'Cancer broke my back - now I do things to make me smile'

Krys Kemple celebrated 110 days post-stem cell transplant by taking a ride in a helicopter last year

A woman with incurable cancer that broke her back said she had to "change her mindset" and now does things that make her smile everyday.

Krys Kemple, 59, from Ebley, in Gloucestershire, was diagnosed with a type of blood cancer called myeloma in August 2022 after experiencing "excruciating back pain".

She underwent radiotherapy, which helped to reduce her pain, and received a stem cell transplant in February 2023, but her cancer returned earlier this year.

Despite this, she said she is determined to "continue to do the things that bring her joy, and embark on new adventures whenever possible".

By the time Ms Kemple's cancer was diagnosed it had weakened her bones to the point her back fractured in three places.

“The doctor said it looked like a crash injury,” the test engineer said.

"For five months I just knew it was more than just back pain. I knew something else was going on."

Ms Kemple did not require surgery for the fractures, but underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Now unable to ride a horse, Ms Kemple dreams of getting a pony and trap

“You have to change your mindset,” Ms Kemple said.

“I set myself small tasks and if I can’t do them, I can’t do them. I just go and sit, have a cup of tea and a KitKat."

Ms Kemple used to work with horses, but has said since the cancer she has been unable to ride.

“I know I’ll never be able to ride again because of my back but my goal, if I can get well enough, is to get a pony and a trap," she said.

"Can you imagine rocking up at Sainsbury’s with a pony and trap?

“I’m doing things that make me smile. Every day is a win for me at the moment.”

Ms Kemple was 56-years-old when she was diagnosed and despite myeloma being incurable, the cancer can be managed, relieving the complications and symptoms it causes.

She said staff at Gloucestershire Hospitals Foundation Trust, where she is being treated, kept her "buoyant".

'Total faith'

The NHS team was presented with a national award this month for their commitment to myeloma patients.

Myeloma occurs in the bone marrow and currently affects more than 24,000 people in the UK.

Although it is the third most common type of blood cancer, myeloma is especially difficult to detect as symptoms - which include pain, easily broken bones, fatigue and recurring infection - are often linked to general ageing or minor conditions.

Ms Kemple has now thanked the hospital for supporting her through the "rollercoaster of cancer treatment".

“When the consultant told me it was myeloma, he was so nice and so relaxed – I just had total faith in the team,” she said.

Ms Kemple (fourth from right) attended the award presentation

Ms Kemple said she has "a massive sense of humour" and likes to make people laugh, which the staff "really get".

"I’m lucky. The support of my family and my team has been phenomenal," she said.

The NHS trust has been handed the Myeloma UK Clinical Service Excellence Programme Award.

Staff were praised for their efforts to improve patients' quality of life and eagerness to listen to their needs.

Consultant haematologist Asha Johny said all of the staff were "delighted" to receive the award.