Adam’s story
Finding strength, support and a new perspective after a brain tumour diagnosis
Adam was a deputy head teacher with a young family, and when he wasn’t working hard, he loved football and watching his son play. He shares how life suddenly changed while he was at a training session with his son.
In September 2021, I was diagnosed with a brain tumour after I collapsed with a seizure at my son’s football training. The wonderful team at Southmead Hospital, Bristol looked after me brilliantly and removed the tumour, which was initially thought to be low grade. Unfortunately, in late October, histology confirmed that it was in fact a highly malignant, grade 4 astrocytoma, and therefore needed further intensive treatment.
When looking back during the period between the operation and waiting for the results, I kept playing those words back in my head that the neurosurgeon said to me after removing the tumour – “It looks and feels like a low-grade tumour Adam, but need histology to confirm.” It sounds silly but when the neurosurgeon rang to tell me the results, I wasn’t surprised and that’s when the journey I had found myself on took on a new challenge.
Treatment
In November 2021, I started radiotherapy Monday to Friday, alongside oral chemotherapy every day for six weeks. I then faced a further six cycles of chemotherapy from January to June 2022 to try and prevent tumour regrowth.
I am incredibly fortunate that I have wonderful family and friends who supported, and still support me, throughout. So, the first job was to ring family and friends to see who could get me across to the other side of Bristol each day for radiotherapy.
My thinking for this was that, firstly, it would save my incredible wife the burden of driving me every day, but also would give me a different person to chat to each day about anything other than treatment and cancer! This was great for me and shows the real benefits of support and the realisation that we all need a helping hand at some point.
Importance of support
The support that I’ve received throughout treatment has been so important.
As soon as the diagnosis was confirmed, I reached out to Brain Tumour Support, and they have been by my side every step of the way. I appreciate everyone is different, but I wanted to surround myself with those who understand and have an idea of the impact a diagnosis like this has on someone’s life, and Brain Tumour Support have this in abundance!
The virtual support groups were great – supportive, caring and inspiring, hearing from others in my situation. What was even more reassuring was that the key message from Brain Tumour Support was that we are here when you need us.
I started to feel a real shift in my dealing with the situation during radiotherapy, so I stepped away from the groups and began counselling, which the charity also provided.
For me this was an incredible support and huge step forward as I began to take control.
It’s crazy that it takes something like this to make you realise what is important, and it certainly wasn’t working the 12–14 hours a day I was previously as a deputy head teacher and missing out on spending time with my wife and two gorgeous kids!
I appreciate I am one of the lucky ones in terms of getting through treatment relatively unscathed and without too many horrible side effects, so I was able to take my kids to and from school most days – and for me, they and my wife were the reason I got up every day, put on my smile and got on with it!
Yes, some days were tough, but life really is short and, heeding the words from the Oasis song I’m Outta Time (although I am not yet 😊), “YOU GOTTA KEEP ON, KEEPIN’ ON!”
Keeping active
Even whilst in the middle of chemotherapy, I wanted to give something back to say thanks for the support I was receiving. In February 2022 I took on Brain Tumour Support’s Move 28 Miles challenge and raised almost £500.
Throughout treatment, I have tried to remain as active as possible, and for me it was a real benefit – having the target of 28 miles in the month, popping my music on, going for a walk or gentle jog really helped to not only keep me physically active but also gave me some thinking time away from the family.
I found that a good piece of music helped, and although some tunes stirred some sad emotions, hearing Richard Ashcroft belt out in Bittersweet Symphony, “THAT YOU’RE A SLAVE TO MONEY THEN YOU DIE” was a real game changer for me!
Then the day that I rejoined my son on the football pitch was particularly special. When first diagnosed, I didn’t think I would ever play football again, and certainly not with my youngest – but I did!
Feeling positive
Unfortunately, due to my diagnosis and treatment, and being unable to drive for almost three years, I had to resign from my job as deputy head teacher at a special school.
However, my subsequent scans have been positive, with no sign of regrowth, and I was able to start teaching again in a more local school in September 2022. So I am back enjoying work, with life feeling even more ‘normal’ after getting my driving licence back in June 2024, with my scans still being clear two years after treatment.
I know that this journey will be ongoing. I have scans every four months to monitor where the tumour is, and although I can’t control what happens, I am keen to support Brain Tumour Support with regular fundraising events.
I’m proud to now have the Team Adam Champion Fund, which brings together all the fundraising that I and my family have done together. It means a lot to me, as without the charity’s support I am not sure I would be in the positive position that I am in now.
When diagnosed, I entered into a pretty dark place, but for me, the support of my family and friends and Brain Tumour Support meant that I was able to hit this situation head-on, keep smiling and be as positive as possible!
Sometimes it’s tough to remain positive, but I certainly feel better when I am, and you can too!
Remember, if you need support and aren’t surrounded with family and friends, just get in contact with the charity – they are amazing and will support you with what you need! This could be someone to talk to, support groups to attend, arranging counselling and even support unpicking financial strains and pressures that unfortunately a life-changing diagnosis such as a brain tumour brings. They are AMAZING!
Adam Rider | August 2024
Need support?
If Adam’s story resonates with you, or you are supporting someone affected by a brain tumour diagnosis, you don’t have to face it alone. We are here to support you and your loved ones at any stage. Our support line is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. If you need to leave a message we will contact you as soon as possible.
