Andy Young, 62, a retired financial controller from Harpenden, Hertfordshire, spent 17 years never missing a day of work due to illness. Shortly after retiring, he was diagnosed with myeloma, an incurable blood cancer. His primary symptom was a sudden aversion to beer, which he previously enjoyed brewing at home.
Sudden Change in Taste Led to Diagnosis
Before Christmas 2025, Young experienced mild flu-like symptoms and lost his taste for beer. 'I would have a couple of beers in an evening or at the weekend and one time it took me nearly three hours to drink a beer,' he said. 'There was something about the taste because I really wasn't enjoying it.' He also had low-level nausea, tiredness, and chest pain. After three weeks without improvement, he saw his GP in January 2026.
Kidney Issues Revealed Myeloma
Blood tests showed his kidneys were not functioning correctly. Despite increasing water intake, subsequent tests showed no improvement. Further investigations, including blood tests, urine tests, X-rays, ECGs, ultrasounds, and a bone marrow biopsy, confirmed myeloma in March. 'The consultant came in and said, "You've got myeloma, it's a blood cancer, it's treatable but not curable." It was a huge shock,' Young said.
Treatment and Stem Cell Transplant
Young underwent weekly subcutaneous chemotherapy and took steroids. He noted that being able to enjoy beer again indicated the chemotherapy was working: 'I can drink a beer now, so I think that shows the chemotherapy is working and my kidneys must be improving.' He is scheduled for a stem cell transplant in October, aiming for remission. 'Everything I've read sounds horrendous for a week or two, but when you look at the outcome, bring it on,' he said.
Spinal Fractures and Back Brace
A full-body scan in April revealed two fractures near the top of his spine, dangerously close to the spinal cord. Young had no pain and described it as a 'complete shock'. He now wears a custom-made back brace with Spider-Man theme, as his older granddaughter is a fan. He must stop wearing it by September to proceed with the transplant.
Raising Awareness
Young is supporting Myeloma UK's 'Know the Warning Signs' campaign. Myeloma affects over 35,000 people in the UK. Symptoms include pain, fatigue, recurring infection, kidney damage, and peripheral neuropathy. Young advises: 'If something doesn't feel right, or something changes, then it probably isn't right. Get it checked.'
