A dad who found a "tennis ball sized lump" on his neck found out he had two life-threatening cancers at the same time.
In 2019, Jason Wilcox, 46, went for tests at Southport Hospital following a large lump that appeared on his neck. He was soon given the diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, a rare cancer that develops in the lymphatic system.
But as he was being treated for that, three years later in May 2022, a routine PET scan discovered he had a rare neuroendocrine tumour, the Manchester Evening News reports. Following treatment at the Christie, the Assistant Manager at Howdens Joinery is now in remission for the Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, but is continuing treatment for the neuroendocrine tumour.
READ MORE: Ryanair air hostess fighting for life after being hit by car
Jason started chemotherapy at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital but was soon referred to The Christie Hospital in January 2021 for a highly specialist treatment called CAR-T therapy, where he remained as an inpatient for five-weeks. This treatment involves removing immune cells called T-cells through a sample of the patient's blood and reprogrammed.
In September that year, the dad battling two cancers joined a clinical trial for the drug epcoritamab. He is now hoping to have a stem cell transplant, which was delayed when Jason developed a cough after having covid in July.
The Southport dad said: "I have always felt like the staff all really care about me. Everyone is friendly and approachable, during the good times and bad. It is good to know that I’m in the best place with all the resources under the same roof. The doctors and nurses are some of the best in the world and I couldn’t ask for more."
Since July 2022, Jason has also been having hormone therapy injections once a month to hopefully prevent his neuroendocrine tumour from getting bigger or spreading. The plan is to have this tumour surgically removed once he has recovered from the stem cell transplant.
But the family, including wife Jen, and their two children Ella, 12, and Harry, nine, will be taking on a 10k walk to raise funds for the Manchester cancer treatment centre at Tatton Park n September 17. More information about the The Walk of Hope and how to get involved can be found here.
Wife of 13-years Jen added: "Jason has spent the last 20 months receiving the very best care and support from The Christie. His team have been a tremendous support and we have felt so well looked after.
"The overwhelming feeling you get is they care, and they want to do their best for every single patient. But unless you have seen that up close you don’t realise how much The Christie does for people with cancer and how much they rely on the fundraising that The Christie charity does.
"We like to get out and about as much as possible as a family and have a dog who keeps us active, however, Jason isn’t able to walk as far as he used to due to all the treatment he’s had.
"After everything that has been done for us, we wanted to do something as a family to support The Christie and The Walk of Hope seemed like an ideal opportunity. It’s family-friendly and sounds like it’ll be a wonderful evening whilst raising money for a very worthy cause. It’s unlikely that Jason will be able to complete the walk, however, he will be there to cheer us on."
Abbie Wicks Sporting Events Officer from The Christie charity said: "We are very grateful to Jason, Jen, Ella and Harry for signing up to the Walk of Hope this year and for the fundraising they have already done to support our cancer patients. The Walk of Hope is one of our most emotional and inspirational events each year with so many people walking in memory, walking in support or walking in hope.
"Before the walk begins, we have lantern decorating, face painting and live entertainment. This is followed by a peaceful dove release to start the walk. After taking in the stunning scenery of Tatton Park, the evening will finish with a chorus of live music."
READ NEXT:
Target of shooting that killed Olivia Pratt-Korbel is convicted burglar
'Kirkby legend' stabbed to death while 'trying to do the right thing'
Children hold hands as tributes grow for 'little angel' Olivia Pratt-Korbel
Child rapist who heckled victim in court jailed for 20 years
CCTV of car seen in road minutes before Ashley Dale was shot dead
