Father’s “Man Flu” Turns Out to Be Life-Threatening Cancer

When Clint Nield, a 46-year-old father from Burton-upon-Trent, first experienced a cough, cold, and fatigue in October 2022, he dismissed it as “man flu.” What started as mild symptoms quickly escalated into a life-threatening health crisis, revealing a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Initially attributing his illness to the seasonal cold and flu period, Clint’s condition deteriorated over two weeks. His wife, Joanne, 48, insisted on seeking medical help when he could no longer ignore the alarming changes in his health. After a visit to their general practitioner, who suspected a chest infection, Clint was prescribed antibiotics. However, when his symptoms did not improve, he was taken to the Accident and Emergency department at Burton Hospital.

At the hospital, tests confirmed the shocking diagnosis: Clint had acute myeloid leukaemia. He recalled, “Tests showed that my white blood cell count was 300, whereas it should have been around 10. I couldn’t believe it; I was terrified.”

Urgent Treatment and Recovery

Clint’s diagnosis necessitated immediate treatment. He began chemotherapy the following day at Royal Derby Hospital. The aggressive nature of AML meant that he faced severe side effects, including rapid weight loss and persistent nausea. At one point during his treatment, Clint fainted and fractured his ankle, which left him bedbound for two weeks.

Reflecting on his ordeal, Clint stated, “If I had left it any longer, I would not have made it until Christmas.” Despite the challenges, he persevered through four cycles of chemotherapy, which culminated in April 2023 when he completed his final treatment. Today, he is in remission and continues to take oral chemotherapy tablets while undergoing regular bone marrow biopsies every three months.

Clint’s experience has profoundly affected his outlook on life. “I treat each day as a blessing for still being here. I cannot plan my future right now, not knowing if AML will come back,” he explained. He expressed hopes of becoming a homeowner and returning to work, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging health symptoms early.

Raising Awareness About Leukaemia

In sharing his story, Clint aims to raise awareness about the often subtle signs of leukaemia. According to Leukaemia UK, nearly 3,100 people in the UK are diagnosed with AML each year, with approximately 80 percent not surviving beyond five years. The charity highlights key symptoms, including extreme fatigue, bruising, unexplained bleeding, and recurrent infections.

Fiona Hazell, Chief Executive of Leukaemia UK, noted, “Many people aren’t aware of the signs and symptoms of leukaemia until they or someone they know is diagnosed. Early diagnosis saves lives, so we want to make sure more people are aware.”

Colin Dyer, Chief Executive of Leukaemia Care, emphasized Clint’s story as a stark reminder that leukaemia can affect anyone, regardless of age. “Too many people can spend months searching for answers before receiving a diagnosis,” he said.

As part of Blood Cancer Awareness Month, Clint’s story supports the #SpotLeukaemia initiative, which aims to highlight the importance of early detection. By sharing his experience, he hopes to encourage others to seek medical attention for unusual symptoms and to foster greater awareness of leukaemia’s impact on individuals and families.

Clint’s journey underscores the critical message: do not ignore symptoms, as early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and save lives.