. Only after a CT scan was conducted, the horrifying reality was discovered, the shocking mass in his brain. Kieran was suddenly taken to the Walton Centre in Liverpool and a biopsy revealed that he had a Grade 3 Astrocytoma (also referred to as an Anaplastic Astrocytoma).
What is a Grade 3 Astrocytoma?
Astrocytomas are cancers that are formed by the use of astrocytes which are star like cells that keep the nerve cells in the brain
. • Aggression: Grade 3 tumors are said to be high-grade and aggressive.
• Growth: These have a higher rate of growth than Grade 1 or 2 tumors and are likely to extend to adjacent brain tissue
. Treatment Standard care Surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are used together.
Why the Flu Is Like Brain Tumors.
The possibility that Kieran had several symptoms that were similar to standard infections was one of the most hazardous things about his case. The Brain Tumour Charity reveals that headaches occur in up to 60 percent of patients, which is confusing since the brain is incapable of feeling any pain.
Typical Red Flags that are ignored:
Raised Intracranial Pressure – As a tumor enlarges, it causes pressure to build up inside the skull pushing groups of pain-sensitive blood vessels and nerves. This brings about torturous headaches not responding to over-the-counter drugs such as Sudafed.
Loss of Appetite: This is a common side effect that indicates a tumor has infiltrated one of the frontal areas or metabolism regulating ones.
• Constant Exhaustion: Sudden loss of energy was a significant sign to an active triathlete such as Kieran.
The Legacy of ‘Kieran’s Krew’ .
Kieran received a prognosis of 12 months in December 2022. To demonstrate his prowess, he had exceeded that deadline by one more year. At this period, he and Abbie started Kieran Krew, a charity powerhouse that has collected more than 52,000 pounds (exceeding its original target of 27, 000 pounds).
The funds have supported:
1. The Brain Tumour Charity: Investing in quality research on high-grade glioma.
2. Alternative Therapies: To look into the research based alternatives like hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
3. St. Rocco’s Hospice: The hospice located in Warrington which offered Kieran the hospice care in his dying days.
Abbie said to the Liverpool Echo that they were lucky and had two more years with him. Individuals who are currently first diagnosed may read his story and believe, there is a chance.
Call To Action:
Wait no longer in case you are having persistent symptoms or a loved one. It is important to detect it early by use of MRI scan or CT scan.
• Morning Headache: The morning headache is the type of headache that is more or worse in the morning or when stooping.
• Acute Alteration of Senses: Blurred vision, lack of smell or hearing difficulties.
• Personality: Sudden irritability or confusion.
Have you been experiencing or someone you know experienced the same symptoms? Contribute to the discussion in the comments or repost the story by Kieran to make people notice the symptoms at the first stage.
Disclaimer:
The news information given here is founded upon the available news reports and credible sources. The updates made by the official news outlets should be cross-checked by the readers.