Steve Plummer recovering after double brain surgery

A Tasmanian man who had beaten cancer three times was handed a horror blow after finding out he had two brain tumours, only weeks after being put into remission.

Steve Plummer and Lisa Browne.

A Tasmanian man who had beaten cancer three times was handed a horror blow after finding out he had two brain tumours, only weeks after being put 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.

Though 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.

Steve Plummer and Lisa Browne.

Steve Plummer in hospital.

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

“I’m so surprised and we’re both so grateful for how quickly he was able to get in,” she said.

“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.”

Mr Plummer, who works as a case manager for the Salvation Army, is now back home in Devonport.

He is waiting for follow up appointments with the oncology team to get a clearer understanding of what his road ahead will look like.

“He’s doing amazing for someone who has just gone through what he has gone through,” Ms Browne said.

Steve Plummer.

“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.

“His outlook on it has all been positive, it’s been really inspiring. He hopes he can return to work and help the community as soon as possible. That’s what he does best.”

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

Originally published as Steve Plummer recovering after double brain surgery