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MOVE AGAINST CANCER WAS PRIMARILY FOR ANDREW BUT AS A FAMILY WE’VE ALL BENEFITTED

Stephanie talks about her son Andrew’s shock cancer diagnosis, why she experienced a sense of deja vu and how being supported by MOVE has given them hope…

“When the doctors told us Andrew had a tumour we were just trying to get through each day. Then when the biopsy came back saying it was a high-grade aggressive cancer it was a total shock. We were all so upset and the next few weeks were very up and down. The whole thing immediately brought back memories of my own childhood because I had a cancerous spinal tumour at the age of ten. I had experience of cancer treatment, I knew what was coming and I was filled with horror. But, of course, I tried not to show that…

Our son Andrew was diagnosed in the summer of 2023 aged 12. It was a complete bolt out of the blue. He hadn’t been himself (he was feeling sick, he was being sick and his gait had changed) but we thought it was perhaps the heat on holiday. We went back and forth to the GP and Andrew was missing a lot of school. I initially thought it was a gut problem but when Andrew’s balance became an issue he was referred for an MRI scan. They discovered a huge mass on the back of his brain. 

Up until then it hadn’t registered with us that it might be serious – Andrew didn’t have any other symptoms – but after the scan my husband and I began to realise the severity of it all. It was shocking. It’s incredible though how you remember certain funny moments amongst all the stress and worry: the neurosurgeon was quite sweary – but in a friendly way – and Andrew thought this was hilarious!

To begin with Andrew was upset, worried and scared but actually once he digested it all his attitude was very much: “right, let’s get on with it”.

He had his operation in Glasgow and during the first few weeks afterwards his sight and speech were affected and he couldn’t hold his head up. That was tough. He was then referred for proton beam therapy treatment in Manchester so we moved ourselves and our lives down there for a few weeks. That might sound daunting but it was a home away from home there – such a bright, positive environment with friendly staff who even made a playlist for Andrew! The physios were keen to get him moving during that period which was good and he remained quite fit during our stay. Back in Glasgow there were then four rounds of chemo to endure…

Through Andrew’s oncology nurse we were referred to MOVE Against Cancer’s online programme for young people with cancer. Helen, our cancer rehab specialist, devised an exercise plan for Andrew which gave him a structure. It was brilliant, especially as it was the summer holidays and there was little structure in our lives! As a parent you’re used to doing so much for your kids but I tried to take a step back after our initial consultation… The exercise plan was very much tailored around Andrew’s goals so he could work on movement that would strengthen his core, help with his balance etc. It was all things that could easily be done at home. We had just got a new puppy and so simple ball games – and eventually walking him – were ideas that could gradually be built into the exercise plan. Finally that exercise bike bought during lockdown was now being used as it was incorporated into the plan too! Over the 12 weeks it was amazing to see Andrew’s progress, not just physically but also to witness his confidence growing.

If I’m honest I’ve been finding the whole thing pretty tough but I have been going to see a psychiatrist which has been a huge help … not just to me but to the whole family.

When cancer affects your mobility then not only are you recovering from the treatment and trying to get fit again but you’re also trying to regain your mobility and relearn how to walk. One of Andrew’s life goals was to be able to go hang out with his pals without mum and dad there (yes, it’s hard to let go as a parent!) Now on a weekend he can get the bus into town with his pals as he’s walking much better. That is brilliant to see. 

Andrew wanted to get back to the life he had before – skateboarding, swimming etc – and slowly we’re working towards that. The online programme has helped with his confidence, his mobility and his fitness. Helen made the exercise plan fun and he engaged well with her. Talking to her each week and feeling supported gave us hope. MOVE Against Cancer was primarily for Andrew but as a family we’ve all benefitted. We’ve always been quite an active family so we’ve all been joining in with the exercises he’s been doing. MOVE gave Andrew the permission to exercise but it has actually helped us all on this journey…

We are planning a trip to America this summer so that’s an amazing goal for Andrew – and us all – to work towards”.