'Enjoy what you can' - Uplifting message from teen who had to battle cancer during Covid pandemic

Jake Adams was diagnosed with cancer aged just 19 in September 2019, after experiencing symptoms including headaches, pain, loss of mobility and confusion. 

After becoming unwell at work, Jake went to A&E in Sunderland where a CT scan showed a mass on his brain.

He was taken to the RVI in Newcastle where an MRI scan revealed a brain tumour and was told he would need to undergo surgery.

Jake, from Houghton, said: “The news was enough to stop us all in our tracks.

"I had surgery a few days later and they hoped they’d got it all, but after an MRI I was told I would need another operation in a couple of days.

"After the second operation I was told the tumour was malignant.

"Then due to some complications, I ended up having five surgeries over around seven weeks. 

“I thought that it was all over, but then I was told that I’d need 30 days of radiotherapy at the end of November.

"It was gutting, especially as that would be across Christmas.” 

Thankfully, help was at hand from charity Teenage Cancer Trust. A specialist nurse and a youth support coordinator supported Jake as he stayed on the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

Their help was invaluable to Jake who had to undergo chemotherapy without his family by his side because of the coronavirus pandemic.

He said: “I started my chemotherapy in March, and I was only part way through the first cycle when the coronavirus pandemic started to get bad.

"My mum had been with me for my first few sessions of chemotherapy, but after that she wasn’t allowed to be there with me.

"Gemma was able to accompany me instead, and it really helped.  Nicola was amazing too.

"She got to know me really well and she took the time to learn what was important to me and remember it; not all nurses have time to do that.”

Despite being incredibly unwell last year, Jake was able to spend Christmas Day and Boxing Day at home in-between bouts of radiotherapy.

Now aged, 20, Jake has finished treatment and is focused on further regaining his fitness and mobility in the new year.  

In a bid to thank the Teenage Cancer Trust for their support, Jake is fundraising for the charity which is facing a £6m income shortfall as a result of the pandemic.

In a message of hope to other cancer patients facing Christmas in treatment this year, Jake said: “This Christmas enjoy what you can - expect the worst but hope for the best.

“And accept any support you can, don’t be too shy to accept it. 

"In hospital I had a reputation for not wanting to ‘bother’ the nurses, but they kept telling me that they were there to be bothered.  

“Whether it’s a medical professional or a family member or friend offering to help, everyone just wants the best for you.” 

Visit www.teenagecancetrust.org/xmasto donate 

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