Garrett’s Tumour and Surgery

My brother is facing a challenging battle with a tumour that requires extensive and risky neurosurgery. While we are hopeful for his recovery, he will be unable to work for a period of time as he rebuilds his strength. Anyone who knows him knows what a kind, loving, and patient person he is—always there for his friends, his family, and especially his beloved dog Hugo. This fund will help cover his rent, groceries, and bills while he focuses on healing. Any support, big or small, would mean the world to us during this difficult time. Thank you for your generosity. And from my brothers words on his FB Page …

‘My journey began in the spring of 2022 with nagging neck pain. I sought answers through countless appointments with physiotherapists, Chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, and naturopaths and multiple practitioners in all those fields—spending thousands upon thousands in the process. After nearly two years and no clear diagnosis, I was left with one option: to press hard on our struggling healthcare system for answers. Finally, after months of persistence, I was put on a waitlist for an MRI. Seven long months later (and many more follow-ups), the scan revealed a tumor on my C3 vertebra—a breakthrough moment in finally pinpointing the source of my pain.

The frustration of navigating the BC medical system to get to this point has been a challenge on its own. Every appointment, referral, and test was a battle, and I know so many others face the same uphill journey, just trying to find help in a system that’s overwhelmed and under-resourced. It’s been exhausting and often disheartening to advocate for myself, but I’m relieved to finally be moving forward.

This discovery set off a chain of further tests: bone scans, CTs, MRI with contrast, nerve studies, and finally a CTA scan. Thankfully, all tests ruled out cancer. But while this news was a huge relief, my journey is far from over.

The next step is to remove the tumor. This isn’t a typical procedure; it’s so rare, in fact, that my initial neurosurgeon had to refer my case to multiple specialists across BC. Dr. Charest-Morin, a spinal surgery specialist at Vancouver General Hospital, has taken on my case. My surgery is planned for December/January, and I can’t even begin to describe my relief at the thought of finally being pain-free!

Still, the operation won’t be simple. Balthazar is about the size of a nickel and has engulfed a significant portion of my C3 vertebra, wrapping itself around the vertebral artery that supplies blood to my brain. To reduce the chances of regrowth, my doctors have recommended removing the tumor in one piece rather than attempting to take it out in sections. This will mean removing about a third of my C3 vertebra, along with the vertebral artery affected by the tumor. A piece of bone from my pelvis will be implanted in the affected area of my spine to help stabilize it, and my neck will be reinforced with two rods and several screws, fusing the vertebrae from C2 to C6.

A significant concern with removing one of my vertebral arteries is that I will be left with only one to supply blood to my brain. While I’ve been told that my left vertebral artery will likely compensate for the blood flow, this situation still carries increased risks. If anything were to happen, such as an accident or other trauma, the risk of stroke or even death becomes more likely due to the reliance on a single artery.

Moreover, the tumor has encroached on the C4 nerve, which is going to be removed during the surgery. This nerve is crucial for controlling the diaphragm, so its removal may impact my ability to breathe effectively. While this is a risk I’ll have to manage, I am hopeful for a successful outcome.

For anyone living with chronic pain, I feel deeply for you and encourage you to keep advocating for your health. I know firsthand how long and deflating the road can feel. But please, don’t give up!

Thank you all for taking the time to read this. Any love, support, or good vibes you can send my way is more appreciated than you know. I’ll be sure to keep you all updated as I make my way through this final chapter of a long journey.

Much love to all you beautiful humans I’m so fortunate to call friends.

P.S. If you have any advice, personal experiences, or words of wisdom about surgery, recovery, or coping with health challenges, I’d love to hear from you. Your support means the world, and any guidance is truly appreciated as I navigate this journey.’