Dr Richard Adams, 46, is an oncologist and cancer researcher based at Cardiff University and Velindre Cancer Centre in Wales.
Three years ago, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, and was treated with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Thankfully Richard is now doing well and is making the most of time spent with his wife Ness and their three children.
Richard’s is one of the stories that feature in our Annual Review, which highlights the progress we’ve made this year.
‘Until you’re given a cancer diagnosis, you have absolutely no idea how you are going to respond to it’
I first noticed a swelling in my right testicle in March 2013. I’ve treated men with testicular cancer before and it was one of a list of possibilities that went through my head. I went to see a radiology colleague in the cancer centre where I work to request an ultrasound to see if my suspicions were correct.
They were – the ultrasound showed a tumour.
Until you’re given a cancer diagnosis, you have absolutely no idea how you are going to respond to it. It’s interesting how your mind focuses on other people, something I’ve seen a lot with patients under my care.
I went first to tell my wife Ness who works with me at the cancer centre. I wondered about the impact my treatment would have on her and our three boys, who were 5, 7 and 10 at the time. I also felt a sense of duty to keep seeing my patients in the clinic.
Life was very busy at the time – at work and at home with the kids. And because I like keeping active I was running, snowboarding and helping at my children’s football club.
But being diagnosed with cancer is one of those things that has the ability to suddenly take over everything else – and to some degree that’s what it did.
I’m incredibly grateful for my family and colleagues who were so supportive and helped me deal with it.
‘I did well for cuddles’
Ness and I had a discussion with our children, saying “Dad’s got an illness called ‘cancer’ and he has to have some treatment.” They took it very well and I did well for cuddles.
I had an operation in March to remove the tumour, one round of chemotherapy and three weeks of radiotherapy. The treatment made me feel nauseous and absolutely exhausted. I was off work for 12 weeks in total and the children helped their mum look after me.
Without research, I know that my cancer wouldn’t have been cured.
-Dr Richard Adams
After I finished the chemotherapy Ness and I went out for lunch in town. It felt so nice to be able to do that.
I’m now doing well – there are possible future side effects from the treatment that I had, but they’re reasonably minor. Thankfully my follow-up scans and assessments have been fine and there is a very low risk of the cancer coming back.
Since my diagnosis I’m more conscious of my own mortality – I make sure to spend more time with my family. When we go skiing, I’m not doing the runs on my own; I go down the slopes with my children. And at the weekends I don’t just watch their games of football, I coach them and their teams instead.
‘I’m more aware of the anxieties patients are feeling’
When I see patients in my clinic now, I’m more aware of the anxieties they’re feeling. After they have a scan, I try to make sure they get their results as early as possible so they don’t have to wait for them. I know that waiting to hear results can be a scary experience.
I also try and ensure that as soon as possible after their diagnosis, each patient has a very clear plan of how best to proceed. And where relevant, I involve them in the decision-making process. Whenever I give a patient treatment, I will talk to them about the medical procedure, the potential future outcome and how they’re coping.
‘I constantly see research improving outcomes for patients’
Through the hard work of fundraisers and researchers and, with input from patients and families, I constantly see research improving outcomes for patients – from better surgery, new drugs and new therapies, to better quality of aftercare.
As a cancer researcher, I am very keen to do my best to add my piece to the jigsaw and drive things further forward.
Specifically, I hope to play a part in developing more targeted treatments for patients, something which is becoming more and more important.
‘Thank you from me, my family and many more like us’
Without research, I know that my cancer wouldn’t have been cured. And neither would the cancers of many others, including my patients.
I’m very grateful for the support from so many people at Cancer Research UK. Their fundraising brings people together and enables world-leading research which is used to treat patients globally. People who support the charity make that research happen and deserve our respect and thanks.
So thank you from me, my family and many more like us.
Dr Richard Adams
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Comments
ERIC HAMILTON August 23, 2016
As an uncurable cancer survivor and a regular giver to cruk , i was just wondering what there comments are regarding natural treatments for cancers and if they research any of them or there claims
John Perry August 23, 2016
Hi Richard
Your story has reminded me it’s time for another donation. JohnP
Joanne August 21, 2016
Hi Richard,
Such heart warming story, so pleased you have fought the big fight & won.
Keep up the fantastic work you researchers do I can’t thank you enough for all the people you have help along the way.
My daughter was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer at the age of 24, her 1st smear, thank goodness for screaning which picked up the cancer
She was in early stages but had to have a Traceletamy which took part of the cervix so she can still have children later on in life…. I’m amazed with all the research that they can perform these sort of operations.
My daughter & my family are very grateful to people like you for all the hard work you do.. I’m so grateful & happy to support this very worthy cause. My lil girl is fine & is my insperation xx
Janine Wilkinson August 19, 2016
Hi Richard, I want you to know that Im doing the Great North Run and will be sending more money to Cancer Research. I am greatly inspired by people like you. Keep up the good work.
Jan Collins August 19, 2016
My friend’s husband is currently undergoing tests for testicular cancer so to read Richard’s positive comments is really heartening. Unfortunately like many others cancer has touched my family over the years. Both my father-in-law and brother-in-law died from lung cancer and one of my nieces died from a carcenoid of the liver at the age of just 45. My other brother-in-law also developed lung cancer last year but thankfully has now been give the all-clear. My heartfelt thanks go to Richard and his colleagues for the wonderful work they do to try to combat this awful disease. My contribution to cancer research is the least I can do to help them win the war. Thank you all.
Heather Priestley August 18, 2016
Dear Dr Adams, your experience of cancer at such a young age is very humbling and you are the reason that we fund raisers do what we do and it a HUGE boost when we sees the very real results of the wonderful work CRUK does to help in the fight against this dreadful disease. Also, you help fellow sufferers in your work as an oncologist, and you now have a very real understanding of what people have to endure when they receive their diagnosis too. Bless you.
Hayat August 18, 2016
Hi Dr Adam, your story is very moving. By reading your experience and others takes me back in memory lane. In November 2014, I lost my nephew who was only 36 years old for aggressive stomach cancer. He was diagnosed in mid September and passed away in first week of November. As a family,we didn’t have time to digest the bad news let alone lose him.
Life goes on and we have to keep fighting. Thank you cancer research.
Geraldine Shires August 18, 2016
I was diagnosed with bladder cancer 22 years ago and had regular treatment at 3 month intervals at first then 6 monthly but it was persistent and kept coming back. About half way through I was given chemotherapy that wasn’t available at the beginning and in December 2015 was declared cancer free! To be able to give a small contribution to help others and to say Thankyou is the least I can do.xx
Desiree Buono August 16, 2016
I think Dr Richard Adams is a fantastic ambassador for Cancer Research, more so since he has been a sufferer himself. I have lost two young nephews to cancer and one of my 8 siblings is now suffering too. I admire Dr Adams and his young family enormously, along with all cancer sufferers and their families for dealing with such a nasty disease.
Patricia August 14, 2016
Hi Richard, it was so good to hear that you have won your own personal battle against this horrible disease. I have lost 1 sister at the age of just 28 years old with a Brain Cancer and now my other sister is battling a very nasty Bowel Cancer. I have always given to Cancer Research as the sooner we find cures the better. Please keep up your brilliant work and i appeal to all the public to just give up 1 magazine or 1 Coffee per week/fortnight and instead give your money to Cancer Research in the hope that a cure will be found sooner rather than later.I send my thoughts and best wishes to each and everyone of you who have had your own battles with this disease.
Eileen Redfern August 13, 2016
I`m so pleased you are doing fine now Richard. In June 2012 my only sister died from her 3rd lot of different cancers and 2 weeks later aged 84 I had an aggressive kidney removed with a large scar & clips as then I had 6 lesions stuck together so my lovely Surgeon could not use keyhole. 9 months later I had a bowel cancer op. In between I had polymyalgia !! When my daughter rang after my kidney diagnosis she said was I joking as I sounded so cheerful ! No point being miserable as I couldn`t do anything about it only my lovely Surgeon could. I have been well looked after by the staff at both Bradford Hospitals with CT scans etc.and I feel lucky to live in this area because I did not have to wait for my ops. You & your colleagues keep up the good work Richard.
Robert August 13, 2016
I am so glad my small contribution is helping in research and it was so uplifting to read Richards story. It is even more relevant now that we have recently discovered that my 21 year old daughter has been diagnosed with rare form of cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma research is vital in the battle against cancer on so many levels.
Seeta Haddow August 13, 2016
My sister has cancer and has been told no treatment is working on her cancer I am happy cancer research drug is helping some people and making their lives cherishable .
Andy August 12, 2016
Very proud of this man. I know what he has been throw as in 2015 I got pancreatic cancer and with four boys aged 5.6.8.11 it’s a hard job. Keep positive and fight.
Thelma Campbell August 12, 2016
Thank you for sharing your story with us, it is so true what you said regarding not really knowing what it feels like until you have cancer yourself even though empathy and concern is the norm.
I was diagnosed breast cancer detected through screening two years ago, it was so scary but I had fantastic treatment and after paying into cancer research for many years I knew the hard work that go’s into finding better treatments. Please keep up the good work you and your colleagues do for research and hope you continue to feel well. Regards
Mrs Anne Power August 12, 2016
I myself was diagnosed with lung cancer 4 years ago. I have had treatment every year. I go for another CTSCAN next week then go to see the oncologist in September so I am keeping my fingers crossed that all is well. I know how important this charity is. Best wishes Anne Power
Donakd Legget August 12, 2016
Very moving and explanatory
simon August 12, 2016
Your story brought back alot of memories for me and my family. Support is such an important thing to help you get through treatment. I was very lucky with the support I received from the NHS who talked me everything. I have had testicular cancer three times, two with major chemotherapy and three operations and now I am enjoying life with three amazing children who we adopted and my wonderful wife.
Sue Hearn August 12, 2016
It was inspiring to hear your story and it gives me a warm feeling knowing my contribution is helping with research for this terrible disease. I hope you continue to have good health and carry on with the good work you do.
Jo Doyle August 12, 2016
What an inspirational piece. I had a mastectomy Nov 2015 and received wrap around care from my NHS team which is ongoing .
Trudy August 12, 2016
Thank you for putting your story out there. We lost my husband’s mum 13 years ago to cancer and have supported ever since. We will continue to support and hope that one day nearly all people who are unfortunate to be diagnosed will survive. Thank you all for the continued hard work
Chris Chapelhow August 12, 2016
Hi Richard,
Thanks for sharing your story with us. I also faced Testicular cancer which resulted in a Left inguinal orchiectomy due to the growth of a cancerous mixed germ cell tumour in my left testicle. Surgically having it extracted.
Relapsing with Retro peritoneal disease resulting in 4 cycles of BEP chemotherapy.
I received 6 months treatment from December last year and being given the all clear result in May this year.
I’ve also started writing up a blog of my own. If you could email me on [email protected]
I’d really like my blog to be shared as far as it’ll go. For educational reasons, a clear insight as well as to raise awareness within the communities.
Much thanks in advance for reading my post. If you managed to find the time. And wishing you well for many years to come.
God bless!
margaret dundas August 12, 2016
It is so important research on the cancers as we never know what is round the corner keep up the amazing work that the team do for us
margaret dundas August 12, 2016
it is good to know that the small amount that I am donating is helping in some way and it is my pleasure to continue to do so,god bless Richard and his family
Danny Connaughton September 2, 2016
A significant number of personal stories in response to Dr Adams’. Man is a survivor so must fight but it’s good to know that CRUK is in our corner.