A Scots mum said her 'whole world collapsed' after her cancer came back 'ferociously' 15 years on from her first diagnosis.
Lisa Adam, 43, was just 26 when she was first diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2005 - which came as a 'huge shock' to the woman who felt 'invincible' in her youth. The primary teacher from Largs, North Ayrshire, underwent a radical hysterectomy, chemotherapy and brachytherapy to treat the condition and months later, was given the all clear.
Fifteen years later, in June 2020, Lisa found herself extremely unwell after attending a children's birthday party. She was sent to the hospital for scans, which revealed the devastating news that she had gynaecological cancer.
Radiotherapy has left cracks on Lisa's pelvis and hip bones meaning she struggles to walk and can no longer keep up with her five-year-old son who she and husband Dave, 50, adopted in April 2019.
A return to work looks unlikely and Lisa says it will be 'a miracle' if current treatment gets rid of the disease altogether.
Lisa told the Record: "I have lost friends to cancer and my whole life, career, personality and outlook has changed. I've had my body fall apart and put back together by doctors.
"It came completely out the blue the first time round. I was very young compared to other people on my ward who were receiving treatment at the same time as me. This disease doesn't discriminate.
"When my treatment finished, my doctor said, 'on you go, I'll see you in three months time'. I felt as if my life had been put in a carrier bag and I was just told to go away and sort it all out.
"My fertility was the main issue. I didn't have a plan for having kids but you just expect it's going to happen some day. People don't understand that it's not just cancer but the after effects of it that really impact you."
Lisa had just returned from adoption leave in her job at Craigmarloch School in Port Glasgow when she was 'abruptly' told her cancer had come back. Her son was due to start nursery and life was getting back to normal until suddenly 'the craziness started'.
Due to covid complications, Lisa didn't start treatment until January 2021. Her case was complex due to her previous condition but she soon began receiving chemotherapy once a week and radiotherapy five times a week.
But in October, the tube taking Lisa's urine from her bladder into the toilet was damaged, meaning urine was leaking into her body. Her whole body went into toxic shock and she severely swelled up.
Lisa was taken to the Beatson Cancer Centre in Glasgow where she underwent a blood transfusion to treat the infection. Two nephrostomy bags were fitted but doctors concluded operating would too be dangerous.
She continued: "When the doctor phoned me, I thought, oh my god, it's happening all over again. As soon as I got home, my husband took one look at my face and asked what was wrong.
"He thought I had been in a car crash. I just said, the cancer's back, and that's when my whole world started to collapse. Saying it to him made it very real.
"Walking down Main Street is hard with my nephrostomy bags - it's not the first thing I want people to see so I am careful about how I dress but I'm not hiding them. This is how my body's been left after treatment."
Lisa is now receiving immunotherapy at the Beatson twice a week, which she describes as her 'last chance saloon'. She is also awaiting MRI results to see how stable her cancer is.
In the meantime, in an act of great bravery, Lisa will take on a six-and-a-half mile walk through Glasgow's west end on August 28 to raise funds for Beatson Cancer Charity.
Lisa's family have strong connections to the centre as her brother and dad helped build it, while her cousin was a nurse in the hospital. Her dad was also diagnosed with a blood condition in 2013 and was treated in the Beatson.
The woman will be joined by her Dave, and her son, and says although it will be an 'emotional' day, she is ready to take on the 'massive challenge'.
She added: "Stable is good news, reduction is amazing and growth is something I don't want to hear about but unfortunately I have to be prepared for.
"I now walk with a limp and slower than the average person my age so I don't know how it's going to go but I'll see how much pain I'm in.
"It doesn't matter how quickly I do it or how many stops I take, I am determined to do as much as I possibly can. My brother has also promised to double what I fundraise so that is a big motivation."
If you would like to support Lisa, click here.
