Pride Of Britain: Tom Parker gushes over fans reaction to the Wanted reunion
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The successful boy-band singer was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma – an aggressive cancer that can occur in the brain or spinal cord – in 2020. Since, he has been undergoing intense treatment including both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Astonishingly, after six rounds of chemotherapy and 30 radiotherapy sessions, the star took to Instagram to say that his outlook is considerably more positive.
The Brain Tumour Research charity states that those diagnosed with brain tumours are only given a life expectancy of 12 to 18 months, making the dad of two’s diagnosis all the worse.
But posting on Instagram Tom emotionally said: “I’m sat here with tears in my eyes as I tell you.
“We’ve got my brain tumour under control. We had the results from my latest scan…and I’m delighted to say it is STABLE.
“Such a mix of emotions. We couldn’t ask for any more really at this point; a year or so in to this journey.
“Honestly over the moon. We can sleep a little easier tonight. Thank you for all your love and support over the last 12+ months.”
The caption was accompanied by a heartwarming picture of his wife Kelsey and their two children Aurelia, two, and Bodhi, 11.
Last month, the star appeared in Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer event, which raised £31,169,340. This was following an announcement that The Wanted were set to comeback after parting ways in 2014.
Earlier in the year Tom spoke to Sky News, saying how he was “feeling good” about his treatment.
At the time the star said: “I think a lot of people are quite surprised by it. I think with this disease, you get quite a natural decline, but if anything it seems to be on the incline. I feel a lot better than I did a couple of months ago.
“When we had the initial conversation [about reuniting], I was like I’m not sure I will be able to do it, just for my health. But with my health getting better, here I am sitting today.”
Then in August of this year, Tom took to Instagram again to reveal a “slight reduction” in his tumour. Posting alongside a picture of himself in a recording studio, Tom shared the further more positive news.
He said: “The last couple of days have been filled with dread and worry but I’m pleased to announce that the results of yesterday’s scan are stable with a slight reduction in the tumour if anything.
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A post shared by Tom Parker (@tomparkerofficial)
“I can’t tell you how grateful I am to receive this news. We left it a little longer between scans this time just to give time for the medication to work but overall a great day.”
What is glioblastoma?
The Mayo Clinic explains that this aggressive form of cancer usually occurs in the brain or spinal cord. It can affect individuals of any age, but tends to affect adults more.
Accordinging to Everyday Health, the most common first signs and symptoms of glioblastoma include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Difficulty balancing
- Vision abnormalities
- Loss of appetite.
The Brain Tumour Charity continues to describe the sorts of side-effects that brain tumours can have as they develop. It states that a tumour can affect different parts of the brain which control different functions depending on the tumours location, size and aggressiveness.
The charity states that one in three people with brain tumours experience personality changes. These can include the following:
- Irritability or aggression
- Confusion and forgetfulness
- Apathy (lack of interest and motivation)
- Depression and flattening of emotion
- Loss of inhibitions or restraints and behaving in socially or culturally unacceptable ways
- Anxiety
- Mood swings or extreme moods
- Difficulty planning and organising
- Difficulty identifying emotions in yourself and others.
Other problems that individuals may experience include memory difficulties, communication difficulties, fatigue, depression, seizures, learning difficulties and sight problems.
In order to treat glioblastoma, individuals will usually have surgery in order to remove the tumour. The goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible, but because glioblastoma grows into the normal brain tissue, complete removal isn’t possible. For this reason, most people receive additional treatments after surgery to target the remaining cells, this includes radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Last month, Tom released a TV documentary titled, Inside My Head and spoke of the continuing goals for his condition. He said: “You’ll always be classed as terminal. Now, we’re aiming to be cancer free by March. That’s the aim. This disease is always there. You might have residual cells but just not active. So, we’ll just carry on, just crack on and see where we get to.”
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