Wellingborough family shares good news as dad continues to fight incurable cancer
The family of Wellingborough dad Paul King have returned from Germany following his latest round of treatment with ‘some really lovely news.’
48-year-old Paul was diagnosed with terminal cancer in January.
He has been travelling to Germany for treatment which is helping to ‘control’ the advanced tonsil cancer.
And following his most recent trip abroad, he and his family are delighted to have received not one but two lots of positive news.
Paul’s wife Melissa told the Northants Telegraph: “After everything we’ve been through this year, it feels so good to have a few reasons to feel hopeful.
"We’ve recently returned from Germany, where Paul had microwave ablation with Professor Vogl.
"He was very pleased with how the procedure went. He told us that there was no activity in the treated tumour afterwards and that the other area he has been monitoring looked very good too.
"We were so relieved and excited to hear this.”
Prof Vogl had planned for Paul to have a three-month break from treatment, but because things are looking so encouraging, he wants to keep a close eye on the tumour and monitor how it responds.
Melissa said: “We’ll return to Germany in December for a control scan. If the scan shows any activity, Professor Vogl will assess whether TACE is needed and, if so, carry it out during the same visit.
"It’s reassuring to know there’s a plan to monitor Paul closely and respond promptly if further treatment is needed.”
The family has had further good news from the Royal Marsden, where they had been waiting for results which have come back with positive news.
Melissa said: “We were absolutely over the moon when we heard. Professor Harrington was reassuring too. He said he couldn’t see an obvious reason why Paul wouldn’t be considered for immunotherapy, provided Paul is well enough physically when the time comes.
"For now, Professor Harrington’s advice is to carry on with TACE in Germany while it’s helping Paul. Immunotherapy could be an option in the future if TACE is no longer needed or stops working.”
The Royal Marsden team will review things with Paul, who used to work in security at the Swansgate Shopping Centre, again in around three months.
It is such a relief for the family to know there may be another option if they need it and they are keen to hold onto the hope these latest developments have given them.
Melissa said: "Paul is still very weak and we know we have a difficult road ahead.
"But when I think back to the devastating news we were given in January, I never imagined we’d be here now, with encouraging news from Germany and another possible treatment option in the UK.
"We’re trying to take it one step at a time and hold on to that hope.
"Our next big priority is getting Paul back to Germany in December. The cost of travelling abroad for private treatment is still a huge strain on us so we need to keep fundraising to make sure he can receive the care he needs.
"We’ve come so far and we want to do everything we can to keep that care going.
"We’re so grateful for all the support we’ve had. Every donation, share, kind message and person who’s come along to one of our fundraising events has helped us get this far. It means more than I can put into words.
"More than anything, we just want more time with Paul to make memories with the children and enjoy all those ordinary moments together. That’s why we’ll keep doing everything we can.”
Anyone wishing to support the family can do so via the fundraising page here.