A Cornish father-of-two who has undergone life-changing surgery has sent out a positive message to people who find themselves in a similar situation.

Stephen Downes, 47 from Newquay, has undergone a full quarter amputation of his left arm, left shoulder, collarbone, three ribs and a proportion of his chest wall after being diagnosed with a rare type of cancer called myxofibrosarcoma.

The course of treatment was far more drastic than he could have imagined as the tumour was big, aggressive and unresponsive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The keen surfer is now undergoing rehab at Newquay Hospital and he hopes to get back in the water riding waves by next spring or early summer.

Stephen, who worked as an Openreach engineer, said: “Late May of this year while swimming at Hendra I noticed a lump in my neck.

“It was in the same location as a lump I’d found 25 years ago which turned out to be Hodgkins lyphoma, cancer of the lymph glands. This was successfully treated through a course of radio therapy.

“For 25 years, in the back of my mind, was always the fear and awareness that cancer can come back.

“The lump was identified as being suspicious, it was cancer.

“The good news was the consultants believed they could successfully remove the tumour. The bad news was it would involve drastic life changing surgery.

“My initial reaction was, ‘no, you can’t remove my arm, I’m a surfer…. and my job.’ I was told, ‘this tumour will kill if not removed.’ I was told this in a meeting at the start of July, on August 4 I walked into Derriford knowing, if I survived the operation, I’d be leaving the hospital one limb down.

“I was also told in the final meeting that once they’d opened me up, they may find the tumour was too large to be operated on.

“If that were the case, I’d have been stitched back up, keeping my arm but knowing it would mean palliative care. Meaning waking up with my arm meant a death sentence.

“I was told this was a complicated and challenging operation which would require four consultants and their accompanying surgical teams.

“I survived the operation, was out of ICU after 24 hours and was then discharged from hospital eight days after I went in.

“I’m now back at the pool swimming, I’ve also started back at the gym. I’m filling my time and the void left by surfing with some surf photography and my own surf clothing brand ‘Chopped.’

“My aim is to be back surfing late spring or early summer. Most surfers will have heard of Bethany Hamilton, an awe-inspiring para surfer who surfs in and wins able bodied events. She’s proven it can be done. My physio up at Newquay Hospital has been great and our aim is for me to compete in the adaptive surf competition up at the Wave in June.

“From the moment I found the lump to leaving hospital minus my left arm happened in just over two months.

“If my story can offer hope to others who find themselves in equally horrific circumstances then something good can come out of this.

“My message would be, one of hope and the human spirit in overcoming adversity.

“However dreadful the situation you are in, try to find the light at the end of the tunnel, and with the support of friends, family and medical professionals it is possible to overcome. Also the kindness and of people, I’ve been humbled by the support I’ve received. 

“The NHS were amazing, we all know the pressures the NHS are under, but this is also a good news story about the NHS.”