A father is in a race against time to save his life after exhausting NHS treatment options for stage 4 colon cancer. Serdar Ferit, 45, from London, was told his chances of surviving five years are only about 10%. Despite three and a half years of treatment in the UK, he is now seeking alternative therapies abroad to prolong his life, especially for his 12-year-old son, Jaxon.
A Devastating Diagnosis
Serdar first noticed blood in his stool in February 2022 but dismissed it as haemorrhoids. After persistent symptoms, he saw a doctor in July and underwent a colonoscopy in September, by which time the cancer had already reached stage four and spread to his liver and lungs. He recalls feeling "shocked, numb, and lost" upon hearing the diagnosis. The five-year survival rate of 10% on the Cancer Research UK website left a lasting impression.
Gruelling Treatment Journey
Since diagnosis, Serdar has endured over 30 chemotherapy infusions, 28 radiotherapy sessions to his pelvis, and multiple ablations to his lungs and liver. The treatments have been painful, requiring morphine, but the cancer remains. In mid-2023, he was told the cancer is likely to become immune to current therapy, a devastating blow after a brief period of seeming remission.
Hope in Mexico
Serdar is now turning to an immunotherapy clinic in Mexico that offers a personalised treatment plan including CAR-T therapy, cancer vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies. He believes immunotherapy can help his body continue fighting cancer cells. The estimated cost of travel, treatment, and insurance is £290,000, of which he has already raised £97,000 through a GoFundMe campaign. He describes the support as "overwhelming in an amazing way."
Determination to Live
Despite the odds, Serdar remains optimistic. He says, "I'm going to be in that 10% who live beyond five years." His focus is on spending time with his son and supporting his ageing parents. He adds, "I am trying to have as much joy as I can with friends and loved ones. I just hope I can live a while longer to enjoy this new outlook on life."
