A mum has told how her son's cancer symptoms were initially misdiagnosed as constipation - and she was told he "just needed potty training". Sheena Harrad, now 37, took son Adam to the doctors when she grew concerned about his lack of verbal communication and increased crying, aged two. She said doctors said he was constipated and just needed potty training.
But Sheena was unsatisfied and was in and out of A&E with Adam, each time being told there was nothing wrong, despite him having leg pain. Aged five, an MRI scan revealed he had ganglioneuroblastoma - an intermediate tumour that arises from nerve tissues. He had a 15cm cancerous tumour in his stomach and another wrapped around his spine - which was to blame for his toilet troubles and difficulty walking.
Brave Adam underwent a 12 hours op where his stomach and spine tumour was removed. Now aged eight, he's back at school and playing with his friends, and his mum Sheena is glad she persisted until she found an explanation for his symptoms. Sheena, a stay-at-home mum-of-five said: "Adam has got to be referred to a spinal clinic.
