Man Overcomes Myeloma Diagnosis, Celebrates Remission Journey

Matthew Padley, a 60-year-old electrical draughtsman from Greater Manchester, has opened up about his harrowing experience with myeloma, a serious and incurable blood cancer. By the time he received his diagnosis in May 2023, he had already lost two inches in height due to severe damage to his spine and bones caused by the disease.

Padley first began experiencing back spasms in September 2022. Initially dismissing the pain, he treated it with over-the-counter medication until January 2023. At that point, he was informed by doctors that his back issues were likely due to early onset osteoporosis. It was not until several months later that he learned the true cause of his suffering was myeloma, which affects over 33,000 individuals in the UK alone.

“Myeloma came as a shock,” Padley shared. “It took a while to get my head around it. To be told it’s incurable is hard. I have lost two inches in height because of the damage.”

Diagnosing myeloma can be particularly challenging, as symptoms often mimic those of aging or less serious conditions. According to Myeloma UK, approximately one in two patients waits more than five months for an accurate diagnosis. By the time many individuals receive their diagnosis, the cancer often requires urgent treatment to manage its advancement.

Padley’s journey took a critical turn when, following a referral to a physiotherapist, he underwent an X-ray in January 2023. The results revealed significant fractures in his spine. “The radiologist showed me the image and asked if I’d fallen. The only incident I could recall was being thrown from my seat on a bus in Australia back in 2020,” he recounted.

Following his diagnosis, Padley embarked on an aggressive treatment plan that included chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. The side effects were severe; he experienced hives, visual difficulties, and dangerously low blood pressure, leading to multiple hospitalizations over the winter for infections.

“Mentally, it puts a strain on you,” Padley noted, acknowledging the emotional toll not only on himself but also on his wife, Diane, and his family. “People forget how much it affects those around you.”

Despite ongoing challenges, including fatigue and irreversible spinal damage, Padley is now in remission. He has designated March 12, 2024, as his remission date—a milestone that he uses as motivation. “We’ve officially called it my remission date, and that’s what I focus on,” he stated. “It’s my mark saying the myeloma has been put to sleep.”

Padley, who has served as a Scout Leader for 30 years, is determined to embrace life fully. Following a leave of absence during his treatment, he has returned to his volunteer work with renewed vigor. “It felt like our wings were clipped in 2023,” he explained. “But now, we can plan holidays and live as normal a life as possible. You can’t let myeloma define you.”

He expressed gratitude towards his family and the exceptional staff at The Christie Cancer Centre at Tameside Hospital, where he received care throughout his treatment. The centre recently received national recognition for its outstanding service to myeloma patients, being awarded the Myeloma UK Clinical Service Excellence Programme Award.

“The Christie at Tameside Hospital is truly deserving of this award,” Padley said. “The nursing staff and doctors are faultless—they provide the reassurance you need. Knowing that you have a team with you really helps.”

Rhys Owens, Senior Clinical Practice Officer at Myeloma UK, emphasized the importance of compassionate care for myeloma patients. “Myeloma is a challenging cancer which keeps coming back and can be difficult to cope with both physically and mentally,” he said. “It’s clear that staff at the Christie Cancer Centre go the extra mile every day to help patients navigate treatment and the reality of living with an incurable cancer.”

Through his experience, Padley has become an advocate for myeloma awareness, supporting organizations such as Myeloma UK and Macmillan. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity and the critical role of supportive healthcare networks.