Episode 494: No Evidence of Disease After an Aggressive Form of Brain Cancer

Connor McCrossan and his mother Tammy share their experience with Connor's brain tumour diagnosis, treatment decisions, and recovery — with a focus on cannabis as a therapeutic alternative. Connor began experiencing minor headaches and fatigue in late 2023 before travelling to Thailand in January 2024, initially managing symptoms with paracetamol without informing anyone. Symptoms worsened significantly in Chiang Mai by mid-February 2024 — severe dizziness, imbalance, violent morning sickness, and migraines — which a local Thai hospital attributed to a virus and treated with anti-dizziness medication. Connor flew home after instinct told him something was seriously wrong, enduring an 18-hour journey via Hong Kong to Manchester without disclosing the severity of his condition to Tammy. Back in the UK, Connor was repeatedly sent home by doctors despite continuous vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, and deteriorating condition over eight days. Tammy and her sister pushed persistently for an MRI scan, which hospital staff initially refused, attributing symptoms to an infectious disease in an otherwise fit 23-year-old. A partial MRI scan — completed before Connor had to press the emergency button due to projectile vomiting — revealed an abnormality, leading to a midnight transfer to neurology. Connor was told alone at 23, at midnight, that a large mass had been found on the rear of his brain; the diagnosis was later confirmed as a grade 4 medulloblastoma, a rare and aggressive tumour not seen at Preston Hospital in 14–15 years. A nine-hour surgery successfully removed the tumour, with symptoms largely vanishing within days post-operation; Connor was discharged approximately one week later. On receiving the confirmed cancer diagnosis, Connor adopted a determined mindset — responding to the neurologist's "you're not out of the woods yet" with "yes I am, because it had me against the ropes and now it's my turn." Connor declined chemotherapy due to the risk of developing leukaemia and other severe side effects, opting instead for proton beam therapy at The Christie in Manchester alongside a cannabis-based protocol. Tammy researched and introduced a cannabis suppository protocol — half a gram in the morning, half a gram at night — sourced through Corey Yelland's network, later supplemented with oral CBD and THC tinctures. Cannabis also helped Tammy manage severe anxiety developed during Connor's illness; she later identified PTSD symptoms that emerged after Connor received multiple clear scans. Connor is now fully recovered — driving, working full-time, boxing training, and completing multiple 10K runs — with little to no lasting side effects, now on six consecutive clear scans. Connor advocates strongly for cannabis as a cancer treatment, arguing patients have everything to gain and nothing to lose, and calling for its legalisation as a therapeutic option. Connect with Cannabis Health RadioVisit us at CannabisHealthRadio.comExplore products and resources from Swan ApothecaryFollow Cannabis Health Radio on Facebook and InstagramImportant DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed by guests on Cannabis Health Radio (CHR) are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of CHR, its hosts, producers, affiliates, or sponsors. CHR is not responsible for statements or opinions expressed by its guests.Nothing presented in this episode constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or a recommendation regarding what you should do. This content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your health, medical conditions, medications, or treatment decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.