A WIRRAL cancer patient who had a life-saving transplant is urging others to become 'health heroes' by becoming potential blood stem cell donors.
Tom Lewis, from Bebington, was just 17 when he faced a life-altering diagnosis, of Hodgkin lymphoma - a blood cancer that originates in the lymphatic system.
The cause remained elusive until a baseball-sized lump appeared on his neck near the clavicle.
Tests at Arrowe Park Hospital led to the diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma.
Recalling the signs that something was wrong as part of Blood Cancer Awareness Month, Tom, now 20, said: "I was constantly tired, experiencing night sweats, and plagued by skin rashes".
Tom's aggressive form of cancer required a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy.
The weekly treatments took a toll on his body, making eating difficult and limiting his activities due to a PICC line, a thin, flexible tube inserted through a peripheral vein into a larger one near the heart.
Tom's aggressive form of cancer required a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy.
The weekly treatments took a toll on his body, making eating difficult and limiting his activities due to a PICC line, a thin, flexible tube inserted through a peripheral vein into a larger one near the heart.
Recalling the treatment, Tom said: "I remember the night before my first chemotherapy where I was in tears because I was so scared. That was the first time it hit me that what was happening was real.
"The first round of chemo was definitely the worst.
"Try and imagine the sickest you have ever felt. It was like having food poisoning all the time. It was tough."
His teenage years slipped away, replaced by hospital stays, treatments, and uncertainty. While his peers enjoyed carefree moments, Tom grappled with illness, forced to grow up prematurely.
Tom said: "It stole the remainder of my teenage years. When diagnosed with cancer, all my friends were going out and doing normal stuff.
"I had to sit on the sidelines and watch everyone else living their lives."
Hair loss and lost confidence marred his journey. He even deferred his university plans due to illness.
Then, a glimmer of hope emerged - a perfect donor on the registry.
A life-saving transplant changed everything. Tom stepped back into the world and is now working in the hospitality sector, his newfound people skills blossoming.
He said: "It has given me a chance to get back out there and socialise. Immunosuppressed, I had been isolated for a long time."
During a stem cell swabbing event in collaboration with Arrowe Park Hospital, cancer charity DKMS and building contractors Tilbury Douglas, Tom's message was clear: "Take the opportunity to help someone because it’s done wonders for me."
Being on a registry signifies a commitment to potentially save a life. While there is no guarantee of donation requests, each registration amplifies optimism.
Currently, 2,000 people in the UK seek their stem cell match.
When asked about the lessons from this arduous chapter, Tom's reply is unwavering: "Be resilient. Stay strong, even when things get tough."
Tom’s mum Elaine Lewis is an advanced nurse practitioner at Arrowe Park Hospital. On World Blood Cancer Day in May, she welcomed the opportunity to be swabbed with colleagues during a Wirral University Teaching Hospital event in collaboration with DKMS and the building contractors Tilbury Douglas.
A second staff event will be taking place at Arrowe Park Hospital on September 12.
People interested in helping should visit www.dkms.org
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here