'I didn't think I'd make it past Christmas'

A man diagnosed with an aggressive form of blood cancer has thanked medical staff in South Yorkshire for saving his life.

Josh Jackson, 30, from Doncaster, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in 2021 and had a stem cell transplant from his younger brother.

Mr Jackson was given early access to an experimental drug hoped to improve his chance of survival and said he "would not be here" without the efforts of the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

"I was convinced I wouldn't make it past Christmas," he said.

At 27, the managing director was diagnosed with AML with a molecular abnormality associated with increased risk of relapse and a lower survival rate.

"It pulled the rug from under me - I was in tears, my girlfriend was in tears," he said.

A successful cycle of chemotherapy at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital put him into remission, but he was dependent on daily blood and platelet transfusions.

Before the stem cell transplant was carried out, his cancer returned.

"My doctors were incredible and said they would do everything for me, but the stats were poor," he said.

The transplant went ahead as planned, but his overall prognosis remained uncertain.

Specialists at the trust gave Mr Jackson the drug sorafenib, which they hoped could boost his chance of survival.

It had already been used to help stabilise the condition of patients with kidney and liver cancer.

Three years since his stem cell transplant, Mr Jackson remains cancer-free.

"AML was historically a death sentence and my genetics were the worst possible," he said.

"The haematology team have kept me alive in every sense - not just the treatment, but the emotional support they give as well - I would not be here without them."

Mr Jackson has returned to work, despite being unable to travel abroad anymore due to his compromised immune system.

He is also no longer able to take part in some of his hobbies, such as working in theatre or flying a plane, something he had done recreationally as the holder of a pilot's licence.

However, he said he was remaining positive, adding: "I appreciate life more than I used to."

"My now-wife, Chloe, is incredibly supportive, my family is supportive, and my friends are incredible.

"The medical teams at Sheffield, Doncaster and Rotherham have almost become a second family.

"There are no words to describe exactly how I feel about what they've done for me, I don't think they appreciate the impact they have on our lives as patients - to us, they're our entire lives.

"I've lost some of my independence, but I've found new ways to enjoy life, and the advances in care will help others have a fighting chance too."

Sorafenib is now recommended as a treatment for others who have Mr Jackson's type of blood cancer and are undergoing a stem cell transplant.

Dr Alexandros Kanellopoulos, a consultant at the trust, said: "We are delighted to have played a leading role in bringing this life-extending drug to patients.

"Treatment options for AML have remained largely unchanged for the last 30 years, so it is great to see game-changing therapies coming on board."

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