Mark Scott speaks with Joanna Tilley, Operations Director LMRUK, about his journey from diagnosis to treatment and life beyond cancer.
Q: When and how were you diagnosed with myeloma?
I was diagnosed at 45. At the time, I was training for the Manchester Half Marathon and dealing with persistent back pain. After several inconclusive investigations in early 2018, my health deteriorated to the point where I became bedbound by late May. I was finally admitted through A&E on 31 July 2018, and that’s when I first heard the word myeloma.
Strangely, I felt relieved. I’m a cup‑half‑full person and finally having a diagnosis felt like a step forward.
Q: What treatments did you undergo, and how did you prepare yourself for them
My initial treatment focused on reducing my paraproteins with a DVT programme*, and because I was extremely weak and bedbound, everything felt monumental. Around 80% of my vertebrae were fractured, and the pain was intense. I spent two months in hospital, but the chemotherapy worked well and I was discharged in October 2018.
I had counselling while in hospital, which helped, but resilience is my default. I made myself find a small win every day — even if it was just taking a few more steps. My wife and my huge friendship network visited constantly, and that support was invaluable.
*Paraproteins (monoclonal immunoglobulins) indicate a potential underlying plasma cell disorder, which significantly increases the risk of developing a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Q: What were the toughest physical side effects you experienced?
Constipation — absolutely brutal. The unexpected upside? The enemas were fantastic. Gross, but genuinely life‑changing in the moment.
Q: How did living with cancer change the way you see yourself?
It forced me to confront the fragility of my own mortality. Instead of dragging me down, it made me even more determined to live life fully. I don’t allow negative thoughts to take root.
Q: What did an average day look like during treatment?
Much of it was a blur of MRIs, scans and procedures. The stem cell transplant was particularly tough, but I did lose a stone — a small, slightly dark “cancer perk” that I happily claimed.
Q: How did cancer affect your relationships with family, friends or colleagues?
It strengthened my marriage — my wife was extraordinary throughout. It also showed me how lucky I am to have such brilliant friends and colleagues who showed up for me in every possible way.
Q: What surprised you most about living with cancer?
How much I could cope with. Myeloma doesn’t define me. I live the best life I can, regardless of the challenges it brings.
Q: What did recovery look like once treatment ended?
After my stem cell transplant, I returned to teaching within six months. I worked until my relapse in 2023, took another year off, and I’m now back in remission — touching wood — for the foreseeable future.
Q: Are there lasting physical or emotional affects you still navigate today?
The spinal fractures still affect me, especially as I’m vain enough to mourn the six inches of height I lost. Emotionally, I don’t dwell. While I’m in remission, I focus on living. Plenty of people face far worse.
Q: How has your outlook on life changed since surviving cancer?
I’m here for a good time, not necessarily a long time. My priorities have shifted — I want to travel more and spend quality time with the people I love, but the goal is simply to enjoy life as much as possible.
Q: What would you want someone newly diagnosed to know?
You will get better. You can live a full life. Cancer is a word, not a sentence.
Q: How has your experience shaped your goals or hopes for the future?
Myeloma has enriched my life in unexpected ways. I’ve spoken at conferences, met incredible people, and discovered a stronger sense of self‑worth. It showed me that I’m loved, valued and capable.
Q: What did you learn about your own strength during this journey?
I don’t see myself as remarkable. Everyone faces hard times. I just dealt with what was in front of me, supported by amazing people.
Q: Has your sense of purpose changed since your diagnosis?
Absolutely. My purpose now is to be the best dad I can be to my two adult children. Their mum passed away a couple of years ago, so I’m a single parent, and being here for them matters more than anything.
Q: Were there moments of joy, humour or connection that stood out?
The NHS staff were phenomenal — their kindness meant everything. There were plenty of funny moments too: the enema saga, the wheelchair shenanigans… But above all, my wife’s strength and love were unforgettable. She was my absolute rock.
Q: What do you wish more people understood about living with cancer?
That on the outside I may look fine, but the hidden cost is an ongoing struggle.
Photos of Mark, during treatment, with his gorgeous dog and with his netball team.
