"Older people living with cancer can be uplifted too"

Posted 5th September 2023

Don was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2017 when he was in his 80’s. But with advances in care and the support of his family, his treatment was successful. Here, his daughter Denise Chilton tells his story.

Donald, fondly known as Don, from Aigburth was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in January 2017 after finding a painful lump in his groin. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and glands spread throughout the body. The lymphatic system is an important part of the immune system. It plays a role in fighting bacteria and other infectionsand it tries to destroy old or abnormal cells, such as cancer cells.

Denise says: “Dad is a big Everton fan so we always had to make sure he didn’t get too stressed out by the match to protect his health. We worried about his heart so a cancer diagnosis at the age of 85 was a big shock.

“After being diagnosed, dad was referred to Consultant Haematologist Dr Arvind Arumainathan and treated at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool in 2018, where the care was nothing short of exquisite. I’ll always remember Dr Arumainathan visiting him one Sunday morning on the ward just to check in – it really was the littlest touches that made the biggest impact.”

Don was declared cancer free in 2019 after receiving radiotherapy and five rounds of R CHOP. R-CHOP is a combination of three chemotherapy drugs given alongside an antibody and steroid and is the standard treatment for the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

“After the relief of finding out dad’s cancer was in remission, we flew him out to America for his granddaughter’s graduation over there. It was such a special moment and I’m so grateful for all of the extra years of Don we’ve had so far!”

Denise wants to share Don’s story to encourage others that there can be a positive outcome after being diagnosed, no matter your age.

“Whilst I was waiting for dad at one of his appointments, I got speaking to a patient sat next to me who was there for a check-up after being given the all clear at 80 years old. It was so uplifting to see someone like dad who was doing so well, and I want others who may be dealing with a diagnosis at an older age to be uplifted too.

“Dad turned 90 on the 5th July 2023. He is happy and content, with a wonderful sense of humour – something Dr Arumainathan remembered him for.”

“I felt that Mr Haigh would cope well with his treatment as he was generally fit and had a great support network – with his son and daughter accompanying him to all of his appointments,” said Dr Arumainathan.

“His care was a real team-effort. He was looked after by many members of the Haemato-oncology Team, including Hayley Glover (Lymphoma Specialist Nurse), Chris Ward (Advanced Nurse Practitioner), and the team on the Haematology Day Ward. He also underwent radiotherapy under Consultant Oncologist Dr Isabel Syndikus’ care.

“As Mr Haigh has demonstrated, with a stable starting point and advances in Haemato-oncology, it is possible to improve outcomes in older patients, providing a better quality of life for a long period of time.”