Latest news with #brain tumor
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Mom of Teen Blames Forgetfulness on Menopause. Then She Saw the Scans: 'All I Could Think About Was Not Being There for Her'
April Tate's tumor was deep inside her brain, and growing slowly A single mom is living with a shocking diagnosis. April Tate was working in childcare in Fife, a coastal community in Scotland, in 2018 when she forgot the name of one of the children in her care. April, who was 52 at the time, chalked the lapse up to hormones; as Harvard Health explains, forgetfulness and brain fog are commonly reported symptoms of menopause. But when she mentioned the memory lapse to her doctor, he asked her to come in for an evaluation immediately, according to Daily Mail. That's when doctors scanned her brain — and April was given the devastating news: She had a brain tumor. And while it wasn't cancerous, it was so deep in her brain that it couldn't be removed. As Mount Sinai explains, the type of tumor April has, a posterior falcine meningioma, is slow-growing, but in the part of the brain that focuses on movement, coordination, and "vital body functions such as breathing.' 'When they said I had a brain tumor, my first thought was that I was going to die. It was a numbing moment. I was a single mom, and my daughter Abby was still a teenager. All I could think about was not being there for her,' she told the outlet. 'When the surgeon explained the tumor was located in a really difficult part of my brain and he'd only attempted surgery in that area once before, it was hard to accept.' April was self-employed, which 'brought financial pressure,' as she had to take time off work for treatment, losing income. It 'just added to the stress.' She was told to 'watch and wait,' she says, with regular scans monitoring the tumor's growth. 'For a while, it didn't change much,' she explains. Still, 'it was terrifying to live with the unknown of whether it would grow or not. Over time, I began to adjust.' In late 2022, April was given the bleak news that the tumor had begun to grow, qualifying her for daily radiation. While she says the treatment itself 'was fairly quick each day … it was exhausting.' She had to wear a custom mask to keep her head completely still, a process that she said felt 'claustrophobic and intense … I just closed my eyes, listened to music and tried to stay calm. The hardest part came afterwards, with having to wait to find out if it had worked.' It did, she shared — and while she still has to undergo scans, she's been able to go back to work and increase her physical activity. She ran a 5K this year, and she's taking part in a fundraising challenge via JustGiving to pay for a single day of research at a Scottish brain tumor center. As she explained, 'What shocks me most is how little funding goes into researching brain tumors. That has to change.' And while she is grateful her tumor isn't cancerous, April explains, 'There's something in my brain that shouldn't be there, and it could change at any time. I even worried about how it might affect new relationships and not wanting to burden someone else with what I was going through. But we still deserve to live fully, and to love and be loved.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
‘Fit and Healthy' Dad of Four, 57, Gets Random Whiffs of 'Strange, Sweet Caramel Smell.' It's a Fatal Sign
A 'fit and healthy' man was given the devastating diagnosis that he had an inoperable brain tumor — and his only symptom was that he would randomly smell 'sweet caramel.' Costa Fantis, 57, would randomly smell something sweet, his son, Antonio, said, according to Daily Mail. 'His sense of smell changed and he kept getting this strange sweet caramel smell. We didn't think much of it. We definitely didn't know it was a symptom of something so serious.' Antonio shared that his father, a chip shop owner who hails from the English town of Stoke-on-Trent, would smell the 'sweet smell' sporadically: 'On the odd occasion he would have a caramel smell … it would happen very quickly, and once a month or so.' Since his father struggled with epilepsy as a child, Antonio explains that 'we told him to have a scan and said it's probably going to be in relation to the epilepsy. We weren't really thinking anything of it at all, as he was a really fit and healthy man.' When Costa underwent tests in April 2024, the family was given bleak, unexpected news: He had stage 4 IDH-wildtype glioblastoma. 'There's no cure for glioblastoma," the Mayo Clinic explains. "Treatments might slow cancer growth and reduce symptoms.' And as the National Library of Medicine says, IDH-Wildtype [glioblastoma] — which Costa has — is 'an incurable disease with poor survival.' Antonio explains that the family was 'worried, scared, nervous — but then, still trying to get to grips with the situation and what was going on because he had no symptoms' apart from the smell. "It's really bizarre because symptoms-wise he didn't have much at all," Antonio told the outlet. Phantom smells — like what Costa experienced with the caramel scent — is known as phantosmia, and can, rarely, be a sign of a brain tumor. 'It just kind of proves that you can be a fit and healthy man yet still have something wrong with you,' Antonio tells the outlet, sharing that his father has undergone chemotherapy and radiation for the tumor — but is now looking for alternative treatments, as 'in the last 20 years the treatments haven't changed for glioblastomas.' 'It's quite a scary thing to be diagnosed with,' Antonio says, sharing his family has been told, 'just enjoy your life, in the most harrowing way possible.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Read the original article on People
The Independent
17-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Dr. David Altchek, Mets medical director and Tommy John surgery pioneer, dies at 68
Dr. David Altchek, who performed more than 2,000 Tommy John surgeries and was the New York Mets longtime medical director, died Thursday. He was 68. His death was announced by the Hospital for Special Surgery, where he was co-chief emeritus. Altchek told associates last year he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. He was the Mets head team physician from 1991-2001 and medical director from 2005-24, physician of the U.S. Davis Cup team from 1999-2003 and North American medical director of the ATP Tour. Altchek was co-chief of HSS's sports medicine and shoulder service from 2005-14. 'While Dr. Altchek's intelligence and innovations certainly benefited his patients — and sports medicine in general — his biggest impact was his warm, friendly, caring personality,' said Glenn S. Fleisig, biomechanics research director of the American Sports Medicine Institute. 'Colleagues, friends, and patients all loved David and are thankful for the time we had with him.' A son of orthopedic surgeon Martin Altchek, David attended Middletown High School in New York, received his undergraduate degree at Columbia and his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College in 1982. He interned at The New York Hospital and became a resident at HSS, where he had a fellowship under Dr. Russell Warren, HSS's surgeon in chief from 1993-03 and a longtime team physician of the New York Giants. 'My first Tommy John surgery was in 1993, and I did the procedure that Dr. Jobe, Dr. Frank Jobe prescribed,' Altchek said during a 2024 interview with The Associated Press. 'It took 2 1/2 hours and I was exhausted. And I realized then that we had to do something about Tommy John surgery. We had to make it a little bit easier.' Working with residents and fellows, Altchek developed what was called a docking procedure and tested it on about 100 elbows. 'It worked and it worked amazingly well,' Altchek said. 'We really did not change it at all for 20-something years." Altchek estimated last year he had performed more than 2,400 Tommy John surgeries. He was a preferred surgeon for the Tommy John procedure in recent years along with Texas Rangers physician Dr. Keith Meister and Los Angeles Dodgers head team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache. Part of Altchek's job was to reassure a player his baseball career was not over. 'You tell them this is unfortunate, but this is your MRI. This is probably why it happened — meaning you threw outside the envelope of your tissue quality," he explained. "But we have a procedure that can repair your ligament and reconstruct it in a kind of belt, suspenders way that once it heals the likelihood of you going back to pitching at the same level or above is 95%.' Altchek received Columbia's John Jay Award for Distinguished Professional Achievement in 2003. He is survived by his wife, the former Anne Salmson, whom he married in 1981, sons Charles and Christopher, and daughters Chloe and Sophie. Charles is president of Major League Soccer's third-tier MLS Next Pro minor league and was the Ivy League men's soccer player of the year while at Harvard in 2005 and 2006. ___
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What Happened Today on Bold and the Beautiful July 15: Grace's Million Dollar Idea to Save Liam
The Bold and the Beautiful recap for Tuesday, July 15 saw Grace propose a risky – and uber costly – procedure that may just save Liam's life. What You Missed Today On Bold and the Beautiful Grace (Cassandra Creech) checked in on Liam (Scott Clifton). The good news is, he's doing better. The better news is, Dollar Bill (Don Diamont) was by his side. The bad news is, there's still that pesky brain tumor killing him. Bill implored his son to let him help. Let him help seek out other treatments. At least let him be there from now on. Liam opened up to his dad about being afraid to die. He thought he was ready to go but after being shot, Liam was ready to fight. That wasn't just music to Grace's ears, it was music to Bill's too. Grace and Bill headed into the hallway to discuss all the options. Grace informed Bill there was one last option. A Hail Mary option, but an option nonetheless. It was an experimental treatment and there wasn't a guarantee. In fact, it was so experimental and expensive, even the hospital couldn't know about it. Bill agreed to pay whatever it took (upwards of a cool million) and make any arrangements Grace needs to save his son. WATCH THIS: SoapHub Says! Our newest fun and fabulous podcast episode is here! Dollar Bill ran over to Liam's room to try to talk him into undergoing the experimental procedure. To say Liam was open to the idea is an understatement. He was all for it. By the time Grace got there, Liam even started to feel a ray of hope. There were just a few catches, he had to decide right then and there, the surgery would be tomorrow, it wouldn't be done in the hospital and would have to stay a secret. Regardless of the risks, Liam jumped at the chance. Yes! Yes! A million times yes! Preparing For Another Italian Adventure Over at the office, Ridge (Thorsten Kaye), Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang), and Eric (John McCook) discussed Liam being a hero…and the tragedy of his terminal illness. They all agreed to be there for Liam and his children. Well, at least after they get back from Naples. Speaking of that which, Eric invited Brooke along since Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) couldn't go. Of course, Brooke said yes. She was excited to make new memories in Italy. Once alone, Ridge and Eric talked about the trip and Ridge wondered if his dad was up to something. Eric didn't exactly deny it and Ridge kinda-sorta gently put his foot down. He has a woman in his life and that's that. MORE: Find out what's coming up next on B&B! The Naples trip was the hot topic at the Forrester estate, too. Donna (Jennifer Gareis) wished she was going but someone had to stay and hold down the fort. Taylor (Rebecca Budig) wasn't packing a bag either…but wondered if Brooke would be. Donna hoped so. Why should her sister turn down the opportunity? She pushed to get the scoop on Taylor's feelings, which weren't much. Taylor trusted Ridge to honor his commitment whether he and Brooke were here or overseas. Besides, isn't one of Brooke's exes sniffing around trying to win her back? Yes. Yes, he is! With that, Taylor took off for the office to check in with her man and set a date for their wedding before he jet sets with his ex. Pick Me Instead Nick (Jack Wagner) was very much all about Brooke and turned up in the design room to see her. Unfortunately for him, she wasn't all about him. Her head was in the clouds thinking about her time alone with Ridge in Naples. Nick proposed a different idea. Yes, sure, go to Italy for business, but instead of going with the Forresters, fly with him instead. As it turns out, Nick has some shop to talk in Naples, too. Brooke made all sorts of excuses to not fly on his plane but Nick wasn't taking no for an answer. He got right close to Brooke and promised to not only make time for her in Italy but to treat her the way she deserves. Got a hot plot you want to share? Email amber@ and tell us all about it! Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Model Erin McNaught Gives Update After Baby Boy's Brain Tumor Surgery
Originally appeared on E! Online Erin McNaught's baby boy is on the mend. The Australian model shared a health update on her 8-month-old son Obi after he was diagnosed with a large tumor on the right side of his brain. Alongside a video of her and boyfriend (real name Stasi Kotaras) comforting their child in the hospital, Erin wrote on Instagram July 14, "It's 1 month today since Obi had surgery to remove a massive brain tumor that he was only diagnosed with a few days prior." "Stas and I woke early, and while he went to the hospital, I stayed for a little while longer, trying to deal with what was about to happen," she recalled. "I stood on the balcony and watched the sunrise and sobbed so hard I couldn't breathe. The thought that this sunrise might be the last one we saw with him still here on this earth was unbearable." Fortunately, the 43-year-old said Obi "made it through the surgery" and the family was able to return to the balcony to watch the sunset. "Since then, Obi has blown us away with his recovery," Erin continued. "Day by day, achieving more and more. We still don't know what his future holds, but then again no one ever does. For now we are filled with joy, and happiness, and a deep sense of gratitude." More from E! Online Dan Rivera, Paranormal Investigator, Dies Suddenly During Tour With 'Possessed' Annabelle Doll Kylie Jenner Shares a Glimpse of Daughter Stormi's Massive Labubu Collection RHONJ's Dolores Catania Shares Important Warning About Injectable Weight Loss Drugs Fortunately, the 43-year-old said Obi "made it through the surgery" and the family was able to return to the balcony to watch the sunset. "Since then, Obi has blown us away with his recovery," Erin continued. "Day by day, achieving more and more. We still don't know what his future holds, but then again no one ever does. For now we are filled with joy, and happiness, and a deep sense of gratitude." She added, "We hold him close, and we hold our big boys, and we marvel at our little family, and how lucky we are. And we love each other the hardest." Erin said she and Stace, a music producer, initially decided to take Obi to the hospital in June when they noticed a "rapid decline" in his behavior. "He was having problems eating, sleeping and most recently, keeping his head straight," the influencer shared on Instagram June 11, explaining that Obi was diagnosed with a "large brain tumor on the right side of his brain" after getting an MRI scan. Obi underwent surgery shortly after his diagnosis, with the entire operation lasting a "terrifying" six hours, according to Erin. "For now we are just focusing on his recovery," she wrote on Instagram June 26. "To watch him laugh, play and observe the world again as a happy baby has brought us so much joy and although there is a long road ahead we are incredibly grateful he is no longer in pain." For more celebrities speaking out about their own health struggles, keep reading. Lupita Nyong'o's Uterine FibroidsSuki Waterhouse's HerniaBrian Austin Green's Perforated AppendixAdam Devine's Long-Term Injury From Childhood AccidentJason Tartick's Back InjuryMatt Kirschenheiter's Heart AttackTracy Morgan's Medical EmergencyChristy Carlson Romano's Eye InjuryAmy Schumer's Cushing SyndromeCasey Fitzgerald's Neck Injury From Hockey Skate BladeHailey Bieber's Blood ClotJustin Bieber's Ramsay Hunt SyndromeJamie Foxx's Brain Bleed & StrokeEmilia Clarke's Brain AneurysmCori Broadus's StrokeShailene Woodley's Health Battle For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
