My name is John and this is my story about my battle with pancreatic cancer. Over the last 14 years, I have suffered from acute pancreatitis, which has entailed numerous hospital stays. However, in October 2007 I began experiencing stomach problems again, so I was referred to a local hospital for further investigations. This was followed by several hospital visits and stays in Swindon, Poole and Bournemouth.
In August 2008, I read about Alan Bowley’s story in the Daily Mail and how his cancer had been treated by CyberKnife Radiosurgery. I was amazed by his story and knew I had to investigate it further. I spoke to my specialist, who agreed I had nothing to lose if it meant saving my life. I immediately contacted the UK representative for the Anadolu Hospital in Turkey. Malcolm, the representative, contacted the CyberKnife centre on my behalf and my hospital sent off my records and recent CT scan pictures to them. I soon received the good news that I would be offered CyberKnife treatment.
In September 2008, I travelled to Turkey to commence my CyberKnife treatment. I’m so grateful that I read about CyberKnife in the Daily Mail because, if I hadn’t, I would probably be dead now. CyberKnife is space-age technology; it should be available on the NHS.