Truck Driver Thought He Had the Flu or Covid. He Was then Diagnosed with a Brain Tumor and Given 1 Year to Live

A young man in England’s town of Warrington, Kieran Shingler, 26, initially believed he had come down with the flu when he started experiencing symptoms such as a headache, sore throat, and runny nose in November 2022. Upon testing negative for Covid, his condition worsened, and he struggled to keep food down. As his health continued to deteriorate, he underwent an emergency CT scan at Warrington Hospital before being transferred to The Walton Centre hospital in Liverpool. There, Shingler underwent four major brain surgeries, including one on Christmas Day that year.

During the course of his treatment, it was discovered that Kieran was diagnosed with a high-grade cancerous brain tumor at the age of 23, which was a shocking revelation for him and his family. The young truck driver underwent a biopsy at The Walton Centre, which confirmed he had a grade three astrocytoma, a type of brain tumour that originates from cells called astrocytes that support nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Following the diagnosis, Kieran underwent intense treatment, including 30 sessions of radiotherapy and chemotherapy within a month, which successfully shrunk the tumor. Despite this success, in a recent update on a GoFundMe page set up to support his medical expenses, it was revealed that his tumor had begun growing again after a period of 19 months without treatment, presenting a new challenge for Kieran and his loved ones to navigate.

Reflecting on his journey, Kieran expressed gratitude for the unwavering support he received from his family and partner, Abbie Henstock, acknowledging their sacrifices and strength during his health battles. Abbie also shared her perspective, recalling how Kieran’s health struggles were a stark deviation from his usual active lifestyle, leading to the discovery of complications such as fluid blockage in his spine and the need for emergency procedures to address his condition.

One of the critical surgeries Kieran underwent was a craniotomy, a procedure involving the removal of a portion of the skull for brain surgery. Additionally, he had a permanent shunt fitted to address fluid management, highlighting the complex and challenging nature of his treatment journey. Despite facing setbacks with the regrowth of his tumor earlier this year, Kieran remains resilient and committed to continuing chemotherapy as part of his ongoing battle against cancer.

As the community rallied around Kieran and his family, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to raise funds for essential medical equipment and treatments to support his recovery. The outpouring of support and generosity has enabled the family to acquire specialised devices like a Hyperbaric Oxygen Tank and red light machine, significantly aiding in Kieran’s healing process and managing side effects like short-term memory loss.

Looking ahead, Kieran’s determination and the collective support he receives will play a crucial role in his ongoing fight against cancer. As he navigates the challenges posed by his diagnosis and treatment regimen, the unwavering support from his loved ones and the broader community will undoubtedly serve as a source of strength and encouragement in his journey towards recovery.