Is it possible to retain a Class 1 after a brain tumour?
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Is it possible to retain a Class 1 after a brain tumour?
Simply as the title says.
I have yet to receive the full diagnosis, but the MRI scans and Neurologist's thoughts are that I have a brain tumour.
I suspect I know what the answer is, but does anyone know if anyone has ever managed to retain a class 1 in such circumstances?
I am aware that I will know more about the type and grade of tumour after my biopsy booked in for Monday, so I don't currently know if it is benign or malignant.
A bit of a speculative question I know, but just asking.....
VFR
I have yet to receive the full diagnosis, but the MRI scans and Neurologist's thoughts are that I have a brain tumour.
I suspect I know what the answer is, but does anyone know if anyone has ever managed to retain a class 1 in such circumstances?
I am aware that I will know more about the type and grade of tumour after my biopsy booked in for Monday, so I don't currently know if it is benign or malignant.
A bit of a speculative question I know, but just asking.....
VFR
Psychophysiological entity
That's the problem with having a career we love - the thought of losing it becomes a major factor when a crisis like this occurs - only adding to the already high stress levels. But you have to take one step at a time.
Every single case is different. At this early stage you can only wait for the results. The waiting and treatment will be just like riding out a storm.
However, the success rate of treatment these days is nothing short of miraculous.
Every single case is different. At this early stage you can only wait for the results. The waiting and treatment will be just like riding out a storm.
However, the success rate of treatment these days is nothing short of miraculous.
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just wondering if anyone would read a blog?
As i lie here in hospital having just had a surgical biopsy it strikes me that for all it's ups and downs this is going to be one hell of a journey. The thing is I know little about where it will take me or how hard it will be to get my class 1 back.
After a phone call to the caa it isn't all over, but it is very unlikely to be a good outcome aviation wise.
Today I had a blind biopsy. In short an mri scan was done this morning to place the lesion 3 dimensionally. I am not sure but i suspect a frame was clamped to my head judging by the small graze on my forehead. A hole the size of a ten pence piece was put in the back of my skull and a needle inserted to remove a small sample of the tissue.
It is quite bizarre that i am not hugely in pain, and all of the doctors seem obsessed with how the lesion was found. I only had a very mild seizure with 20 minutes of amnesia but fortunately my gp doesn't understand nhs budgets and sent me for an mri just in case. The symptoms could easily have been diagnosed as migraine, mini strokes, transient global amnesia and all sorts of other ailments.
The biggest bit now is awaiting the biopsy results. I appreciate my ramblings are not directly related to aviation, but I am endeavouring to get better and then get airborne again. Likewise this is a voyage that very few get an insight in to so I hope I can enlighten and possibly support others.
As I say, I feel this may be a useful blog for me and others facing similar predicaments but it may simply be of interest anyhow. I feel quite optimistic at the moment. I was mortified to have to phone my fic course instructor to tell him I was going to have to stop the course. That far it had been the most enjoyable flying I had done to date.
Anyway tomorrows another day and another adventure now.
vfr
After a phone call to the caa it isn't all over, but it is very unlikely to be a good outcome aviation wise.
Today I had a blind biopsy. In short an mri scan was done this morning to place the lesion 3 dimensionally. I am not sure but i suspect a frame was clamped to my head judging by the small graze on my forehead. A hole the size of a ten pence piece was put in the back of my skull and a needle inserted to remove a small sample of the tissue.
It is quite bizarre that i am not hugely in pain, and all of the doctors seem obsessed with how the lesion was found. I only had a very mild seizure with 20 minutes of amnesia but fortunately my gp doesn't understand nhs budgets and sent me for an mri just in case. The symptoms could easily have been diagnosed as migraine, mini strokes, transient global amnesia and all sorts of other ailments.
The biggest bit now is awaiting the biopsy results. I appreciate my ramblings are not directly related to aviation, but I am endeavouring to get better and then get airborne again. Likewise this is a voyage that very few get an insight in to so I hope I can enlighten and possibly support others.
As I say, I feel this may be a useful blog for me and others facing similar predicaments but it may simply be of interest anyhow. I feel quite optimistic at the moment. I was mortified to have to phone my fic course instructor to tell him I was going to have to stop the course. That far it had been the most enjoyable flying I had done to date.
Anyway tomorrows another day and another adventure now.
vfr
Psychophysiological entity
That's the spirit. Yes, post when you can, there will be a lot of people wanting to know how you're getting on.
Such a blessing being where you are. Superb effort by your medical 'team.'
Such a blessing being where you are. Superb effort by your medical 'team.'
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The surgeon has just visited this morning. He's happy the mini cranitomy went well and has said that visually the tissue looked abnormal. In a funny way I was prepared and so there was no shock. It merely confirmed the suspicion.
Now next Tuesday is a big day as that should be results and only then will I know the grade and type of tumour. Strangely most of the fear from the last few days has receded. I suspect most of my comfort is due to the positive attitude of the medical staff around me.
I suspect I am like many who endeavor to attain their flying aspirations with very practical and pragmatic outlooks. You can't help but feel the emotional sledgehammer, but how you respond is a deeply individual thing. I find great solace in talking freely about what's going on as a big part seems to be the transition from denial or questioning 'why me' through to acceptance.
Looking forward to getting home later today and hugging the kids.
kind regards
vfr 'aka rich'
ps. Even contemplated how to get fit enough to do the great north run for cancer research. After all, I'll get bored if I spend too much time in a bed. Maybe work on that as an idea for the future.
Now next Tuesday is a big day as that should be results and only then will I know the grade and type of tumour. Strangely most of the fear from the last few days has receded. I suspect most of my comfort is due to the positive attitude of the medical staff around me.
I suspect I am like many who endeavor to attain their flying aspirations with very practical and pragmatic outlooks. You can't help but feel the emotional sledgehammer, but how you respond is a deeply individual thing. I find great solace in talking freely about what's going on as a big part seems to be the transition from denial or questioning 'why me' through to acceptance.
Looking forward to getting home later today and hugging the kids.
kind regards
vfr 'aka rich'
ps. Even contemplated how to get fit enough to do the great north run for cancer research. After all, I'll get bored if I spend too much time in a bed. Maybe work on that as an idea for the future.
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VFR.....keep posting your journey. I pray it's a good outcome. Have a brain mri soon due constant tinitus but they reckon it's a dodgy inner ear snag.
Keep talking to us......are u on facebook....good place to record your journey.
Keep talking to us......are u on facebook....good place to record your journey.
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Keep up the good spirits mate! All the best for you; hopefully everything will go the greener way.
As other have said, do keep posting here so we can know of your progress.
Best of luck
Best regards,
Ed
As other have said, do keep posting here so we can know of your progress.
Best of luck
Best regards,
Ed
Keep your spirits up!
I lost my medical 5 years ago due to high grade Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, had to have major surgery to remove the tumour then 6 cycles of chemotherapy. CAA medical were excellent. Keep them in the loop with copies of reports etc. I got my medical back after a year with no restrictions and am currently flying single pilot air ambulance helicopter.
They have flowcharts for getting your medical back (mine was here - http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/49/Anthrac...1_May%2010.pdf), the index is at
Documents for Download | Medical | Safety Regulation
The issue with mine was the anthracycline chemotherapy and possible long term cardiac side-effects, obviously with the brain it will be different, but they couldn't do enough for me to help me get flying again.
Good luck!
I lost my medical 5 years ago due to high grade Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, had to have major surgery to remove the tumour then 6 cycles of chemotherapy. CAA medical were excellent. Keep them in the loop with copies of reports etc. I got my medical back after a year with no restrictions and am currently flying single pilot air ambulance helicopter.
They have flowcharts for getting your medical back (mine was here - http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/49/Anthrac...1_May%2010.pdf), the index is at
Documents for Download | Medical | Safety Regulation
The issue with mine was the anthracycline chemotherapy and possible long term cardiac side-effects, obviously with the brain it will be different, but they couldn't do enough for me to help me get flying again.
Good luck!
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Folks,
Thanks for the support. There is much that modern medicine can achieve but simply remaining optimistic is a challenge in itself.
I had quite a down day the other day, and given the circumstances that is normal one would have thought. Didn't get much sleep as all the indications are that it is a glioma, and with current treatments they are incurable.
But every time I realise what's going on I have to look for positives because I simply can't let it get to me. That would achieve nothing. I have great trepidation towards Tuesday, but then I also have my fingers crossed that it's a low grade. The prognosis and life expectancy could be quite reasonable if it is low grade.
FL,
You are a true saviour. My biggest issue is demonstrating that I don't develop epilepsy or seizures capable of rendering me immediately incappacitated. If I can get over that hurdle then great, the class 1 could still be a go albeit after 12 months or so.
As an aside, I am hoping to get back into some indoor climbing for some therapy. Of course I won't be acting as belayer/safety for others just in case.....
Kind regards,
VFR
Thanks for the support. There is much that modern medicine can achieve but simply remaining optimistic is a challenge in itself.
I had quite a down day the other day, and given the circumstances that is normal one would have thought. Didn't get much sleep as all the indications are that it is a glioma, and with current treatments they are incurable.
But every time I realise what's going on I have to look for positives because I simply can't let it get to me. That would achieve nothing. I have great trepidation towards Tuesday, but then I also have my fingers crossed that it's a low grade. The prognosis and life expectancy could be quite reasonable if it is low grade.
FL,
You are a true saviour. My biggest issue is demonstrating that I don't develop epilepsy or seizures capable of rendering me immediately incappacitated. If I can get over that hurdle then great, the class 1 could still be a go albeit after 12 months or so.
As an aside, I am hoping to get back into some indoor climbing for some therapy. Of course I won't be acting as belayer/safety for others just in case.....
Kind regards,
VFR
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B,
Thanks, however today was results day!
I have been diagnosed as having an astrocytoma grade 2 glioma in the left posterior occipital lobe.
The bad news is that with current medical expertise it isn't cureable. Indeed the Macmillan nurse who works alongside the nuerosurgeon described the treatment as being to control the growth and therefore to maximise the prognosis.
The difficult pill to swallow was that the professionals don't want to operate, because of the risk to my vision. That was a real downer from which I still don't think I have recovered. The tumour is about 3 to 4 centimetres across and part of me just wishes they would operate just to get the damn thing out.
Treatment planned is radiotherapy for which I have a referral for 2 to 3 weeks.
I should be glad it's low grade, it could have been so much worse, but today has been really rough.
Chemo has been mentioned but until we get the molecular results back from the biopsy we don't know if it is appropriate or viable.
The question of my class 1 came up again and he said possibly a class 2 in 2 or 3 years if I can avoid seizures or fits but the class 1 is really down to the CAA.
I'm finding it so hard to see any light at the end of the tunnel because to preserve my vision, I rule out one of the 3 available treatments! I can't begin to describe how this nightmare feels. Top of the world with a freshly minted CPL/IR and MCC with a promising future to checking life and critical illness cover policies in 6 months. I have 2 darling daughters and a wife who have rapidly become my main focus, but this is looking like one hell of a hard slog now.
The physical and emotional demands of the last 2 or 3 days have left me feeling drained, but I hate going to bed because my mind wanders back to thinking about my predicament.
Tomorrows another day and that's important because I need to make a start on recovery now,
Kind regards to those offering support, I may not know you but you wouldn't believe how much they mean.
VFR
Thanks, however today was results day!
I have been diagnosed as having an astrocytoma grade 2 glioma in the left posterior occipital lobe.
The bad news is that with current medical expertise it isn't cureable. Indeed the Macmillan nurse who works alongside the nuerosurgeon described the treatment as being to control the growth and therefore to maximise the prognosis.
The difficult pill to swallow was that the professionals don't want to operate, because of the risk to my vision. That was a real downer from which I still don't think I have recovered. The tumour is about 3 to 4 centimetres across and part of me just wishes they would operate just to get the damn thing out.
Treatment planned is radiotherapy for which I have a referral for 2 to 3 weeks.
I should be glad it's low grade, it could have been so much worse, but today has been really rough.
Chemo has been mentioned but until we get the molecular results back from the biopsy we don't know if it is appropriate or viable.
The question of my class 1 came up again and he said possibly a class 2 in 2 or 3 years if I can avoid seizures or fits but the class 1 is really down to the CAA.
I'm finding it so hard to see any light at the end of the tunnel because to preserve my vision, I rule out one of the 3 available treatments! I can't begin to describe how this nightmare feels. Top of the world with a freshly minted CPL/IR and MCC with a promising future to checking life and critical illness cover policies in 6 months. I have 2 darling daughters and a wife who have rapidly become my main focus, but this is looking like one hell of a hard slog now.
The physical and emotional demands of the last 2 or 3 days have left me feeling drained, but I hate going to bed because my mind wanders back to thinking about my predicament.
Tomorrows another day and that's important because I need to make a start on recovery now,
Kind regards to those offering support, I may not know you but you wouldn't believe how much they mean.
VFR
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VFR,
Apologies, my last message just crept over to midnight, I meant yesterday.
Anyway, goodness it's difficult to know what to say. I think you're remarkably strong!
Yes, like you say, it could be worse in terms of the grade of tumour. But even so, you're in the middle of an incredably overwhelming time and you shouldn't beat yourself up for feeling like that. Your life has done a complete u-turn in a matter of weeks, all out of your control, and I am certain that anyone would find that incredibly tough!
I'm glad that you're in contact the the McMillan Nurse, the McMillan team are an excellent source of support and advice in all aspects of the challenges you are facing.
I know that you said you have a referral for radiotherapy in 2-3 weeks and that consideration of Chemotherapy will depend on further results of your biopsy, however, have you got any further input in the meantime? It's only natural to think of a million and one questions after you've left the appointment (often at 3 in the morning!). The position of the tumour and the impact of that on surgery must be so frustrating. There are 2 other treatments still on the table for you and you are yet to begin that, one step at a time.
This information is another small step onwards, like you said there is a long way to go but it sounds like you have reason in your family and flying to do so.
I'm sure I am not alone in saying that you have friends on here in the meantime.
Best wishes
B
Apologies, my last message just crept over to midnight, I meant yesterday.
Anyway, goodness it's difficult to know what to say. I think you're remarkably strong!
Yes, like you say, it could be worse in terms of the grade of tumour. But even so, you're in the middle of an incredably overwhelming time and you shouldn't beat yourself up for feeling like that. Your life has done a complete u-turn in a matter of weeks, all out of your control, and I am certain that anyone would find that incredibly tough!
I'm glad that you're in contact the the McMillan Nurse, the McMillan team are an excellent source of support and advice in all aspects of the challenges you are facing.
I know that you said you have a referral for radiotherapy in 2-3 weeks and that consideration of Chemotherapy will depend on further results of your biopsy, however, have you got any further input in the meantime? It's only natural to think of a million and one questions after you've left the appointment (often at 3 in the morning!). The position of the tumour and the impact of that on surgery must be so frustrating. There are 2 other treatments still on the table for you and you are yet to begin that, one step at a time.
This information is another small step onwards, like you said there is a long way to go but it sounds like you have reason in your family and flying to do so.
I'm sure I am not alone in saying that you have friends on here in the meantime.
Best wishes
B
Vfrrider481
The physical and emotional demands of the last 2 or 3 days have left me feeling drained, but I hate going to bed because my mind wanders back to thinking about my predicament.
Having had a couple of scares myself in the last few years, one in a not too different area from your own, and only cleared from the other a few days ago, I sympathise deeply with what you, and your family, must be going through at the present.
That said, I can't tell you how impressed I am by how openly and eloquently you have described your situation - as it happened . That can't have been easy and you deserve the highest praise for your very positive approach at a very tough time.
In addition to all the other angles you are looking at, may I also suggest that you have a look at http://www.pprune.org/jet-blast/2919...ot-cancer.html - much food for thought there, preferably not when you are trying to go to sleep!
Wishing you and your family all the best and, yes, there are a lot of people out there who don'yt know you but wishing you well, in every sense.
Onwards and upwards!
Jack
The physical and emotional demands of the last 2 or 3 days have left me feeling drained, but I hate going to bed because my mind wanders back to thinking about my predicament.
Having had a couple of scares myself in the last few years, one in a not too different area from your own, and only cleared from the other a few days ago, I sympathise deeply with what you, and your family, must be going through at the present.
That said, I can't tell you how impressed I am by how openly and eloquently you have described your situation - as it happened . That can't have been easy and you deserve the highest praise for your very positive approach at a very tough time.
In addition to all the other angles you are looking at, may I also suggest that you have a look at http://www.pprune.org/jet-blast/2919...ot-cancer.html - much food for thought there, preferably not when you are trying to go to sleep!
Wishing you and your family all the best and, yes, there are a lot of people out there who don'yt know you but wishing you well, in every sense.
Onwards and upwards!
Jack
Psychophysiological entity
I was so sorry to read the findings, and last night wondered just what I might say that would be of help. There is little I can say that has not been said so well in the two posts above. Everything they said is heartfelt from me as well.
I did look at some of the internet forums, and there does seem to be some long established chemotherapy drugs that are now giving some success with Cerebral Grade II, but it's such an advanced science that the layman can't really know the relevancy.
I put a link on here but I'm not at all happy about just relaying pages of data that haven't got the hospital/university stamp on them. For now I've removed the link, but will be pleased to receive a PM should you want to make contact. LR
I did look at some of the internet forums, and there does seem to be some long established chemotherapy drugs that are now giving some success with Cerebral Grade II, but it's such an advanced science that the layman can't really know the relevancy.
I put a link on here but I'm not at all happy about just relaying pages of data that haven't got the hospital/university stamp on them. For now I've removed the link, but will be pleased to receive a PM should you want to make contact. LR
Last edited by Loose rivets; 26th Jan 2011 at 22:21.
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Folks,
Thankyou for the kind messages.
Ironically I managed to get quite a good night's sleep, but my overriding concern is one of not missing the surgical option boat.
I feel the current situation is that the medical team are trying to maintain a quality of life, however there is obviously a crossover point at which the more pressing concern becomes longevity of life itself. Beyond that there is the risk that the tumour grows to a point of becoming inoperable.
LR,
I'll drop you a PM purely because Grade 2 tumours are much harder to deal with by chemo, but at least I could discuss the option with people who have the knowledge to consider viability.
I'm looking to go back to work because the risk is that without pushing myself it all becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. Likewise I have only just started a 10 month long Open University course and I am keen to achieve a new academic qualification.
I did go for a slow run last night and whilst I felt better for doing it, I also felt a little light headed on finishing. It could be the start of new symptoms, but I suspect it's the aftereffects of having a hole drilled in my head some 10 days ago. It's noteable that often you would be prescribed steroids to reduce swelling of the brain, but I haven't had any. It may just be that my own mechanisms haven't fully recovered from the minor surgery. Well here's hoping anyway........................
Kind regards again,
VFR
Thankyou for the kind messages.
Ironically I managed to get quite a good night's sleep, but my overriding concern is one of not missing the surgical option boat.
I feel the current situation is that the medical team are trying to maintain a quality of life, however there is obviously a crossover point at which the more pressing concern becomes longevity of life itself. Beyond that there is the risk that the tumour grows to a point of becoming inoperable.
LR,
I'll drop you a PM purely because Grade 2 tumours are much harder to deal with by chemo, but at least I could discuss the option with people who have the knowledge to consider viability.
I'm looking to go back to work because the risk is that without pushing myself it all becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. Likewise I have only just started a 10 month long Open University course and I am keen to achieve a new academic qualification.
I did go for a slow run last night and whilst I felt better for doing it, I also felt a little light headed on finishing. It could be the start of new symptoms, but I suspect it's the aftereffects of having a hole drilled in my head some 10 days ago. It's noteable that often you would be prescribed steroids to reduce swelling of the brain, but I haven't had any. It may just be that my own mechanisms haven't fully recovered from the minor surgery. Well here's hoping anyway........................
Kind regards again,
VFR
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In Australia we have just had a Wallaby return to training after going down the same track. If he can go back into a ruck, you can go back onto a flight deck. Hang in there young fella.