Paul Middleton, patient

He was treated at his local hospital in Peterborough but was referred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge for specialist radiotherapy treatment, known as ‘Tomotherapy’, a type of targeted radiation therapy that uses a rotating ring to deliver radiation to a tumour from many directions.

Sadly, Paul’s wife died from cancer in 2016 and despite the treatment being initially successful, his cancer returned in 2018 after malignant cells spread to his bones.

“I just blanked out from the shock of it all,” recalls Paul, a father of three. “It was a pretty traumatic time.”

Paul started treatment again and had six rounds of chemotherapy. He chose to have a cold cap, a scalp cooling method as a way of reducing or preventing hair loss during the treatment.

During what Paul describes, as a “particularly low time”, he decided to seek professional advice and counselling through the Cancer Support Centre and Robert Horrell Macmillan Centre in Peterborough. He says their support was “amazing” for him and his family.

Paul now receives regular treatment to manage his cancer, via a daily tablet and an intravenous (IV) injection every three months (Zoladex). While the side effects have been unpleasant, he said he’s now “living well” with cancer and that the disease hasn’t held him back.

“It’s incurable, but treatable,” Paul said. “There’s nothing I cannot do, so in that way the treatment has been entirely successful. It has been life-saving.”

Paul remains under a specialist consultant at Addenbrooke’s, but receives treatment and monitoring at his local hospital, which is linked in with his GP surgery.

“The system has worked well,” said Paul. “The appointments have come through speedily, and on time. Plus, it’s much better to have the specialist care continue closer to my home.”

Paul is now enjoying family life and has three grandchildren. He re-married in 2023 after meeting his new wife Doreen through their shared interest in the Northumbria Community’s online groups, during the Covid-19 pandemic. He is a keen gardener and has a passion for growing vegetables.

“I have nothing but praise for the staff and the science that lies behind my treatment, which is why I wanted to get involved in the build of the new cancer research hospital.”

Paul is an active member of the project’s Patient Advisory Group (PAG), helping the team make decisions about how the new hospital will operate and look.

After a fulfilling career in archaeology, Paul is particularly looking forward to the pre-construction works for the Cancer Hospital, which will include the archaeological dig.

Paul wrote the poem below, “Under the ice cap” during his chemotherapy treatment.

Under the ice cap

“If you should last ten minutes, then you should be ok.” Such encouraging words at the start of my day!

Now kitted up and well settled, Pink team seated with coordinate cap, a strange sensation, lightness of head, elevated, so sleepy, relax for a nap.

No pain or discomfort, I am so thankful to say, observing fellow patients, to tea station, toilet, making their way.

I see the technique for detaching our stations, plugs, wires and hand holds, setting off with due patience.

Some hare off at pace, one-handed, I note; others proceed much more slowly, holding on two firm-handed, that’s my vote.

Good drinks are a plenty, with biscuits to choose, self-served or provided, volunteers at the ready, the unit so friendly, reassuring and calm, encouraging all, remaining relaxed and pace steady..

Medication supplied, questions answered, with such professional skills. Heartfelt thanks to you all at the unit. So now to tackle the pills.

Find out how you can get involved with the development of the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, including supporting the campaign.