Persistent pain and fatigue revealed an unexpected lung cancer diagnosis
For Gary, an active 51-year-old, mild symptoms led to a surprising journey with both melanoma and Stage 4 ALK+ lung cancer.
Hi, I’m Gary, 51 years old and, until my recent retirement, I worked for 18 years as the Security Manager at the University of Reading. Before that, I spent over 17 years in retail management. My wife Sharon and I live in the countryside, where we enjoy long walks, spending time with friends and family, and being active. I also have a big passion for cooking and love spending time in the kitchen creating new dishes.
My symptoms started with mild fatigue and discomfort on my left side in June 2021. Despite multiple GP visits and raised blood markers, my symptoms were initially brushed off as stomach pain. Finally, after being diagnosed with melanoma in January 2022, I received an X-ray, and by March, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 ALK-positive lung cancer. Both cancers were unrelated, which was another surprise.
“Despite numerous GP visits and two raised blood markers, it wasn't until January 2022 that I was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer, which finally led to an X-ray, and in February 2022, I was told I had lung cancer.” Gary
Since retiring, I stay active by swimming and going to the gym every day. It helps both my physical and mental health, and I’m grateful to have more time to do what I love. My wife, our dog Evie, and I focus on making the most of every day. We’ve got a holiday in Lanzarote coming up, visit Gibraltar regularly, and hope to buy a campervan soon to enjoy more time by the sea.
When you’re first diagnosed, it’s a scary, lonely place, both for you and your loved ones. But I want to share my story to inspire others—it is possible to live a full, happy life and to find hope.