A father who sought medical help for persistent stomach pain received a life-altering diagnosis when doctors discovered a brain tumour during his hospital visit. Lewis Goodfield, a 37-year-old services engineer from Beddau in Wales, had endured years of abdominal discomfort before the pain became unbearable.
Collapse in Hospital Leads to Unexpected Discovery
Lewis Goodfield's stomach issues had plagued him for an extended period, with the discomfort gradually intensifying until it became what he described as "relentless." When the pain reached an intolerable level in March 2025, he visited the hospital, where his condition deteriorated dramatically.
"I collapsed in pain while in hospital and nurses assumed I'd had a seizure," Lewis recalled. The medical staff responded swiftly, performing a CT scan that revealed a mass on his brain. This unexpected finding shocked both Lewis and his family, as he had been seeking treatment specifically for gastrointestinal problems.
A Grade Two Glioma Diagnosis
The CT scan results showed Lewis had a grade two glioma, a type of brain tumour that doctors explained could potentially progress to a higher grade over time. Remarkably, medical professionals believe his stomach pain was unrelated to the brain tumour, meaning the discovery occurred entirely by chance during his hospital visit for abdominal issues.
"It was a massive shock," Lewis said about receiving the diagnosis. "It was slow growing, not aggressive. Recovery has been tough but it's going well. I'm just trying to remain as strong as I can."
Awake Brain Surgery Experience
Faced with two options – monitoring the mass or undergoing surgery – Lewis chose the latter. In July of last year, he underwent a craniotomy procedure where surgeons temporarily removed a section of his skull to access the brain. Remarkably, Lewis remained conscious throughout the operation.
"I could hear all the drilling and conversations," he described. "It was really strange and just a lot to take in. My neurosurgeon showed me the tumour in the palm of her hand. I was a bit shocked to see it. It was about the size of an egg."
Successful Surgery but Ongoing Health Challenges
The operation proved successful, and doctors confirmed the brain tumour was not cancerous, suggesting it had been detected early enough for effective treatment. However, Lewis continues to face significant health challenges following his surgery.
He has been unable to return to work or drive since the procedure, and his mysterious stomach problems persist, leading to multiple hospital visits – including five admissions this year alone. Despite numerous medical tests including CT scans, MRI scans, x-rays, colonoscopies, and endoscopies, doctors remain unable to diagnose the cause of his abdominal pain.
"My consultants are confused about what this might be," Lewis explained. "It's a bit of a mystery. One of them said, 'You might have to live with this'. I said, 'I'm sorry, I can't, there's got to be an answer.'"
Recovery Challenges and Family Support
Since his brain surgery, Lewis has experienced increased sensitivity to busy environments, noise, and bright lights. He has also been working to rebuild his memory function, which he reports is gradually improving with support from family and friends.
Lewis particularly praised his wife Keeley for her unwavering support throughout his medical journey. "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."
Fundraising for Brain Tumour Charity
Despite his ongoing health struggles, Lewis has been raising money for The Brain Tumour Charity, collecting more than £3,600 through various efforts. He had planned to participate in The Twilight Walk but had to postpone due to his stomach issues.
"Talking about this has been fantastic," Lewis said about his fundraising work. "I've had so many messages of support and people joining the walk - some I only know through a friend of a friend. Some have been affected by similar issues."
What began as a small gathering has grown significantly, with over sixty people now committed to participating in the charity walk in his village. Lewis has shared his experience with his two children, Jake and Ralph, explaining the importance of the charity's work even as they remain somewhat unaware of the full extent of his diagnosis.
Lewis's story highlights how medical mysteries can sometimes lead to unexpected discoveries, and how resilience and community support can help individuals navigate complex health challenges.
