A man residing in Greater Manchester shared his experience of losing two inches in height due to a diagnosis of an incurable blood cancer. Matthew Padley, a 60-year-old electrical draughtsman from Hyde, started experiencing back spasms in September 2022. Initially dismissing the pain, he relied on over-the-counter pain relievers until January of the following year when he was informed that his back issues might be linked to early onset osteoporosis.
It wasn’t until May 2023 that Matthew received a diagnosis of myeloma, a type of blood cancer affecting a significant number of individuals in the UK. By this time, the disease had already caused severe damage to his spine and bones. Matthew expressed shock at the news, mentioning the difficulty of coming to terms with the fact that the condition was incurable and had caused a significant physical impact, resulting in a loss of height.
Reflecting on the challenging journey of his diagnosis, Matthew recounted how he sought medical attention in January, leading to an X-ray that revealed significant damage to his back. Subsequent tests confirmed the presence of myeloma, a cancer that constitutes a notable percentage of blood cancers and overall cancer cases. Myeloma UK highlighted that delays in diagnosis are common, with many individuals waiting months before receiving accurate identification of the condition.
Despite undergoing chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant following his diagnosis, Matthew encountered various health complications, including severe reactions to treatment that required hospitalization multiple times. He acknowledged the mental strain the illness had placed on him, emphasizing the impact on his family and the importance of support from loved ones during such challenging times.
While still dealing with lingering effects and permanent damage, Matthew is currently in remission. He expressed gratitude for the care received from healthcare professionals at The Christie Cancer Centre at Tameside Hospital, where he was treated. Matthew’s positive outlook on life post-treatment reflects his determination to engage in activities he enjoys, supporting various charities and embracing the opportunity to plan for the future with his wife.
Recognizing the support and exceptional care provided by the medical staff, Matthew commended the Christie Cancer Centre for their dedication to helping patients navigate the complexities of living with an incurable cancer. Acknowledging the challenges of coping with myeloma, a representative from Myeloma UK emphasized the critical role of a compassionate and supportive healthcare team in assisting patients through their treatment journey.