‘I’ve never seen anything like it’ – doctors amazed by myeloma patient’s remarkable recovery

‘I’ve never seen anything like it’ – doctors amazed by myeloma patient’s remarkable recovery

A Worcestershire man who was being prepared for end-of-life care has shocked doctors after responding to a groundbreaking new treatment for blood cancer.

John Kingsley, 80, was expected to have just weeks to live when he suffered a serious pneumonia infection in May 2025 while undergoing treatment for myeloma, a form of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow. But against all the odds, John, who was first diagnosed with myeloma back in 2016, experienced a remarkable recovery and is still enjoying life over a year later.

Following his latest recovery, John’s family praised the team who have cared for him at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust throughout a decade-long battle with myeloma that’s included multiple relapses, stem-cell transplants and a period when his future looked extremely uncertain.

Dr Salim Shafeek, John’s Consultant Haematologist, said: “In my 30-year career I’ve never seen anyone come through the condition he was in and keep going. His determination is amazing.”

Despite his poor prognosis, John approached his treatment with determination and a strong desire to remain active and engaged in his care.

“It felt like a life sentence, but I wanted to understand what was happening and do everything I could to keep going,” John said.

John, from Bewdley, first underwent chemotherapy followed by a stem-cell transplant in 2016, achieving an initial remission. However, like many patients with myeloma, his condition later relapsed.

Following further treatment including a second stem-cell transplant, John once again achieved remission. But his journey took a dramatic turn when he developed a serious infection and was no longer fit for any form of treatment.

After a long discussion between John’s family and the clinical team, it was agreed that his care would focus on providing comfort and symptom control rather than an active intervention.

Dr Shafeek explained: “At that stage we were very concerned about John. He was extremely unwell with ongoing infections and was fully bedridden. He was given a fast-track discharge as we expected his life expectancy to be less than six weeks.”

However, against all expectations, John’s condition gradually began to improve after a few weeks. Closely monitoring his blood results and staying actively involved in his care, John continued to have regular telephone consultations with his clinical team, supported by his wife, as his health slowly stabilised.

“John’s recovery was extraordinary,” Dr Shafeek described. “It’s very rare to see someone in that situation recover in the way he did,” he added.

Following a further relapse, John was offered access to a newly-approved type of immunotherapy treatment for myeloma called Elranatamab. After several months on this therapy, he is once again doing well and enjoying day-to-day life.

John’s wife, Rachael Kingsley, said: “We’re very grateful that John was considered for this new medication. We’ve always found the team to be excellent, it was good to know that if he had any problems we could ring the ward.”

Rachael added: “Dr Shafeek has been great and been very patient when John wants to know the minute details. The staff on the Millbrook Suite are also great and always seem very upbeat, considering what they are dealing with all day, every day.”

Throughout his journey, John has remained committed to staying active. A lifelong adventurer, he has enjoyed sailing, scuba diving and flying small aircraft, and continues to maintain a positive outlook.

“I’ve always believed in making the most of life, the care I’ve received has given me the chance to keep doing that,” said John.

John remains a very active member of a local myeloma support group, helping others navigate their own diagnosis and treatment.

Dr Shafeek added: “John’s story shows the importance of personalised care, ongoing monitoring, and access to new treatments. It’s a real testament to what can be achieved.”