Len Collings who is co-lead chaplain at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was recently treated for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in the same hospital he provides support to others.
After experiencing problems with his left eye, Len went to the eye emergency unit at The James Cook University Hospital where they found that he had giant cell arteritis and was severely anaemic.
Following several CT and MRI scans and a bone marrow biopsy, Len was diagnosed with low-grade Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and underwent six successful cycles of immunochemotherapy.
He then developed a further secondary high-grade lymphoma on his leg and had to undergo three cycles of R-Chop chemotherapy and 15 sessions of radiotherapy.
In 2023 Len successfully completed his treatment and continues to be monitored at regular intervals at James Cook.
In the UK, more than 13,000 people are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma each year. It is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, an important part of the immune system that includes a network of vessels and glands that spread throughout your body.
Having received such incredible care at James Cook, Len recently paid tribute to his NHS colleagues for their ongoing support for his physical and mental health.
He said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Dr Norouzi and his team, everyone in the haematology day centre and Endeavour Centre and Ward 33. Through their expertise and understanding I am living as normal life as I can with the knowledge that the team are there 24/7 if any problems arise.”
Despite having been in remission for over 12 months, the condition still effects Len’s family life and mental health but he credits Dr Shelley Boddy from the psychology department at James Cook for her ‘life saving’ support.
He said: “My diagnosis had a massive impact on my wife and still does. Every cough or headache triggers worry that the cancer is back. Cancer puts a tremendous mental as well as physical strain on your home life.
“The support of psychology team has been invaluable. Dr Shelley Boddy’s support has really been a life saver for both me and my wife.
“I don’t think you really appreciate the effect a cancer diagnosis has on your mental health. In many ways perhaps more devastating than the cancer itself. Support in this area is invaluable well after the actual treatment is finished, as the psychological damage caused by the diagnosis and treatment takes a long time to heal to at a level you can manage.”
Len who has worked at James Cook for 14 years, continued to work throughout the course of his treatment and wanted to share some words of comfort for those affected by non-Hodgkins's lymphoma.
He said: “Like many other cancers, there are such brilliant advancements in research and treatment so whilst a diagnosis of cancer and specifically non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is terrifying, it can be treated and possibly even cured. At James Cook, you will be in very safe hands and there is a lot of support available to see you through the treatment and beyond.”
