A father has shared his experience of noticing warning signals before a life-changing diagnosis and is encouraging individuals with similar symptoms to seek medical help. Paul Colligan, a 51-year-old electrician from Maghull, used to regularly cycle 100 miles a week. However, during a ride in December, he began encountering vision issues and speaking erratically. His wife, Karen, mentioned that he started imagining his deceased father cycling alongside him, leading his friends to bring him home due to his concerning appearance.
Despite not experiencing headaches, Paul felt extremely peculiar and detached, attributing his symptoms to stress as his mother was unwell at the time and passed away in January. Nonetheless, on December 12, feeling unwell, he decided to visit the hospital. Doctors suspected a stroke but a brain scan ruled it out, diagnosing him instead with transient global amnesia, a condition characterized by sudden confusion in an otherwise alert individual.
Despite the diagnosis, Paul’s health continued to deteriorate, with persistent disorientation and a concerning complexion. Severe headaches on his son’s birthday and a disorienting experience at his mother’s funeral prompted Paul to suspect a brain tumor. Subsequent CT scans confirmed his fears, revealing a glioblastoma, a grade four brain tumor.
The news of the tumor left Paul and Karen in disbelief and shock. Having to inform their sons about the grim diagnosis was a numb and overwhelming experience. Paul was informed that only a small percentage of individuals with his condition survive beyond five years, adding to the gravity of the situation.
Following the cancer diagnosis, the couple had to address the financial implications of Paul’s inability to work and Karen’s caregiving responsibilities. A friend initiated a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe to support the family, raising over £38,000 in a short span. As Paul prepares for chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the community has rallied around him, planning fundraising events to offer assistance.
Paul emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention for unusual symptoms, particularly persistent headaches, advising others to go to the emergency room if such symptoms persist for more than a day or two.