By Patrick Lenihan

Kia ora, my name is Patrick Lenihan. I’m 38 years old and live in Hamilton with my wife Veronica and our three beautiful daughters – Dahra (10), April (6), and Rosa (3).

Most of my professional life has involved leadership roles, and I currently work as a Regional Business Manager for a large New Zealand health service provider. Outside of work, I stay busy with family life – I try to be as involved as I can in my girls’ schooling and their activities. I also stay active through playing field hockey and hiking the local tracks.

I enjoy spending time with a close group of friends, usually over a game of footy and some good banter. One day in the not-so-distant future, I’d love to study Psychology. I’m passionate about helping people and would love to contribute in some way toward improving societal issues.

Diagnosis

My brain tumour journey started suddenly and without warning. In the early hours of June 2012, I experienced a tonic-clonic seizure while sleeping. My wife Veronica, understandably terrified, responded quickly – calling an ambulance and making sure I didn’t injure myself. I regained proper consciousness in the Emergency Department around 15–20 minutes later.

Initial tests came back normal. Doctors mentioned possibilities like epilepsy or even a tumour, but said the seizure was most likely a one-off, potentially triggered by stress and lack of sleep. I was referred for further tests as a precaution.

Over the next six months, I went through a series of tests – all of which returned normal results. It wasn’t until a follow-up appointment in December 2012, when I casually mentioned a cloudiness in my left eye, that I was referred for an MRI.

Two days after the scan, I received a call asking me to come into the hospital. As I walked into the neurologist’s office, I saw the scan on the screen. A large white mass stood out. After a pause, the doctor said words I will never forget:
"Patrick, we have found a large mass on your brain, and we need to treat this quickly before there is any more irreversible damage."

It was a complete shock. The tumour was visibly pushing parts of my brain into surrounding areas. I was suddenly a ticking time bomb.

With Christmas and New Year approaching, my wife and I had already made family plans. I made the difficult decision not to tell anyone just yet so we could enjoy that time together. We had the most amazing holiday season – I wanted to savour it, just in case it was my last fully functioning one.

Treatment Journey

In February 2013, I underwent a nine-hour craniotomy at Waikato Hospital to remove the tumour. Thankfully, the surgeons were able to completely resect the meningioma. The recovery process was intense – I had to relearn basic functions like speech, reading, and understanding conversations. I spent 12 days in hospital and was incredibly grateful for the care I received from the staff.

A biopsy revealed the tumour was Grade 2, which meant I needed follow-up radiotherapy. I completed two months of intensive treatment.

Throughout it all, I tried to remain positive. Even though my body was under immense stress, I didn’t want to dwell on the negatives. I reminded myself constantly how lucky I was – the outcome could have been so much worse.

Living with a Brain Tumour

It took nearly three years to feel anything like my old self again. During this time, I experienced more seizures and ultimately had to resign from my job. I cycled through several different medications – most came with difficult side effects – but eventually found one that worked well for me. After remaining seizure-free for a year, I was cleared to drive again, and I’ve been seizure-free ever since.

I live with 15% vision in my left eye due to the tumour pressing on my optic nerve. Along with that comes daily headaches and fatigue – but I’ve learned to manage it as best I can.

One of the greatest blessings through all of this has been my wife, Veronica. She has stood beside me every step of the way – supporting me, looking after me, and keeping me grounded (and telling me off when I try to do too much!). She truly is the rock of our family.

Support from Brain Tumour Support NZ

When a friend introduced me to Brain Tumour Support NZ, I found myself reading through other people's stories. Their strength and vulnerability struck a chord with me. Even though I don’t normally put myself in the spotlight, I felt compelled to share my journey – in the hope that it might help someone else feel less alone.

Final Thoughts: I Am Not What Happened to Me

This experience changed my entire outlook on life. It taught me to cherish every moment, to not sweat the small stuff, and to focus on the things that truly matter – my family, my health, and the people around me.

If you’re reading this and facing your own battle, I hope my story gives you strength. We may not get to choose what happens to us, but we do get to choose how we respond.

I know my future is bright.
I am not what happened to me – I will be what I choose to become.