Man who thought he had a 'torn ligament' told he had 10 years left

A 31-year-old man in Doncaster was diagnosed with grade 3 astrocytoma after neck pain and a seizure; doctors gave an estimated life expectancy of about 10 years and his condition is now reported as stable following surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Sean Ryan Sweeney, 31, sought help for persistent headaches, neck pain and a tingling sensation he believed came from a running injury. After his wife found him having a seizure in July 2022 he was taken to hospital and scans revealed a brain lesion. He was later diagnosed with a grade 3 astrocytoma, underwent surgery and systemic treatment, and his condition is now reported as stable. Key facts: - Symptoms began in January 2022 and he had a seizure on July 19, 2022, which led to emergency hospital care and imaging. - He underwent a nine-and-a-half-hour awake craniotomy in November 2022 and experienced a stroke during the operation, with subsequent rehabilitation reported to restore function. - He completed five weeks of radiotherapy and 12 cycles of chemotherapy by February 2024 and medical updates describe his condition as stable. - He is raising funds for Brain Tumour Research, having helped raise over £2,500 in a 60km cycling event and planning a 100km ride next year. Summary: Sean's experience began with symptoms that were initially thought to be a musculoskeletal injury and later proved to be a high-grade brain tumour. His treatment course is complete for now and he is focusing on recovery and fundraising activities; his next public plan is a longer fundraising ride next year.