Kapiti – after my second Brain Tumour surgery

April 2025 

by Tim Parker

I was born in Rotorua, the youngest of three children, and later moved to Wellington while still at school. I spent a period of time travelling and living abroad — in Canada and the USA — and worked in various roles, from ski resorts to youth work. Eventually, I returned home and completed a social work degree at Whitireia Polytech in Porirua.

In 2017, I met Sandra. Just three months later, we were flying to her hometown of Blenheim, where I proposed — and she said yes! But upon our return to Wellington, something unexpected happened. After stepping off the plane at the airport, my legs suddenly stopped working. We went straight to Wellington Hospital, where that same night, we were told I had two meningioma brain tumours — likely growing for up to 10 years. I had previously shared concerns with my GP, but these had been attributed to migraines and mental health issues.

Facing Brain Surgery

Emotions, uncertainty, and the operation

The thought of brain surgery was terrifying. Being bumped from the schedule a couple of times only added to the anxiety. Finally, four days after being admitted, I was wheeled into surgery — unsure if I’d see Sandra again.

I came through the surgery, and both tumours were successfully removed. The relief was immense. However, I hadn't expected the recovery to be so long and difficult. With no one around us who’d gone through this experience, it often felt isolating. There was an invisible barrier between the person I was inside and who others saw on the outside. I had severe headaches, needed crutches to walk, struggled with speech, and experienced muddled, foggy thinking. Fatigue was a constant presence.

For me, faith has always been central to my wellbeing. During recovery, I felt a profound spiritual awakening — a closeness to God I had never felt before. Through faith, love, family, and laughter, I slowly began to heal. A beautiful break to Rarotonga also played a big part. We were living in Newtown at the time, and nine months post-surgery, Sandra and I were married.

Giving Back Through Support

Joining Brain Tumour Support NZ and leading the survivor group

When Brain Tumour Support NZ began, we were keen to give back. Sandra and I were invited to lead the Low Grade Brain Tumour Survivor Group, which we’ve now done for four years. It’s been a privilege, and we’ve made some wonderful friends along the way.

Tim and Sandra’s Engagement party

September 2017  

When It Returned

The second diagnosis and facing more surgery

In late 2024, just four months after a clear MRI, our world was rocked again. Two new meningioma tumours were discovered, this time in a different part of the brain. More surgery was needed. On the night before my second surgery in March 2025, I was told I might lose the ability to speak or understand speech — and that there were three more small meningiomas.

I came out of surgery talking — and promptly rang everyone I knew to prove it!

Living Day by Day

Life after the second surgery, current symptoms, and hope

Now, seven weeks post-op, the challenges remain. I still have constant headaches, use a walker for balance, deal with brain fog and fatigue, and have had a series of seizures requiring multiple ED visits. But I'm still here — and still thankful.

Tim and Sandra, 2025

You’re Not Alone

An invitation to connect with others walking this path

To anyone else navigating this path — you are not alone. Together, we are stronger.

Sandra and I are passionate about supporting others on this journey, particularly in the Wellington and Kāpiti regions. If you’d like to connect, we would love to hear from you through Brain Tumour Support NZ.