About matthew

matthew22

Matthew's story

In 2019, during his second year at University Matthew started having pains in his left shoulder, which for months was put down as muscle damage and he endured physio sessions which did nothing but increased his discomfort. Following subsequent visits to his GP and eventually being sent for an x-ray in December 2019, the results of this x-ray showed that the bone had fractured (pathological fracture). He was subsequently diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his left shoulder a few days later following a visit to The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham, a far cry from the stiff aching shoulder and growing pains he had been told he had.

Start of Matthew’s Treatment

Treatment began early in 2020, the first cycle of chemo hit many hurdles and setbacks, but Matthew never faltered, he kept his resolve and determination to succeed, even when during this first cycle we were all informed that the cancer had spread to his lungs and surgery would be required following chemo, at this stage Matthew had to suspend his studies as he knew he had to focus on his treatment. His second cycle went far better, which was a blessing, however further scans showed that due to the position of the tumour in his shoulder, to surgically remove it would be impossible and the only way to remove it would be to amputate his left arm. Another major setback, but Matthew still didn’t lose his determination.

Matthew’s Amputation

I spent a week with him at The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham in April 2020 where the amputation was a success, despite having to remove half of his shoulder as well as his arm. During that week we laughed and joked and planned how he and us would adapt, again he never lost sight of winning and was such a pleasure to be around, always polite and never forgot his manners to all the staff despite the pain he was often in.

The chemo continued for the next 5 months and was followed by two thoracotomy operations to remove the lung tumours. This marked the end of 11 months of treatment, 11 months during which we saw how much of an impressive son we have, one that still despite everything he was going through would put others before himself, a truly remarkable person.

Back to University

He returned to his studies as soon as he could and began reliving his life to the full, he once again helped out with the Brass Band and, when covid restrictions allowed, we followed the Forest and Nottingham Cricket and enjoyed as much entertainment as he could manage.

September’s Routine Scan

Sadly, after a routine scan in September 2021 it was evident his tumours had returned to his lung, treatment re-started in October, but was hindered due to a severe infection Matthew picked up. Although his health started to deteriorate quickly, he remained focused, right to end.

He sadly passed away on 16th February 2022 with his family at his side and when he could, still smiling and joking.

Prior to passing Matthew wished for his body to be left to medical science, a decision that truly showed how selfless a person he was, in the hope that studying his cancer may help save someone in the future. He passed in Leeds at St James’s hospital, but they were unable to take his body due to the cancer. However, he was accepted by a specialist cancer surgeon centre at the National Repository Centre at Nottingham University Hospitals, so he managed to get back to the place he called “home”.

He left behind his dad Gary, his mum Carolyn, his twin brother Jonathan, and older brother Daniel. To say we are devastated is not an overstatement, there is a massive hole in our family that will never be filled – we will miss him every day.

However, his courage, determination and positivity were amazing during his treatment and he never let it get him down, through adapting these we are hoping to help somebody else through their ordeal and hopefully ensure at least one family will not have to go through the heartache we are suffering.