Mum told 'sassy' son needed potty training

Mum told 'sassy' son needed potty training - and that cancer was just constipation

A mum was told her son had constipation and "just needed potty training" after taking his cancer symptoms to the doctor. Sheena Harrad, now 37, took her son Adam to the doctors after becoming increasingly concerned over his lack of verbal communication and increased crying when he was aged two.

However, doctors told her that he was constipated and needed potty training. Unsatisfied with the diagnosis, Sheena was constantly in and out of A&E with Adam and was told each time that there was nothing wrong with him despite the fact he was experiencing leg pain. Adman underwent an MRI scan when he was five, revealing he had ganglioneuroblastoma - an intermediate tumour arising from nerve tissues.

He had a cancerous tumour in his stomach measuring 15cm and another wrapped around his spine which explained his difficulties with walking and going to the toilet. The brave toddler underwent a 12-hour operation, removing the tumours in his stomach and spine.

Speaking of her struggle to get help, she said: "He was about two years old when it all started. He couldn't speak much, he was crying constantly and I kept taking him to the doctors but they were saying he was constipated."

Adam received his cancer diagnosis at Nottingham Hospital in 2020. However, due to Covid restrictions at the time, Sheena had to stay at home with her other children while he underwent surgery.

Adam underwent a 12-hour operation to remove the tumours in his stomach and spine (Sheena Harrad / SWNS)

"After the 12-hour surgery I got a phone call saying it was urgent and I had to go to the hospital - I thought he was dead," she heartbreakingly said. "They removed his stomach tumour but there is a bit left on his spine that is still being monitored. He has bent legs, he will never be able to walk."

Now aged eight, Adam is back at school and happily playing with his friends. Sheena, a stay-at-home mum-of-five from Coalville, Derbyshire, said: "Adam has got to be referred to a spinal clinic as his sines got worse. "He will never be able to walk again properly but he is loving life. No obstacle is too big or too small for him."

Despite having difficulty walking, Sheena said Adam is doing well at school (Sheena Harrad / SWNS)

Doctors are monitoring the size of the spine tumour so Adam's cancer doesn't come back. Sheena added: "It is horrible - every test that comes you are sh*tting yourself.

"He is still in and out of the hospital for various tests. We found a lump on his back last week. We rushed him to A&E and found out the lump was because his spine is more bent."

Despite suffering from scoliosis, Sheena said Adam is doing really well at school. "He is very sassy. You wouldn't think there is anything wrong with him," she said. "He loves playing on his Xbox, superheroes and eating - he is a typical lad at that age."

READ NEXT:

Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.

Already a member? Sign in here