Surely it's benign – but no, it wasn't
By Keith Brady
Kia ora, I’m Keith. I’m 63 and live just outside Whangārei on a semi-rural property with my wife Sandra — we’ve been married 30 years — and our two grown children, Joseph (23) and Anna (20). I love motorcycling, listening to music (can’t play to save myself!), tinkering around the property, and more recently, writing a book — almost ready to publish! Catching up with friends and family is a big part of my life too.
The journey begins
Labour Weekend 2022 started with a sudden, massive headache at work — and things changed in an instant. A CT scan at Whangārei Hospital on 21 October showed something suspicious. The next day, an MRI at Auckland Hospital confirmed it: a brain tumour. Not benign. A Grade 4 Glioblastoma.
Within days I had surgery (thankfully, the tumour was accessible), and then came the whirlwind: diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
Treatment and recovery
I tolerated the first rounds of radiotherapy and chemotherapy reasonably well. But when I started a higher-dose chemo regime at home — nearly three times the original dose — it hit hard. I was violently ill the first day and fatigue was constant. The 5-day-on, 3-week cycle really knocked the stuffing out of me. But I had great support: regular visits from friends and family, and Sandra by my side, keeping me going. And for now, it looks like the treatment worked.
Living with a brain tumour – and beyond
Strangely enough, I feel like I’ve got a “decluttered brain.” It’s as if my mind hit refresh. Sure, there are still limitations: constant fatigue, moments where everything feels surreal, and difficulty with anything complex — like spreadsheets. I can only focus on one simple task at a time. Too much going on, and I lose my train of thought completely. It feels like I’m running on basic survival mode — just enough to stay sane, fed, watered… and happy. And I am happy. Still here, still kicking.
I’ve tried returning to work, but it’s been tough. My processing speed is slow, and tasks that used to be easy are now overwhelming. But I’ve found joy in writing — something simple and expressive that helps me get the muddled thoughts in my head down on paper. I still visit my old workmates every week and stay connected with projects to keep the brain ticking.
This past year, besides writing, I did a charity swim for Coastguard — 20km over June in a pool to raise funds. That was really rewarding and fun, even if I’m no Michael Phelps!
A new outlook
Life is harder in some ways now, but honestly, it’s also better. I feel more alive, more present. I’m eating well, using a Keto-based diet (with the occasional treat and beer), staying active socially, and continuing to ride my motorcycle. I may be slower, but I’m not stopping.
Final thoughts
What have I learned? That we’re capable of more than we think. I’ve discovered inner strength, willpower, and resilience I didn’t know I had. I’ve learned to be brave, to face this thing head-on. The odds might not be great — but there’s always a chance. And if there’s a chance, I’m taking it with both hands.
As for the future? I’m looking forward to many more years on the right side of the earth. I’ll keep riding, writing, socialising, volunteering, eating well, and living life fully — one day, one moment at a time.