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.
"He will never be able to walk again properly but he is loving life. No obstacle is too big or too small for him."
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 was diagnosed with cancer in 2020.
Due to Covid restrictions, Sheena was at home with her other children during the surgery to remove his tumours. "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 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."
Adam has scoliosis and due to the weakness in his legs gets around using a walking aid. Sheena said he is doing really well at school. She said: "He is very sassy. You wouldn't think there is anything wrong with him.
"He loves playing on his Xbox, superheroes and eating - he is a typical lad at that age." Doctors are monitoring the size of the spine tumour so Adam's cancer doesn't come back.
Sheena said: "It is horrible. "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."
