# Terry’s Journey

In June 2025, I attended urgent care at GWH with a swollen leg, groin pain, and swelling. After scans and tests, I was referred to specialists for further investigations.

Over the following months, I underwent biopsies, scans, blood tests, and countless appointments. I was told I had cancer and it had spread to my lymph nodes, but doctors were unable to identify the primary cancer. Consultants described my case as something they had never seen before.

During this time, I was also diagnosed with DVT.

The hardest part was the unknown. I knew I had cancer, but nobody could tell me exactly what type it was, how aggressive it was, or how it could be treated.

As the weeks passed, the pain increased in my back, stomach, and groin, but I continued to work and live life as normally as possible.

By September, the cancer had spread further and I was transferred to Oxford, where specialists reviewed my case alongside rare case studies from America. Different consultants believed different treatments may help, but due to how rare my cancer is, treatment decisions were difficult.

I was eventually told that without treatment I may only have 12 months or less to live. With treatment, the best possible outcome could be around two years.

Hearing this shattered my world.

Instead of giving up, I decided life was too short and booked my wedding for December. I focused on making memories with family and friends while continuing treatment.

I started radiotherapy and chemotherapy in late 2025 and was finally approved for immunotherapy in January 2026 after Oxford consultants successfully applied for individual NHS funding. She found case studies and worked out my case was 1 in a million. 

At first, the results were incredibly positive. My lymph nodes reduced significantly and life started to feel more normal again.

Sadly, in April 2026, I was told the cancer had started growing again and I now face further biopsies and more radiotherapy treatment.

Despite everything, I continue to work, stay positive, and live every day to the fullest. I am determined to complete my bucket list — including a skydive.

I am now raising money for Prospect, whose support throughout my cancer journey has been unbelievable. I know that their care, support, and compassion have helped and will continue to help us through the hardest time of our lives, and I hope to give something back to them.

Want to join me in making a difference? I’m raising money to benefit Prospect Hospice, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Prospect Hospice: Prospect Hospice provides the only dedicated specialist end of life care in Swindon, Marlborough, north Wiltshire, Lechlade and Fairford. Last year Prospect Hospice supported more than 7,300 people; as patients, carer's and family members, through a range of services developed to bring care, comfort and confidence at life's most difficult time. Last year it cost 8.4 million pounds to raise funds and deliver our range of services. With less than 30 percent funding, your support really is vital to us.