29 July 2015

Final treatment in sight for pensioner who has had 100 radiotherapy sessions


A determined pensioner who has been undergoing cancer treatment since 2005 has racked up more than 100 radiotherapy sessions in his fight against the illness.


Jack Young, 80, of Heage, Derbyshire, had his 100th treatment in June having been cared for at Weston Park Hospital since 2005 after he was diagnosed with skin cancer and subsequently non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.


But the regular trips to the hospital could finally be coming to an end as he is receiving what it is hoped will be his final batch of treatment, although he will continue to have check-ups to ensure the cancer hasn’t returned.


Resolute Jack, who has also endured chemotherapy and two operations, is one of very few patients to undergo so many radiotherapy treatments.


He said he has coped thanks to the support of his family, an active lifestyle and the care he has received at Weston Park Hospital.


He said: “The first treatment was the worst because I could not walk because of the pain and where the cancer was. That was a bad time. I was on chemotherapy as well, which is worse than the radiotherapy.
 

“I would like to thank my wife and three daughters for their outstanding support, because family and friends share the ordeal and the stress, and the hospital staff for their dedication and expertise.
 

“The hospital is excellent in all departments, and you are always greeted with a smile and a ‘how are you?’ That helps to give you the motivation you need.
 

“Cancer treatment has come on so much and is very different to how it used to be. I have got some resolve and if you fight and hang in there it can be overcome. I have tried not to let it interfere with my life more than I have to. I have carried on playing golf and watching Chesterfield play football, and in 2009 I raised £560 for Weston Park by doing a charity walk.”


Jack’s wife, Lilian, said maintaining a positive outlook had helped them to get through the years of treatment.


“Jack has carried on with his gardening and building, we have gone on holiday and he still insists on driving to the hospital,” she said.


Superintendent Radiographer Paula Rusby said: “It is most unusual to have more than 100 radiotherapy treatments. Jack has a type of cancer can affect any part of the body but responds really well to radiotherapy.


“I have worked here for over 35 years and I don’t remember anyone having that amount of visits previously. Jack is a shining example of the positive effects of radiotherapy combined with an active life style and an optimistic outlook.”


Jack said he was proud to have made his own contribution to the hospital, when he suggested extra room could be freed up in the car park by removing a tree stump. His suggestion was picked up by a matron and the stump removed to create some extra space.


“It gives me a real buzz to see that space being used and how it has made a small difference,” he said.

MEDIA CONTACT:
John Birch, Communications Officer
Tel: 0114 226 8989
Email: john.birch@sth.nhs.uk
 



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