Jumps jockey Braidon Small returned home to Warrnambool on Sunday after being discharged from The Alfred following a second brain surgery to remove a tumour.
Father-of-two Small, 31, next month will start a six-week radiation and chemotherapy block, five days on, two days off, to stop a portion of the tumour surgeons could not access safely from growing back.
“The surgery last Wednesday was just the first hurdle, I’ve jumped that and landed galloping on the other side, so I’m pretty happy with that,” grateful Small said.
“They tell me (chemotherapy and radiation) is the hardest part. Anyway, I’ll see how the body handles it when it happens, it’s got to be done.”
Jockey Braidon Small in full flight at Casterton. Picture: Racing Photos
Surgeons, led by Associate Professor Martin Hunn, a senior Neurosurgeon at Alfred Health, removed 70 per cent of the tumour during the seven-hour surgery.
Small’s wife Amy counted every second.
“I think Wednesday was the longest day ever waiting for the doctor to contact me but as soon as I heard the surgery was complete I immediately took a deep breath,” Amy said.
“I was more scared than Braidon, I still haven’t slept properly … the kids have taken it really well but I don’t sleep a lot.”
WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGE BELOW
Small has luckily emerged from surgery without any memory loss, speech or vision issues despite the invasive procedure.
“When they cut my head open they had to slice through (main facial muscle attaches to jaw), I actually feel like someone has clocked me over the side of the head with a shovel.” Small said.
“I’ve got a big swollen eye, to eat it actually hurts, it’s quite painful, so lots of fruit and yoghurt.
“The surgeon was happy with what he could get out, but we knew going in, where it was growing, they were never going to get all of it … they did a super job, an awesome job, I’m very thankful.”
Small has set a target to be back at trackwork by Christmas with an ultimate goal to race ride in time for the Warrnambool May Carnival next year.
“Once I get the treatment sorted and I’m feeling well enough the first thing I’ll be doing is throwing my leg over a horse,” Small said.
“I just want to get this part of my life sorted out as quickly as we can so I can get back on the horse and start doing what I love doing again.
“I’m going to be pretty crook for the next couple of months but once the treatment is all done and I can show the doctors I’ve come through it well, I’m pretty sure I’ll be right to go straight back.”
Braidon Small has recovered well from a second bout of brain surgery. Picture: Instagram
Small has a good prognosis with the medical team confident surgery and combined chemotherapy and radiation will “stop the tumour in its tracks”
The support of the Warrnambool and extended racing industry has overwhelmed the Smalls.
Lauren Jackson, wife of former jumps jockey-turned-trainer Shane Jackson, started a GoFundMe page which has attracted more than $60,000 in donations.
A separate online auction has also been set up, with items including signed memorabilia, a Lindsay Park tour and Flemington Makybe Diva Stakes Day dining package, to boost the fundraiser.
“We’ve very thankful,” Small said.
“To anyone that has donated, a huge thank you, and a huge thank you to Lauren and Shane Jackson for actually getting it going, I wouldn’t know how to do anything like that … I just ride horses.
“I just want to get this part of my life sorted out as quickly as we can so I can get back on the horse and start doing what I love doing again.”
Dig Deep For Biggy: Click HERE for GoFundMe and HERE for auction.