As some of you may know, I faced a life-altering challenge in February of 2022 when I was diagnosed with aggressive stage-4 cancer. It was a devastating blow, but after a gruelling 20-month battle, I received the incredible news in October 2023 that I was in complete remission. This victory is thanks to the combination of a laparotomy and a revolutionary new cancer treatment – immunotherapy.

My journey began at the end of January 2022 when I was admitted to Frimley Park hospital with suspected appendicitis. Little did I know that my situation was far more severe. Scans revealed a mass in my small bowel, with further lesions in my liver and left lung. The initial suspicion was that I had bowel cancer, but a biopsy from my liver revealed that I had metastatic melanoma.

It was during the time that I received my full diagnosis that I learned about immunotherapy - a revolutionary treatment that harnesses the power of our own immune system to fight cancer cells. In particular, it showed great promise for treating melanoma. With a little bit more hope than I had before, I embarked on my immunotherapy journey at the end of February.

However, it wasn't all smooth sailing. During my first infusion, we discovered that I was allergic to one of the drugs. But thanks to the incredible team led by Dr Mazhar Ajaz, we found a way to continue treatment while managing this setback. Unfortunately, due to the aggressive nature of my cancer, my body struggled to control its growth despite our best efforts.

After months of battling and enduring setbacks, we made the difficult decision in May to undergo surgery. Finding a surgeon willing to operate proved challenging due to the extent of my condition. But luck was on our side when my Oncologist connected with an amazing surgeon named Mr Ian Jenkins who agreed to take on my case.

On June 20th, I underwent a six-hour surgery called a laparotomy. Mr Jenkins skilfully removed the mass from my bowels along with over half a meter of small bowel. The road to recovery wasn't easy, but after just over a week in the hospital, I was finally allowed to return home.

Back home and determined as ever, I resumed immunotherapy treatment on a fortnightly cycle while continuing to recover positively. In August 2022, I had my first scan since surgery - and it brought incredible news! The remaining lesions in my liver and lung had started shrinking. My body was starting to respond to the immunotherapy.

With continued treatment over the next 15 months and unwavering positivity, and incredible support from my friends and family, October 2023 brought me the best possible birthday gift - complete remission for the first time! I had finally beaten it. The cancer was gone.

One of the most heart-wrenching aspects of this journey has been contemplating not being there for my beautiful family. That's why every day since has been filled with immense gratitude for being able to cherish precious moments with them.

But here's something crucial: immunotherapy cannot work alone; it relies on having a healthy immune system. This means maintaining an active lifestyle through exercise and adopting healthy eating habits - which is where running entered my life.

I'm still undergoing treatment today and will continue for another two years as part of ensuring long-term remission and survival. And now is the time for me to give back by raising funds for further research into immunotherapy.

That's why I've decided to participate in the Fleet Half Marathon on March 24th, 2024 - marking not only my first long-distance race but also another milestone in this incredible journey.

I can't predict what lies ahead during this marathon; however, after everything I've overcome these past 18 months, I’m confident I’ve got enough grit and determination to finish!

But here's where you come in: your support can make all the difference! Please join me in raising funds for Topic of Cancer - an award-winning Surrey based charity dedicated to supporting Immunotherapy treatments like mine, and hopefully saving more lives.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read my story.

Jimmy

Here’s a bit about the charity…

Topic of Cancer is an award-winning Surrey based charity supporting Immunotherapy, a cancer treatment that is saving lives and bringing hope for a better future. https://www.topicofcancer.org.uk/