Ian's story - part 2

That Christmas could have been Ian’s last. He was able to come home but the side effects left him sleeping through much of it. 

One day, Thea gently pulled at Ian’s hair, asking “are you losing your hair.” A tuft of hair came out. Sarah recalls 

“For the first time Ian looked like a cancer patient.” 

Nectar treatment was harsh, but it worked. For a stem cell transplant Ian’s blast count needed to be between 0%-5%, it was now 6%. Another round of Nectar was needed and this was even harder. Severe sickness leading to the development of a trauma induced eating disorder, dehydration leading to kidney damage, an increase in Ian’s stammer and infections pushed Ian’s body to its limits. 

Ian spent some of this time in the ELF funded Chevithorne Suite, a self-contained family suite on Yarty Ward which feels more like home than a hospital. 

“It was easy to be a family in this space.” 

This time, the treatment was successful enough for a stem cell transplant to be possible. 

Siblings were tested and one was a 100% match. After fearing the previous Christmas may be his last, Ian now had a glimmer of hope. 

It was around this time, Thea turned 18 and signed up to the Anthony Nolan register. 

Under the care of Derriford Hospital Ian had his stem cell transplant on 6th March. He spent five gruelling weeks there. The side effects were brutal; hair loss (again), extreme sickness (again), fatigue, extremely low blood pressure, and some cognitive difficulties. During this time, Sarah would visit twice a week and take the girls down on weekends. 

After five weeks, Ian was able to leave Derriford. He spent a week at Hearts Together Hostel, close to Derriford, in case any complications arose, before going home. 

Recovery was long. At first, Ian had to visit Plymouth three times a week. Gradually this reduced but complications from various infections often meant 10-day hospital stays. 

But the transplant was successful. 

Today there are no signs of cancer. Ian and his family know that, if it returns, there are very few options left. He continues to have spinal injections and bone marrow biopsy every three months and hopes to be signed off from Derriford Hospital in March 2026. 

Life is returning to a new normal. Sarah continues teaching. Thea is preparing to start university and Effie has just finished her GCSE’s. Ian is now retired through ill health and is gradually regaining some of his fitness. The trauma of their blood cancer journey is still there, but the family is moving forward. 

“We couldn’t be more proud of the girls’ accomplishments and the resilience they have had to embody to get there.” 

For Ian, the future is about making the most of every moment. For anyone going through blood cancer treatment right now, he has one message: 

“There is light at the end of the tunnel. People will help you. You are not alone. You just need to ask for help.” 

Sarah adds her own words of encouragement: 

“Keep fighting. Don’t lose hope. Just keep going. You are not dead yet”.