A father recently shared his remarkable journey of discovering his incurable cancer after an incident where he broke his neck due to stubbing his toe.
Paul Angliss, aged 62, initially ignored severe back pain, attributing it to wear and tear. During a holiday in Japan with his partner Priya Gohil and daughter Nancy, Paul struggled up Mount Fuji despite intense pain in his lower back.
Following the holiday, in October 2024, Paul accidentally stubbed his toe, causing a shockwave that paralyzed him. Unaware of the severity of the injury, he only sought medical attention days later after experiencing neck spasms.
Medical tests revealed a rare condition – myeloma, a type of blood cancer affecting bones. Despite the shocking diagnosis, Paul expressed gratitude for the early detection, preventing further complications like a collapsed spine.
Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, impacts bone marrow and manifests various symptoms. Although incurable, treatments help manage the disease and extend life expectancy.
Paul underwent chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London. Transitioning to a maintenance phase, he participated in a drug trial, receiving positive news in October 2025 that he is in remission.
Encouraging others to prioritize their health, Paul emphasized the importance of seeking medical advice for persistent back pain. He highlighted the support received from organizations like Blood Cancer UK and Maggie’s.
Expressing optimism for the future, Paul acknowledged the evolving landscape of myeloma treatments and the potential for extended remission periods.
