Former banker focuses on family after brain tumour diagnosis

In 2020, 36-year-old Edward* had a fast-paced job as a relationship manager in a bank. He enjoyed interacting with his colleagues, meeting customers and closing deals. But a shocking diagnosis shook him and made him revaluate what was important in life.

 

Always busy with work, Edward didn’t think anything was the matter when he started experiencing mild but lingering headaches. Thinking it was the result of poor posture during long hours at work, Edward saw a physiotherapist who taught him exercises to relieve the pain. After some time, when his condition did not improve, the physiotherapist suggested that he get an MRI. Since his insurance covered investigative tests, Edward went to a private hospital for the scan. 

“Why didn’t you see a doctor earlier?”

Edward recalled that this was first thing the doctor said to him when he went to get the scan results. He knew then that something was very wrong.

The MRI scan showed that Edward had a large 3.5cm tumour growing under his right ear. He was diagnosed with vestibular schwannoma, also known as acoustic neuroma, a noncancerous tumour that develops on the vestibular nerve which leads from the inner ear to the brain. The condition can cause hearing loss, ringing in the ear and problems with balance. In some rare cases, the tumour can press against the brain and affect vital functions. In Edward’s case, it was large and pressing on his brain stem, which meant that he needed urgent surgery to remove the tumour.

With no family history of brain tumours or cancer, Edward and his family were very shocked and saddened at the news.

Edward underwent an extensive, 17-hour surgery performed by ear, nose and throat surgeons and neurosurgeons to remove the tumour. However, it was not possible to remove all traces of the tumour close to the brain stem, as it was too dangerous to operate near that vulnerable area. Edward was aware that there was a possibility that he would need to undergo radiotherapy if there was any tumour regrowth in the future.

Post-surgery, Edward lost all hearing in his right ear and his balance was impaired. He had to undergo physiotherapy and it took several months before he was able to walk normally.

 

During this time Edward spent time thinking about what was important in his life. His wife, parents and siblings had been by his side throughout his surgery and recovery. He realised that family was the most important thing and decided he wanted to start a family with his wife.

He decided to resign from his job in the bank and took a year off to recover and evaluate what was next. 

Edward had regular follow-up scans and there were no changes until March 2023, when a scan showed tumour regrowth. He was referred to a neurosurgeon who then referred him to the National Cancer Centre Singapore’s (NCCS) Division of Radiation Oncology for consultation.

Edward underwent consultation and assessment for his condition and was advised that proton therapy was appropriate, as his tumour was close to his brain and proton therapy could deliver radiation more directly to the tumour and potentially cause fewer side effects.

On 10 July 2023, Edward received the first of 29 proton therapy sessions that he would go for daily. He was the second patient to undergo proton therapy at NCCS. The sessions were painless and he experienced minimal side effects.  He completed his last session of proton therapy on 18 August 2023.

 

Edward is now enjoying a more balanced life as a real estate agent and has more free time to spend with his family. He and his wife are focusing on starting a family and looking forward to a bright future ahead of them.