'I was diagnosed with cancer - but now I can have immunotherapy in my garden'
EXCLUSIVE: When married Des Burns realised he needed fortnightly immunotherapy he was given the option to have it in comfort at home instead.
A retired headteacher can have his immunotherapy in his garden shed as a hospital pioneers the ways Britons can now receive lifesaving cancer treatments.
Des Burns, 67, was first diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2018, shortly before he retired and now has immunotherapy to keep the cruel disease at bay - but having it at home makes the treatment more comfortable.
Since 2015 Manchester's The Christie hospital has pioneered nurses visiting cancer sufferers to give their lifesaving treatments and Des is now the 50,000th 'at home' patient.
And he has shown Daily Express readers how he even had his treatment in a snug grotto in his garden shed last Christmas - as his living room was being redecorated.
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The Avelumab drug Des has at home in Bury, Greater Manchester, is given once a fortnight as a drip into a vein in around 60 minutes.
The married father-of-two told us: "As well as having more time for my family and the things I love, having treatment at home is great for my mental wellbeing.
"I don't have to worry about getting stuck in rush hour traffic on my way to the hospital or finding somewhere to park. And I don't get stuck in a long queue in the hospital waiting for treatment!
"It takes a lot of that stress away, particularly when you are having long-term treatments for five years or more. Not having to travel to the hospital in Withington is a massive relief when it's snowing or raining.
"I am very active, but if someone is frailer, this kind of service must make a big difference to them.
"When I found out that my treatment was going to be the 50,000th the team has done since 2015, it really brought home to me just how many people have cancer.
"Incredibly, that is 50,000 times someone hasn't had to travel for their treatment, and it must take pressure off the team in the hospital. I will now stay on this treatment for as long as it continues to work.
“I’m incredibly grateful to all those in the NHS who have cared for and treated me in urology, the surgeons, the oncologists, the rehabilitation team, the chemotherapy and immunotherapy team and the ‘at home’ team."
Des was first diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2018, shortly before he retired.
He explained: "I was over in Ireland when I first knew something was wrong. I was going to the toilet a lot but just thought I just needed some antibiotics.
"Then I saw there was blood in my urine – and a lot of it. I went to see my GP and was put on the cancer fast track.
"From Easter, everything happened quickly. I had an operation in June at North Manchester General Hospital, and they saved my bladder.
"Then, I was referred to The Christie in July, starting on my first lot of chemotherapy in August. I also had radiotherapy at The Christie.
"Despite the initial shock of the diagnosis, I never felt hopeless. Every medical professional I met said there was something that could be done, and I've been able to maintain a reasonable quality of life during the treatment."
For three years Des was cancer free but a scan later showed the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes so he needed more radio therapy and chemo.
That helped and in spring 2023 he switched to immunotherapy which he has had from home since last Autumn.
He added: "It leaves me a little tired for a day or two afterwards, but generally, I can get out for walks and enjoy my life.
"My wife Roz has been fantastic throughout and never complains. My son and daughter, Andrew and Sinead, have also been very kind and supportive."
When his living room was decorated over Christmas he even had his treatment in his cosy garden shed, sat in his comfy armchair.
He went on: "The nurses who come out are very professional but also incredibly caring, attentive, helpful and reassuring. They are great company, too, whilst I'm having treatment."
The Christie has pioneered home treatments for cancer patients since 2015 and provides the most comprehensive range of drug treatments in the UK. It treats more patients at home than any other cancer centre in the UK.
In 2023-24, The Christie at Home service provided 8,466 treatments in patients' homes.
The Christie at Home service currently provides 10 drugs for patients with various cancers, including lung, breast, melanoma, renal and urological cancers.
Patients usually become eligible for treatment at home after two treatments in a healthcare setting unless they have had an adverse reaction to the therapy.
Each Christie at Home nurse can typically treat around seven patients each day. There are 14 Christie at Home nurses, a senior nurse managing the service, and two support staff.
Crawford Meek, Senior Charge Nurse for The Christie at Home, said: "Our patients say this service makes a huge difference to them and that they often look forward to a visit from one of our friendly nurses.
"The service gives patients time with friends and family and for doing the things they love. It also takes much of the stress away from travelling to our treatment centres."
