Shortly after, James came last in a parents’ race at his children’s school sports day, despite being a “fairly decent runner”, so he decided to go to the doctor and get his symptoms checked out.
James has had to come to terms with quitting his job as a marine technician in the oil and gas industry, and not being able to financially provide for his wife, 41, son, 20, and daughter, nine.
Side effects of HSCT can include long-term damage to the immune system, and an increased risk of cancer and fertility problems, but the risk of death is highest in elderly patients and James is hopeful of success.
James first noticed something was seriously wrong when he took his son’s car to a garage in March 2023 and attempted to walk home.
The 44-year-old hopes to travel to Mexico in May for intense chemotherapy treatment after a defeat at his daughter’s sports day raised alarm.
