When Martin Chadwick was first diagnosed with mesothelioma in April, his life was turned upside down. After a biopsy, doctors told him the cancer was inoperable, as they could not remove the lung, and that he had 12 months to live without treatment.
By May, Martin was under the care of an oncologist, and the outlook, however, was bleak. “It painted a bad picture,” Martin recalls. It was either immediate chemotherapy treatment or “watch and wait for 10 weeks.”
Finding support
It was at this point that Martin’s son, Thomas, picked up the phone and rang the Mesothelioma UK support line. He spoke to one of the charity’s clinical nurse specialists, and through their conversation, Martin learnt more about his treatment options, including possible clinical trials.
A new path forward
Martin was hopeful that a place on the HIT-Meso clinical trial would be offered, but unfortunately, a scan showed tumour growth. He was then offered the EVOLVE clinical trial. After two cycles, the results were clear – the treatment was reducing his tumour.
“Everything changed,” Martin says. “They said this could prolong my life and also give me a better quality of life.”
Although Martin describes the trial as “life-consuming,” he has hope. The treatment could continue for at least two years, something that felt unimaginable when he was first diagnosed.
“If we’d been on our own, I’d probably have just stayed at home,” Martin reflects, noting that the support and direction he had made all the difference.
Looking back to early days at work
Martin traces his exposure back to the 1970s, when he was just 15 years old, working as an apprentice joiner on a building site. “I was cutting asbestos without knowing much about it. You just did what you were told. Afterwards, I’d be sweeping up all the dust.”
He went on to work in joinery for years, though after those early days, he had no further asbestos exposure. Like many, the impact of that early contact only revealed itself decades later.
Living with mesothelioma
When Martin was first diagnosed, it was already at Stage 3. He started to focus on making the very most of life. He experiences side effects with the treatment – tiredness and a rash – but his priority is to maintain his quality of life.
“After nine cycles of treatment each third week and blood tests weekly, I’ll move to treatment every three weeks. That means more time to live life – and maybe even start going on holiday again,” Martin says with hope.
He dreams of a trip with his two grandsons and family: “All of us going on holiday again together would be such a positive thing.”
The power of support
Martin and his family have worked tirelessly to explore every avenue of treatment and support. “My family really helped to find out what was available,” he says. “It might help somebody else too.”
Thomas’ call to Mesothelioma UK proved pivotal: “He spoke to wonderful people who told us about wider treatment options. What a difference it made – upbeat, positive, and so supportive.”
Alongside treatment, Martin is also working with a solicitor to trace insurers for the company that exposed him. Any compensation could help fund further clinical trials and continue his fight.
“My family have been raising funds for the Mesothelioma charity, with a family games day BBQ raising over £150, and Thomas walking the SAS Fan Dance, for which he raised over £1,500.”
Looking ahead with hope
For Martin, the future is about taking each day as it comes. “Cross one bridge at a time,” he says. “See family, enjoy the time we have, and make the quality of life better.”
His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of support, persistence and hope.
“Try to reach out,” Martin urges others. “Because if we hadn’t, we’d never have found this help.”
