A cancer survivor who attributed his tiredness to a seasonal virus was shocked when it turned out to be cancer – and is now sharing his story in the hope of raising awareness about the condition.
Ken MacArthur, 62, has always been a strong advocate for blood donation and used to give blood regularly when living in Northallerton.
During a routine blood donation in 2008, his blood was found to contain high levels of irregular antibodies called paraproteins. These originate from abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow that multiply uncontrollably and ultimately lead to several diseases.
To further investigate, the blood transfusion team made an urgent appointment for Ken with a consultant at the Friarage Hospital.
Following several tests, Ken was diagnosed with myeloma, an incurable blood cancer that develops in the bone marrow.
“I had never heard of myeloma,” was Ken’s first reaction to hearing the news.
“I thought I was going to die soon”
Before being diagnosed, Ken was not always at his best physically – he spent several weeks feeling tired and unable to exercise. He brushed this off as nothing major and attributed it to a seasonal virus.
After receiving his myeloma diagnosis, a life-limiting condition that newly affects 6,300 people every year in the UK, Ken said: “The whole family was devastated. We cried a lot as a family and shared both medical information and our feelings.
“I thought I was going to die soon and that my remaining life would change unrecognisably. I have three children and the youngest was then only 12 years old. I hoped to see my eldest graduate from her university at least.
“I felt that nothing would be the same, such as not being able to sail ever again.”
But thanks to early diagnosis, medical advice and support, the Whitby resident has been sailing through his many cancer treatments over the past 17 years.
He started his cancer treatment at the Friarage in 2008 and is currently undergoing chemotherapy at The James Cook University Hospital.
Talking about the wonderful care he received at the Friarage, he said: “The care I received from specialist nurses Jennie Lawn, Alison Wright, Catherine Almond, Dr John Chandler and Dr Ray Dang has been superb.”
Ken applauds the Friarage team for providing expert care and for reinforcing the never-give-up attitude in him.
He also credits them for helping him to stay at work for more than 15 years – allowing him to thrive as an accomplished video editor at Tyne Tees TV – mainly in good health.
Additionally, Ken’s life was prolonged due to a bone marrow transplant from a compassionate blood donor.
However, looking back on his 17-year myeloma journey, there have been some obstacles.
Ken has had several admissions to the hospital with infections and has had to live with certain complications, including losing three inches in height due to collapsed vertebrae.
Two of his vertebrae were fused through surgery at James Cook but his spine is now permanently curved, which has made him dependent on walking sticks.
The constant back pain now restricts his movement and his ability to exercise whilst also stopping him from enjoying tennis and sailing.
“Watching my children graduate and get married”
However, Ken has learned to look at life with renewed positivity and has realised that you cannot predict what will happen in the future.
“The care continues with modern treatments for myeloma now based at James Cook Hospital, and my family is very grateful for the hard work from all the team there, especially Donna Wiseman, Dr Dang and the haematology unit and outreach staff.
“For those recently diagnosed, I would suggest following the advice from the medical team, looking after yourself and working with them on any medication issues.
“Although you will be in shock when diagnosed, make sure you enjoy your life and don’t give up trying to improve your own fitness and wellbeing,” he added.
Much to his delight, Ken was able to get involved in all his children’s graduations and weddings and now feels fortunate to spend time with his three grandchildren.
Consultant haematologist Ray Dang said: “It really has been my greatest pleasure to have known Ken and his wife Clare, and to have contributed to his healthcare for all these years. Ken is a true gentleman and has managed his illness with great courage, resilience and even humour, and has been a great inspiration to our team.
The treatment of myeloma remains challenging as myeloma is still an incurable disease in 2025. However, we have made massive strides over the years, through both laboratory and clinical research, and the heroic advocacy efforts of charities like Myeloma UK and Blood Cancer UK.
“This has made a huge difference as they have enhanced the quality of life in myeloma patients.
“Almost no two years are the same in the treatment of myeloma. With more drugs and clinical trials becoming available and funding streams opening, I think the future is very bright. We continue doing our best to strive towards a cure for myeloma.”