A Co Down woman who was diagnosed with cancer when she was just 22 has opened up about how she attributed symptoms to Covid.
Danni Adams, from Newtownards, noticed that she was feeling more tired than usual, after the salon she worked in closed during the pandemic. She struggled to stay awake during the day, but all tests came back negative for the virus.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Danni says she would have slept for up to 18 hours per day and that she also had a lump on her neck.
Read more: Belfast family's tribute on anniversary of child's death
"I was awake for around six hours, then went back to bed again," she said.
"I’d also had a small lump on my neck since summertime 2019. I’d seen it a few times and thought that it was just a wee bump that could be a spot forming or a cyst. When the lump started to get bigger and when the tiredness didn’t pass, I knew I needed to see the doctors.
"I couldn’t stay awake long enough to book myself an appointment, so I asked my sister to book an appointment for me. I had to wait from December 2020 until January 2021 for my ultrasound appointment. I was driven 45 minutes to Belfast and I was in and out in 10 minutes. As well as the ultrasound, they asked if they could do a needle biopsy."
July came and Danni still hadn't heard anything - but she thought that the backlog because of Covid was causing the delay. The worry of her mother, prompted Danni to chase things up. The next day, her GP phoned her to ask if she'd come in, along with a parent.
"We were all waiting to hear the word cancer," she added.
"Instead, I had to go to two more biopsies and another scan. I was told in July that I had Thyroid Cancer. My mum was with me at the appointment. I had surgery a month after being diagnosed, and my calcium levels were so low afterwards that I had to stay in for five days.
"I had radioiodine treatment in November (2021). I was feeling anxious about it because I’d be spending four days in a led-lined room by myself afterwards, so Lisa came to see me beforehand and took mum and I to see the room. There was a bed for me to sleep in, it had a bathroom and a small balcony so I could get fresh air. It eased my anxiety.
"I had to have a top up of the radioiodine in May (2022). I only needed a half dose. I needed to be in for injections on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before the treatment on the Friday. I wouldn’t have been able to get in on time for my appointments as I don’t drive and they were early morning, so Lisa arranged for me to stay nearby and my best friend stayed with me."
Throughout her cancer journey, Danni was introduced to the Teenage Cancer Trust, and nurse Lisa who was by her side all the way.
"I knew I could just message or call Lisa and she’d help me. Lisa also made all of my appointments for me, which eliminated a lot of stress as I felt I had so much to do.
"She also sorted out medication for me. She was so experienced in working with young people that she knew just what I needed. It would have been so much more stressful without Lisa, and I would have been more anxious if she wasn’t there for me.
"At the start of my cancer journey, I felt completely alone as I didn’t know anyone with cancer. As supportive as they were, my best friends couldn’t understand it and they couldn’t physically be there with me in hospital.
"I felt very worried and guilty, so I opened up to Lisa about it. Because Lisa had worked with so many young people with cancer, she was able to reassure me that it was really normal for people who had cancer to have those feelings. She helped put my mind at ease. My experience would have been very different without Lisa."
Teenage Cancer Trust held a week-long series of fundraising gigs at the venue from March 20 to 26, giving Danni, now 23, the red-carpet treatment as part of its Ultimate Backstage Experience programme.
Danni and her partner Josh Culbert were treated to a trip to London to watch Underworld from some of the best seats in the house, and meet other young people and families affected by cancer. They also had the chance to have their own moment in the spotlight when they were invited on stage to take a selfie with the 5,000 strong crowd, who lit their phone torches to show their support for young people with cancer.
In addition, they had a behind the scenes tour of the iconic venue and enjoyed a backstage dinner and overnight stay in a central London hotel.
"My Ultimate Backstage Experience at the Royal Albert Hall was an amazing experience and something I will cherish for the rest of my life," Danni told Belfast Live.
"It was so interesting to get the tour around the venue and see how everything works first-hand, the staff were so welcoming and friendly. I got to share the whole experience with my boyfriend by my side and it was so incredible to have him there with me. We both thought underworld put on an incredible show and we were so happy to have been able to meet them backstage.
"Going up on stage was scary at first but when I was up there and the crowd turned on their lights was so special to see the huge crowd from the artists’ perspective and see the support for young people like me.
"I can’t thank Teenage Cancer Trust enough for giving young people like me this experience and for all the sponsorships who bring it to life, I had an incredible time and I’ll never forget it."
Kelly Scott, Head of Youth Engagement, Teenage Cancer Trust, said: "Going through cancer and treatment at a young age can be extremely isolating and people can often miss out on experiences that others take for granted. That’s why we organise lots of events that bring young people affected by cancer together so they can experience new things, have the opportunity make friends with people who understand what they’ve been through, and have fun."
Clive West of Domino's Pizza Group Domino’s, added: "As a long standing partner of the Teenage Cancer Trust, we are so proud to able to support the incredible work they do. Bringing young people affected by cancer together can be life changing, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to make this happen through this year’s Teenage Cancer Trust Ultimate Backstage Experience."
Please click this link for more information on Teenager Cancer Trust, including signs and symptoms of cancer.
READ NEXT:
NI man's monthly fundraising challenges for Marie Curie in memory of loved ones
Woman who went to doctor with menopause symptoms left 'numb' by brain tumour diagnosis
- 'She believed in goodness': Tributes after death of NI mental health nurse
NI woman on finding comfort in Hospice Walks after losing her parents
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
