Gosport boy celebrates latest step in brain tumour treatment

Jacob Wearn underwent multiple surgeries and intensive radiotherapy for a recurring brain tumor, with support from a dedicated medical team and family.

Jacob, now 10, underwent emergency surgery at seven when the tumour was discovered.

Life resumed some normalcy post-recovery, but in November 2022, the family received news that the tumour was back.

Jacob Wearn enjoying himself (Image: Supplied)

This setback spurred another round of major surgery and subsequent six-week-long intensive radiotherapy for Jacob.

The initial health concerns arose when Jacob presented frequent headaches and episodes of sickness.

His mother Donna promptly consulted their GP and took Jacob to an optician, following noticeable squinting and peculiar eye shifts. Subsequent tests revealed pressure on the brain, warranting an urgent MRI at the hospital.

Jacob in front of an MRI machine (Image: Supplied)

Post-MRI, the family was directed to University Hospital Southampton, where the brain tumour diagnosis was confirmed.

Jacob's treatment plan was chalked out by a dedicated team at the Proton Beam Therapy Department located within the University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

This unique form of radiotherapy is known for its precise treatment approach, is predominantly used for cancers akin to the one Jacob had, and has a noticeably reduced risk of radiation damage to healthy tissues surrounding the tumour.

Jacob in hospital (Image: Supplied)

A part of Jacob's therapeutic journey included some much-desired leisure activities. He, along with his mother Donna, Aunt Becca and cousin Charlie, stayed in London.

The London Eye and a sightseeing tour around the city, which included a river cruise and a bus tour, featured in this brief trip.

The stay culminated with a visit to Jacob's treatment clinic, where a celebration party was held in his honour, attended by the team who had supported him through his medical journey.

Jacob with mum Donna (Image: Supplied)

Mum Donna said: "He’s a quirky monkey. He has t-shirts that say ‘I had brain surgery and all I got was a shirt’. He’s got a dark sense of humour and finds humour in everything. He’s so funny.

"We’re a year after radio therapy and he has four monthly MRIs to monitor him. The MRI is showing that there is still something there, but for now its stable and not growing."