Steelmen assistant shares update on leukaemia treatment

[FF News]

Corby Town assistant manager David Clarke is currently undergoing treatment for leukaemia, having being diagnosed with the condition last month.

As he continues on his road to recovery Clarkey has been in contact to share the first stage of his journey with the Steelmen family and to thank everybody for their support.

Clarke told corbytownfc.co.uk; “It all began with a week of stomach pain, a trip to FC United of Manchester in significant pain and then a trip to the GP on Monday morning with what I thought was a stomach bug. A feel of my stomach followed an urgent blood test. Monday evening at 5.30pm I had a call from the doctor telling me that I was to go to Accident and Emergency immediately. Another blood test confirmed the first wasn't a mistake.

“My white blood cell count was 300, a normal count would be between 4 and 10. My spleen had grown 20cm bigger than normal as it was full of white blood cells. My blood was like treacle and I was at risk of a heart attack or stroke. I had a bone marrow test that was horrific and this concluded that my diagnosis was chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).

“This is basically cancer of the blood, where my bone marrow is producing white blood cells uncontrollably. I was admitted into the ward and started chemotherapy the next day to bring down my white blood cell count to something less dangerous.

“After a few days the count came down, enough to let me out of hospital for the weekend. I continued this medication with weekly tests until the specialist was happy that I could begin the targeted chemotherapy that corrects my DNA. Obviously with chemotherapy there are many side affects, I have some and they are very painful but nothing I cannot handle.

“The treatment that I received from the Leicester Royal Infirmary was incredible, my key worker Jenny and the specialist Kate are so knowledgeable that this put me at ease. My family and friends have been fantastic, especially my wife Helen who has dealt with it all incredibly well.

“The messages and comments on social media have been overwhelming. Since I have been away I have spoken to Tommy most days and can say he is working incredibly hard to put things right. I'm still involved in supporting Tommy but from my sofa currently. I hope to be back at Steel Park soon to watch a game and hopefully help Tommy and the team where I can.

“I am convinced that my years in football, the discipline and fighting spirit I have learnt from the game along with the physical strength I have gained from training will play a huge part in my recovery.

“I will be raising money for the cancer ward that I was treated in, in due course. Being fit and healthy is hugely beneficial in fighting leukaemia. The ward are crying out for some cardio fitness equipment to keep the patients moving while they are in hospital. The support of the Corby Town FC family would be greatly appreciated.”

Source: www.corbytownfc.co.uk

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