Malcolm Lane

Malcolm Lane was diagnosed with multiple myeloma - a cancer of the bone marrow – in 2007. After being told that treatment could only prolong his life but not cure the disease, the inspirational father of two began brainstorming fundraising ideas for cancer charities and recently held a concert called ‘Celebrate Life’. So far he has raised over £25,000 for cancer research.

”I was always told that there was a one in three chance of getting cancer. So when my sister was diagnosed with cancer, I was under the false impression that my other sister and I would be ok. In February 2007, I was running up the stairs, jumped up the last two steps and pulled what I thought was a muscle in my hip. In May 2007 I attended what I had expected to be a fairly routine consultation on my own because my wife was visiting elderly parents 100 miles away.  The doctor referred me to an oncologist and my mind and body went on autopilot.

The following days and weeks, soon turned into the rollercoaster diagnosis phase and it seemed as though we had almost daily visits to the hospital for X-Rays, MRI and CT scans, biopsy, bone marrow tests etc. I was finally diagnosed in June with Non-secretory Multiple Myeloma (MM) with extensive bone disease (hips, sacrum, rib and spine) and began the treatment process.  

I draw great strength and support from my family, my Christian faith, my support network, the reassurance from consultants, specialist nurses, the Myeloma UK team and our local hospice. When I was diagnosed, I felt as if I was the only individual who had ever had Myeloma.

It wasn't until after I had finished the treatment and everything was over that I was told I was ‘ok’, that it really hit me. I felt in limbo, I knew I wasn't going to be cured of this disease but I was being told I was ‘ok’. A few months later (which was one year after the aggressive treatment) I had another surprising reaction such that it actually felt strange to feel so well after a long duration of chemotherapy and recovery.

My advice to anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation would be to accept help. I thought I could cope with everything and anything before being diagnosed, but you soon find out that in fact you are very vulnerable and defenceless. Stay positive and don't put too much pressure on yourself - pace yourself and find your coping mechanism.

None of us knows how long we have to live and it is good to make the most of each and every day. For example, I had planned to check into the Taj hotel in Mumbai, India two days after it was attacked by terrorists in November 2008! I aim to look to the positive and wake each morning to a brand new day that is to be lived to the full.

I continue to work as a director for a large multi-national company and I dedicate time to raising funds for cancer research, exploring other ways to support cancer research and the support of those affected by cancer. My hope for the future of cancer research is that they continue to develop new treatments for the disease until a cure is finally developed to rid the world of cancer.”