Muso back on stage after lifesaving brain cancer surgery at TUH

Well-known Cairns musician Tim Wason will be back on stage with his band The Pad Boys for this year’s Cairns Festival after Townsville University Hospital surgeons successfully removed a fist-sized tumour from his brain.

Mr Wason was diagnosed with an aggressive form of head cancer in late February after seeing a GP for an unrelated back issue.

“I collapsed at work late last year and had been following up with the GP about it,” Mr Wason said.

“During one of the follow-up appointments I mentioned I had been getting bad headaches for the last few months, and he referred me for an MRI.

“I got the results almost immediately after the MRI and I was rushed to the Cairns hospital and then flown to Townsville University Hospital a couple of days later for surgery.

“They had found a tumour the size of a fist and because of its size it was putting pressure on my brain and nervous system.

“Doctors were surprised I hadn’t started having seizures.”

What followed the surgery were weeks of radiation therapy at TUH.

Mr Wason’s partner Nicole Clark said the tumour had affected his mood.

“He was really short with everyone and not his usual bubbly, cheeky self,” Ms Clark said.

“When we got the diagnosis it all seemed to make sense about why his mood had changed and where the headaches were coming from.

“It was a bit of a whirlwind after the diagnosis came through but the care from the staff at TUH was amazing.

“They really looked after him, explained what was going on, and helped him through his treatment.”

Radiation oncologist Dr Carmen Swanton was involved in Tim’s care following his surgery, administering the radiation therapy to treat the area where the tumour had been.

Dr Swanton said Mr Wason’s cancer journey was a message to everyone to not put off getting themselves checked.

“In a way, it was good Tim saw a GP for his back issues because that is what led to the diagnosis,” Dr Swanton said.

“If something doesn’t feel right and if it's persistent and not getting better then it is important for people to go see their GP.”

Back home, Mr Wason is enjoying being with his friends and family while taking things a little easier before returning to work.

Ms Clark said it just was nice to have her Tim back.