Fiancee lef t lover over his STD diagnosis... but it was really fatal cancer
A MAN whose relationship collapsed after he was wrongly diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease has been told he actually has terminal cancer.
Tony Stevens split up from Trisha Nation – his fiancee of nine years – after doctors said an STD was the cause of his night sweats and weight loss.
Miss Nation thought that the father-ofseven had been unfaithful so she walked out – but the truth was even more devastating. Months later, Mr Stevens was told he actually had a rare form of cancer and had only five years to live.
The pair reconciled after his diagnosis and are now attempting to tackle the uncertain future together.
Former construction company driver Mr Stevens, 40, from Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, said: ‘She obviously thought I was up to something. They told me I had a sexually transmitted disease. It has been a tough, long road. I felt alone – I didn’t know where to turn. But my partner understood when I got my [cancer] diagnosis. Since then things have spun round.’
He was diagnosed with nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma and later taken to hospital to have nodes in his groin removed. An infection followed and fluid built up. Doctors said he had lymphoedema – swelling in the body’s tissues. He then had to undergo radiotherapy and is now on end-of-life care. Mr Stevens said: ‘I’m at a high risk of getting more infections so they’re keeping an eye on that. I’m under palliative care now.
‘I’m on benefits because I can’t work and my partner looks after me. It has just been a struggle dealing with it all and dealing with everyday life.’
The couple are trying to raise £4,000 to buy a specialised pneumatic pump to ease the swelling in Mr Stevens’ legs and stimulate the flow of lymph around his body.
He said: ‘I’m raising money to get a pump so I can move around more and help around the house.’ They are using website GoFundMe.
The £4,000 could make a huge difference to Mr Stevens’ life as he currently relies on using compression socks and wraps to help his circulation.
Any extra money raised will be used to take their children on holiday – they have also struggled in the wake of his diagnosis. Mr Stevens added: ‘It’s been very tough. We have been stuck inside not able to go out with the kids.
‘I would love to just take them away to get away from it all. They’re constantly surrounded by the situation.’