When Dale Burch left school at 15, he began an apprenticeship as a wood machinist – a career start that would unknowingly change his life decades later.
“I was cutting asbestos sheets on a band saw,” Dale recalls. “Back then, we didn’t really know the dangers.”
A year later, he joined a building company, working on rectories and schools – many filled with asbestos. Both companies for whom he worked would later take responsibility for his exposure.
The first signs
In February 2020, just before the Covid-19 pandemic, Dale thought he had caught a bad cold. His wife recovered quickly, but he remained breathless – even just walking the dogs. Concerned, he went to see his GP.
“Don’t discount cancer,” Dale remembers the doctors saying. An X-ray revealed fluid on his right lung and he was sent to Bury St Edmunds Hospital, where 1.5 litres of fluid were drained. A week later, another two litres had built up.
Further tests and a biopsy at Addenbrooke’s Hospital confirmed the diagnosis: mesothelioma. “They drained six litres of fluid in total,” he says. “Then they used talc to seal the lining of the lung.”
For several weeks, a district nurse visited regularly to drain fluid from his chest.
Finding the right support
Dale soon met Kate Slaven, a Mesothelioma UK clinical nurse specialist based at Royal Papworth Hospital. “Kate has been brilliant,” he says. “She explained everything clearly, made sure I had options and that I felt comfortable throughout.”
He was offered a place on the MARS 2 clinical trial, where he was randomised to receive two sessions of chemotherapy before being given a choice – either to continue with four more chemotherapy sessions or have the lining of his lung removed. Dale chose surgery, which took place at Barts Hospital in London.
The operation was a success and he remained cancer-free for seven months. However, his right lung became stuck, making it difficult to take deep breaths.
Continuing the fight
When scans showed the cancer had progressed, Dale was referred to Professor Dean Fennell in Leicester and became eligible for the MIST 5 clinical trial.
“I was on that trial for 14 months,” he says. “Eventually, a nodule started growing, but the meso cells were still stable.”
Thanks to private health insurance, Dale continued as a private patient under Professor Fennell for two and a half years, receiving a combination of drugs, immunotherapy and chemotherapy – all administered from the comfort of his home, including blood tests.
After taking a short break from treatment, he returned to drug therapy for another nine months, which kept things stable. When scans later showed progression in a nodule and lymph node, Dale resumed his original treatment.
“This round was harder to deal with,” he admits. “It caused more discomfort and tiredness. But the last two years were pretty good and I’m confident – it worked before, so I believe it can work again.”
A life of positivity and purpose
Now more than five and a half years on from diagnosis, Dale remains focused and optimistic. “The NHS has been excellent – I’ve been really well looked after,” he says.
Although he has some side effects – loss of appetite and fatigue – Dale keeps his spirits high. “I’m a positive person,” he says. “I’ve got five grandchildren, all under seven, and I want to be around for them.”
He admits that it can be hard for loved ones to cope, but the support from friends and family has made a huge difference. “I’ve got a great group of friends. They’ve been amazing – a massive help and super supportive,” he adds.
Every day, Dale walks his two black Labradors for two miles. “It gives me time to process my thoughts,” he says.
The power of community
Dale is an active member of the Royal Papworth Mesothelioma Group, which he describes as a lifeline. “They’re really supportive – I’ve made friends with so many people through it,” he says.
The group meets regularly for BBQs, tea and cake, and talks from healthcare professionals. “It’s such a good network of support, with the Mesothelioma UK nurse specialists and everyone involved,” Dale explains. “You take a lot of positives from other people’s stories – hearing about those who’ve managed to extend their lives gives you real hope.”
Dale’s journey is one of determination, community and power. “You’ve just got to focus on treatment and stay positive,” he says. “I want to be here for my family and if my story can help someone else, then that means something.”
