Abeeku Lewis, a 30-year-old musician from Halifax, has transformed his life from an active, health-focused upbringing to facing dire health challenges after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer known as sarcoma. His journey to this diagnosis began in 2022 when he embarked on a jogging routine during the pandemic, regularly engaging in physical activities like running, going to the gym, and playing football.
While on one of his jogging sessions, Abeeku experienced a sharp sensation in his leg, which he initially attributed to a muscle strain. After a week of rest, the pain persisted, leading him to notice a lump above his left knee. Assuming it was a result of a sports-related injury, he sought help from a physiotherapist, who performed an aspiration to drain the fluid from the lump. However, when the lump reappeared larger after six weeks, a referral to Spire Manchester Hospital led to a diagnosis of sarcoma in December 2022. "It's quite ironic but at the time I probably felt the healthiest ever in terms of my physical fitness," Abeeku reflected.
Sarcomas are rare, constituting less than two percent of cancer cases in the UK, according to Sarcoma UK. Following his diagnosis, Abeeku faced a harrowing battle involving numerous intensive rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy aimed at shrinking the cancerous cells. After some initial success, he underwent major surgery that involved the removal of one of his quadriceps muscles. Despite these efforts, his condition deteriorated when he started experiencing severe headaches which led to the discovery of a brain tumour and a bleed on the brain. Although treated successfully by NHS staff, Abeeku was later informed in February that the cancer had metastasised to his trachea and windpipe.
Describing the moment he received this devastating news, he recounted experiencing it in a setting he refers to as "the death room" on Valentine's Day. "In the end we get pulled into - it's not the most tactful of ways to describe it - but in essence, it's kind of like the death room in the hospital," he said. During this unnerving appointment, he was informed of the severity of his illness and the dire prognosis: "You need immediate medical supervision at all times."
In light of the limitations of NHS treatment, Abeeku has sought to pursue private healthcare options and initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help finance this care, as well as releasing an EP titled 'I See You Lurking' to further support his medical expenses. His discussions with healthcare professionals have highlighted new treatment avenues that are unavailable through the National Health Service, particularly a tablet form of chemotherapy known as FGFR1.
Currently undergoing chemotherapy through the NHS, Abeeku describes this as a "last roll of the dice" as he assesses the effectiveness of ongoing treatments. He expressed the emotional toll of his situation, stating: "It's been a lot to digest... If we don't do anything, I've probably got weeks to live."
Life before his diagnosis seemed relatively normal, characterised by vibrant social interactions, including a notable curry dinner with his mother shortly before learning of his illness. Despite the severity of his condition, he maintains a positive outlook, attributing strength to the substantial support he has received from friends, family, and even acquaintances from his past. "The support I've got in terms of messages of just positivity... has given me this spring in my step," he noted, emphasising how the encouragement from others fuels his resolve to continue fighting.
As Abeeku embarks on this challenging chapter in his life, he remains focused on seeking every possible treatment option while expressing immense gratitude to those who have rallied around him. His ongoing struggle illustrates the realities faced by patients navigating complex health journeys with rare diseases, as well as the financial challenges associated with seeking comprehensive care.
Source: Noah Wire Services