Taylor West, Christie patient

In December 2022, Taylor West found a lump on his testicles and decided to consult his GP. He was reassured it wasn’t anything serious but a few months later, Taylor found another lump on his neck. His doctor sent him for blood tests and ultrasounds and these tests indicated a few issues, including glandular fever.

Then, a deeper scan unveiled a significant concern in his thyroid. After 2 rounds of biopsies, Taylor was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in March 2023.

Taylor said that he felt numb at the news of his cancer diagnosis. His family and friends were devastated, though Taylor said they tried not to show it. After his diagnosis, Taylor felt depressed, wanting to be alone, and isolating from his friends.

The months after this were not only emotionally tough, but physically difficult too. After surgery to remove Taylor’s tumour in late May 2023, tests showed the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes and he needed further surgery.

Taylor lost a lot of weight and felt weak and tired. Given the aggressive nature of his cancer, Taylor had radioactive iodine treatment at the Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) unit at The Christie in October 2023. He stayed in a specialist lead-lined room for 5 days, as the treatment made him radioactive.

Being radioactive sounded scary, but Taylor said that everything was explained in great detail, so he was always aware of what was going on. The isolation was challenging, and he was only allowed brief visits from close family members.

Fortunately, the treatment was successful, but Taylor will need regular scans for the next decade. Now aged 22, Taylor is well and back at work as a transport manager, thanks to his treatment at the TYA unit.

In fact, Taylor is now doing so well, he recently took on the 60-mile Manchester to Blackpool bike ride for The Christie Charity in July 2024. Taylor said he wanted to show his gratitude for his treatment at The Christie, and also stand as a testament to his fight against cancer.

“I am forever in debt to the support of The Christie – without them, I wouldn’t be here to tell my story.”

Together, we can help more young people like Taylor re-start their lives after cancer. Donate to our TYA service campaign today to help provide more support and develop new treatments for young cancer patients.