Bradford Bulls full-back Tom Holmes has released a statement via both the club and his personal social media channels updating fans on his current cancer treatment.
The Odsal club have been without their talented number one for a period of time with Holmes confirming the news back in January, however, he’s revealed within his statement that he’s been going through the process for “six incredibly long difficult months”.
Holmes’ initial statement, also released in tandem with Bradford Bulls, revealed that he had been informed he was dealing with a rare type of cancer initialled as SPTCL that affects less than 1% of people.
As such he explained that “there is still so much unknown by the doctors themselves”, but he’s now posted an update through social media on how life has been since his diagnosis.
The statement read: “6 incredibly long difficult months mentally, physically & even more, emotionally. Appointment after appointment, multiple biopsy’s, bone marrow extractions, multiple pet scans & then a second referral to start it all over again in Manchester…
“I’ve finally got a plan going forward, of some sort…..
“The results from all these biopsies still shine no light on what’s going on to be honest or a clear indication if it’s cancer or not due to rarity of it apparently, the specialists are still unsure and I haven’t had the all clear which is still pretty scary….BUT with my general health stabilising more which is a huge positive & some scans showing activity has shrunk more than before, I have been given the go ahead to try resume normal life while been closely monitored in the hope things keep improving in my body. I’m no closer to knowing what’s started all this, what the complete diagnosis is. I’m just more reassured that it’s less likely to be malignant at this moment in time & hoping it stays that way.
“I can’t explain how these past months have been for not just myself, but my close friends, and especially my family at home, who have been amazing every step. Home life has been incredibly tough but my partner & kids have been my rock. It’s taken so much out of me & i can’t even put into words how I’ve felt daily and how I’m feeling right now. I’ve always had a glimmer of hope but the more time went on the harder it became, feels like a miracle that things are looking much more positive!
“Regarding my rugby, im going to work with the staff to ensure I’m gradually built back into it. I honestly didn’t even think I would even be able to get the chance to play again at times. The club have been incredibly supportive throughout all this too so I’m ready to give back the best I can and have a season to remember…best get myself some new boots!
“Much love”
Everyone at Serious About Rugby League wishes Tom the very best in his continued recovery and commend him on his bravery in speaking out, whilst also applauding Bradford Bulls for their clear and apparent support of Tom during this incredibly tough time.
