One surgeon has restored vision to a patient who survived cancer treatment and was left blind due to his brain tumour.
Nathan Cummings from Blackpool described his girlfriend who he met for the first-time last week, as “one of the most beautiful persons I’ve ever seen”.
After doctors discovered a large, ping-pong-sized brain mass that was causing him to be malignant two years earlier, the family of this 24-year old were concerned that he would soon die.
His cataracts were caused by the effects of Chemotherapy, which can gradually lead to complete blindness.
The Gazette heard from Mr Cummings about his experience with a cane. He said that it felt like he was walking in a flame. My vision was clouded by smoke and it felt like my eyes were full. It was impossible to see any objects. For about one year, it was like this.
Nathan Cummings, 24, lost his vision as result of the side affects from the intense chemotherapy needed to save his life after a tumour the size of a ping pong ball was discovered in his brain in 2019. However, he is now able to see his right eye thanks to a major procedure
Nathan Cummings describes seeing Samantha Maywood, his eight-month-old girlfriend, for the first times since he got his vision back is the ‘best feeling’
Mr Cummings said the support of family members like his grandmother Anne and grandfather Bob Cummings ‘kept him going’
“At first, it was not too bad. But I still could see some. It got worse as the years passed.
In the hopes of reducing his dependence on other people, he was offered laser eye surgery and two cataract surgeries by Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
Although he was able to see through his right eye, the operation did not restore his vision in the left.
It was the first time Mr Cummings laid eyes on his girlfriend 25-year-old Samantha Maywood, with the pair having started dating after he lost his sight.
The couple met on dating site E-harmony, with Ms Maywood helping to guide him when they went out, including to a few cinema dates where Mr Cummings listened to the movie.
He stated, “We went for Fast and Furious 9”.
“I entered the building, but it was dark and pitch black and couldn’t see any of my surroundings.” I didn’t really want to see it — I took her to say thanks for helping me.’
After finally seeing Ms Maywood for the first time, Mr Cummings stated: “She’s one the most beautiful persons I’ve ever seen.”
When I first met her I was blind. So I stated to her that I’d take good care of you. You are probably the most beautiful person that I have ever known.
‘I still think that — even though I’ve got my eyesight back, I still think she’s one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met.’
He said that it was his best experience, and that it had been the greatest feeling he’d ever felt.
After falling suddenly ill and losing more than one stone within four weeks, Mr Cummings was finally diagnosed with cancer in 2019.
The tumour had been present for several years and was detected by medical scans.
According to oncologists, it has already advanced to the most serious stage and was rapidly growing.
In 2020, Mr Cummings was subject to two rounds of intense radiotherapy and chemotherapy at Manchester’s Christie Hospital.
He was successful in fighting his cancer but the treatment also cost his sight.
His eyes were also affected by the chemotherapy drugs that kill rapidly growing cancer cells.
His response was: “I could not do anything alone.” Other people could go out on their own, visit their friends and family — I couldn’t do any of that.
“It affected my every day. I fell off some curbs and was over 6 feet tall so I found a way around.
“I had someone teach me how to use the cane. It was very helpful.”
To restore his vision, Mr Cummings underwent three surgeries. He had two cataract operations and a second surgery to insert a new plastic lens to replace his natural cloudy lens.
One of the surgeries failed, but it partially restored his vision in one eye. He was further enhanced by laser eye surgery and was able to see almost normal again.
Cummings said that it felt great to see my eyes again. It was unbelievable at first.
“Now I can go to the movie with my girlfriend and do things that I couldn’t before.
“It has been an extremely difficult couple of years but it wasn’t all terrible. The journey has been fun.
“Hopefully my vision will improve over the coming weeks. Now, my left eye will never recover. It’s totally blind.
Cummings was also diagnosed with Covid shortly after Christmas while on his way to recovery.
To ensure that the tumor does not grow again, he must be admitted to hospital at least once every three months.
Anna Hale (his 42-year-old mother) said, ‘Nathan cannot be cured. However, he undergoes scans once every three months and is currently stable.
Cummings is now able to see his right eye with laser eye surgery. His left eye was permanently blinded.
Mr. Cummings is receiving treatment for cancer to prevent the brain tumour from growing any further
Nathan said that his past two-years have been hard. Nathan has been working with a cane and has had to transform his life. It’s been difficult.
He’s done well. He’s fortunate to have four carers who come in every day to aid him, as well as the support of his grandmother, my mother, and all other family members. He takes it all with his heart.
“For two years, he was hit with illness after sickness, and only recently has he started to live his life again.
“He has spent over two years in the hospital. He’s now back to his normal life and is seeing clearly again.
“We didn’t believe Nathan would make it to today,” she said. He was very aggressive. He’s still here. It’s time to just live life every day.
Mr Cummings said that the love and support of his girlfriend, his family, was invaluable throughout his journey.
He explained that his family and girlfriend kept him going. They were never my priority. I did not want my relationships to end in disarray. They were my only hope.
“I want to thank Blackpool Victoria Hospital, and the Christie physicians. They were the ones that helped me to survive. They are the reason I am here now.
Although brain cancer is rare, 12,100 patients are diagnosed each year with it in the UK. It’s more common among older adults with 25% of those over 75 being affected.
While there are many kinds of brain cancers, each type has a different outlook for the long-term. However, less than 40% of those with this form of cancer live more than one year.
After 5 years, this number drops to around 10%.
Cataracts, especially in older age groups, are a common cause of vision impairment and blindness in the UK.
Cloudy spots that form over the lens of an eye can cause cataracts. They are usually caused over many years and have multiple causes.
Cataract surgery is the best way to fix cataracts. The procedure is simple and takes only 30 to 45 mins to remove the lens.