At a Glance
- A 77-year-old man was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and given weeks to live.
- He and his partner of 40 years married in the hospital on January 26, 2024.
- The couple reports the wedding helped him survive and now live in remission.
- Why it matters: It illustrates how emotional support and hope can influence recovery from a life-threatening illness.
The story of Bendigo Davies, a 77-year-old from Worcestershire, and his partner Arlaine, who married him in the hospital after a terminal cancer diagnosis, has captured national attention. The couple’s experience highlights the power of love, hope, and a strong support system during a medical crisis.
Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Bendigo was admitted to Worcestershire Royal Hospital on January 23, 2024 after a routine blood test revealed a high white blood cell count. A subsequent diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) revealed a blood clot in his lung, a complication caused by the leukemia cells.
The clot required immediate anticoagulation, but Bendigo’s low platelet levels posed a high bleeding risk. Doctors had to balance safety and efficacy, administering blood thinners, daily platelet transfusions, and urgent chemotherapy to reduce leukemia cells.
> “It was a difficult balance of safety and efficacy, which had to be done cautiously with very close monitoring in the initial few days when he was on blood thinner, daily platelet transfusions and urgent chemotherapy to quickly lower the leukemia cells,” explained Dr. Sangam Hebballi, a consulting hematologist.
The treatment plan focused on stabilizing Bendigo one day at a time before initiating definitive AML therapy.
The Hospital Wedding
Facing a bleak prognosis, Bendigo’s final wish was to marry Arlaine. With help from the hospital staff, the couple tied the knot on January 26, 2024.
The ward was transformed into a wedding venue. Patients and staff lined the hallway to celebrate, and “Here Comes the Bride” played as Arlaine walked down the makeshift aisle.
> “The wedding was beautiful and such a happy day,” Arlaine recalled. “So much of that was down to the incredible people around us. The staff did everything they could to make it ever so special.”
Following the ceremony, Bendigo spent the next six weeks undergoing chemotherapy. He was discharged in early March 2024, and the couple enjoyed a belated honeymoon.
Recovery and Remission
On the day of the wedding’s second anniversary, Bendigo’s AML was reported to be in complete remission. He will, however, continue with a five-day cycle of chemotherapy every six weeks for the rest of his life.
Dr. Hebballi noted Bendigo’s resilience:
> “After spending six long weeks in the hospital, going through significant illness and uncertainty, Bendigo has overcome multiple complex and life-threatening clinical challenges,” he said. “With a positive mindset, he continues to live life to the fullest with his wife, carefully balancing his ongoing chemotherapy. Bendigo’s journey is a powerful story of hope and happiness.”
Bendigo attributes his survival to the hope that marriage brought him.
> “I truly believe the reason I survived is because I knew I was getting married. That hope kept me alive,” he said.
Reflections and Lessons
The experience has taught the couple to cherish each day. Bendigo urges others to act on their desires without hesitation.
> “You never know what is going to happen tomorrow, so if you want to do something, just do it!” he said.
Their story underscores the importance of emotional support and the potential impact of hope on medical outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- A 77-year-old man survived AML after a hospital wedding.
- Emotional support and a hopeful mindset may influence recovery.
- Continuous chemotherapy remains part of his long-term care.
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Source: Sophia A. Reynolds reported for News Of Los Angeles
