Lewis Goodfield struggled with abdominal issues for several years before his life-changing hospital visit
Credit: Jam Press/Lewis Goodfield/The Brain Tumour Charity
NEED TO KNOW
- A man went to the hospital for abdominal issues and got a shocking diagnosis
- “It was a huge shock, not just for me but for friends and family, too,” Lewis Goodfield said
- The father of two underwent brain surgery while awake to help his ailment
A father of two went to the hospital for stomach pain, and he received a shocking diagnosis.
Lewis Goodfield struggled with abdominal issues for several years before he was admitted to the hospital for the third time in March 2025. During his visit, he had a CT scan that revealed he had a brain tumor.
“I collapsed in pain while in hospital and nurses assumed I’d had a seizure,” Goodfield, 37, said, according to Jam Press. “Then a CT scan showed a mass on my brain.”
“It was a huge shock, not just for me but for friends and family, too,” he added.
Credit: Jam Press/Lewis Goodfield/The Brain Tumour Charity
The next month, Goodfield was told he had Grade 2 glioma, seemingly unrelated to his stomach pain.
The type of brain tumor is more common in adults and often progresses to a higher grade over time, per Brain Tumour Research.
A few months later, in July, Goodfield chose to undergo brain surgery to remove the mass. The craniotomy procedure was performed while he was awake, and it involved a section of his skull being removed to gain access to his brain, per Jam Press.
“I could hear all the drilling and conversations,” the man from Wales recalled. “It was really strange and just a lot to take in.”
Goodfield said his neurosurgeon showed him the tumor in her hand and it “was about the size of an egg.”
He added that the tumor was found to not be cancerous, which doctors believed was because of the early detection.
Goodfield praised his family for their support during his recovery, particularly that of his wife, Keeley.
“Keeley has borne the most of this,” he said. “She's had support from family and friends, but she's largely dealt with it all on her own.”
“I would never have been able to remain positive or stick with my daily tasks if it wasn’t for Keeley,” Goodfield continued. “She has been incredible, especially with me not being able to drive.”
Credit: Jam Press/Lewis Goodfield/The Brain Tumour Charity
Goodfield added that he and his wife have been reflecting on the events that happened and “it’s really hit home.”
He also said that his two children, Jake and Ralph, were “fairly unaware” of his diagnosis for a while.
Since the surgery, the man has not been able to drive or work, and he is still seeking treatment for his mysterious stomach issues. “I can't live my life like this,” he said. “I've tried different diets and gave up spicy foods, then I gave up alcohol for a couple of months, all sorts. … It doesn't help.”
Goodfield explained that he has undergone about 10 CT scans, various MRIs and X-rays, a colonoscopy and two endoscopies for the issue.
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As for life after brain surgery, Goodfield said he now struggles with noise, bright lights and his memory.
He has raised about $5,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity through the Twilight Walk Own Walk fundraiser. However, he has had to postpone the walk portion until he is in proper health.
“I need to be fit enough to do [the walk], but talking about this has been fantastic,” Goodfield said. “I've had so many messages of support and people joining the walk, some I only know through a friend of a friend.”
“I thought there would be 10 to 15 people on the walk, but now there are 60 plus,” he added.
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