Ken started experiencing symptoms of reflux in May 2019. After a couple of visits to his GP and a course of Omeprazole, Ken was referred to Ninewells Hospital for an endoscopy in September 2019 when a tumour was found. He received a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer.
Both Ken and his wife Betty were shocked to learn of Ken’s diagnosis: apart from his symptoms of reflux, he was otherwise in excellent health. Following his diagnosis Ken met with several health care professionals including specialist nurses, dieticians, consultants, and surgeons. A treatment plan was developed: Ken would undergo chemotherapy in order to reduce the size of the tumour before having an operation to remove it altogether.
Before his treatment began Ken met with Professor Russell Petty and was invited to take part in a drugs trial for Durvalumab, a type of immunotherapy which is a cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer. Ken agreed to participate in the trial and his treatment began in November 2019.
Ken’s operation was scheduled for March 2020 but, due to COVID, his surgery was postponed. A decision was taken to continue with Ken’s programme of immunotherapy until it was safe for him to undergo the operation.
In July 2020 scans showed that Ken’s tumour had shrunk considerably, and his surgeon Mr Patil was happy for the operation to go ahead. Ken resumed immunotherapy in October 2020 and lasted until January 2021.
Ken is now in remission. He still attends regular appointments with Professor Petty and Mr Patil and is doing very well.
Without funding from NCC Ken would not have been offered the opportunity to participate in the drugs trial and the outcome of his treatment may have been very different.
"I have tried to remain positive throughout this process. The care and treatment both myself and my wife Betty have experienced has been exceptional. I will forever be grateful to the many people at Ninewells Hospital who have cared for and treated me excellently throughout with genuine care and support."
Ken
Now Ken is able to enjoy several of his passions again, particularly his love for flying model aeroplanes and has rejoined the Dundee Model Aircraft Club soon.
Ken and Betty recently celebrated their golden wedding anniversary and are looking forward to many more happy years together.
