A Demolition Expert Takes Down a Brain Tumor
Battle Beyond the Job Site
Kevin never imagined his toughest challenge would come as a brain tumor. He’d spent his life navigating the noise, fumes, and physical demands of the demolition industry. Discomfort was part of the job. When he began experiencing headaches, he blamed his high-pressure work environment.
When Symptoms Begin to Build
But when the headaches grew worse and he started feeling nauseous, Kevin became concerned. He went to urgent care. The doctors ruled out the flu and COVID-19.
He believed he had found his answer when he was diagnosed with hypertension and prescribed medication. It wasn’t until an alarming night that the severity of Kevin’s condition became clear.
“I woke up feeling nauseated with a horrible headache,” Kevin recalled. “I called my fiancée and said, ‘I think I’m having a stroke.’ The paramedics arrived. They checked my blood pressure; it was 198 over 136. That’s when I knew something wasn’t right.”
An Unexpected Obstacle
When Kevin arrived at the emergency department at Inspira Health Mullica Hill, his fears were confirmed. After a series of tests, including a CT scan, a diagnosis was confirmed: a rare 4 cm hypoglossal schwannoma tumor.
“I had a major brain tumor. At that point, I thought, ‘This is it,’” Kevin said. The team at Inspira urged him to see a neuro specialist immediately who could review the results and outline next steps. They recommended arranging for a transport to Cooper University Hospital that night.
Race Against Time
When arriving at Cooper by ambulance, Kevin was quickly met by Saniya Godil, M.D. Upon reviewing the films and results from Inspira, she recommended immediate tumor resection surgery to remove the brain tumor. Kevin was hesitant. He didn’t want to believe his condition was that serious.
“I had to explain to Kevin that this is about your life. We have to take the risk,” Dr. Godil said. Kevin agreed saying, “It was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make.”
Saniya Godil, MD
Neurosurgeon
“We were able to expedite things and get him to Cooper right away.”
Saniya Godil, MD
Neurosurgeon
18 Hours, One Determined Team
The brain tumor procedure was a major success, though it turned out to be more complex than anticipated.
“This was a large tumor that was in a very critical area of the brain. It’s one of the most challenging types of tumors in our specialty.”
What was expected to be a 4 to 6 hour operation stretched into 18 hours.
Tumor to Triumph
Kevin was in a medically induced coma for several days. When he woke up, he was amazed to discover that he had not lost any motor skills or memory.
In the months that followed, Kevin faced a long recovery. Through it, Cooper and Inspira gave him the confidence and support he needed to heal. “The team was incredible. The staff and my surgeon, Dr. Godil, were there every step of the way.”
Back to What He Lives For
Today, Kevin has returned to work. He feels stronger than ever. His gratitude for the care he received at Cooper and Inspira Neuroscience is clear. “It was a whole team effort that saved my life. They were there for me, and I’ll never forget that.”
Don’t wait if something feels off. To learn when a headache could be a red flag, visit: Is It a Headache, a Migraine, or Something Worse?
