Cruel blow weeks after given all clear

A TASMANIAN man who beat cancer three times was handed a horror blow after finding out he had two brain tumours, just weeks after going into remission.

Steve Plummer was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in early 2022 before having an esophagectomy, which also removed three-quarters of his stomach, in October.

The 52 year old relocated from the Central Coast, NSW to Devonport after the surgery to continue life with his partner, Lisa Browne.

However, Mr Plummer was given devastating news straight after the move.

“He noticed his thumb and finger were a bit weak,” Ms Browne said.

“Within a week he had lost all movement in that arm.”

Scans revealed Mr Plummer’s cancer had returned, with two tumours on his brain.

He was rushed from the state’s North West to Royal Hobart Hospital and underwent two major surgeries to have the cancers removed.

Ms Browne, who is originally from Burnie, said she was amazed with how swiftly her partner was seen to.

“I’d heard a lot of horror stories about the Tasmanian health system. But he was seen to straight away and we’re just really thankful for that,” Ms Browne said.

Mr Plummer, who works as a case manager for the Salvation Army, is now back home in Devonport and waiting for a follow-up appointment with his oncology team.

“He’s doing amazing,” Ms Browne said. “That esophagectomy is one of the biggest surgeries a person can have. Then to have two brain surgeries all within a three-month period is amazing.

“He also had cancer twice as a kid and had been in remission for 35 years.”

A GoFundMe page has been activated to help cover Mr Plummer’s medical costs.