I had never heard of myeloma ... all I remember hearing was the word 'cancer'

SURVIVORS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE OF 'COMPLEX' BLOOD CONDITION

- By KIRSTIE MCCRUM

A MAN who is living with cancer says his diagnosis “was like a ton of bricks hitting me”.

David Mitchell, 65, is one cancer survivor sharing his story in a bid to raise awareness of a condition that affects more than 33,000 individuals in the UK.

David never expected he would be facing a condition that affects 6,200 people in the UK every year.

Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is an incurable blood cancer arising from plasma cells that affects the bone marrow.

Despite being the third most common type of blood cancer, the symptoms of myeloma, which include back pain, easily broken bones, fatigue and recurring infection, can often be missed as they may be attributed to old age or minor health problems.

David said he had never heard of myeloma, but “all I remembered was cancer”. In 2023, he was suffering from regular chest infections which he attributed to his age.

After a night of suddenly waking up feeling unwell and sweating profusely, David was advised by NHS 111 to attend James Cook University Hospital’s same-day emergency care (SDEC) for a checkup. He was initially diagnosed with a chest infection and anaemia and was sent home the same day.

However, a phone call the next day changed his life when he was asked to return to the hospital for further tests.

David said: “Within 20 minutes of my arrival, I was told I had myeloma and I needed more tests. At first it didn’t sink in as I had never heard of myeloma, but all I remember hearing was the word cancer - it was like a ton of bricks hitting me and my wife and I were in tears.