At 31, Elliot, a terminal cancer patient who was told he had just weeks to live, has defied expectations by celebrating his 30th birthday. In a candid reflection, he shares his journey through lockdown, treatment, and acceptance of his fate.
In April, Elliot wrote for the Guardian under the headline 'Terminal cancer means I won’t see the other side of lockdown', fearing he would spend his final months isolated. Five months on, he is still alive, though his condition has deteriorated. He describes losing weight, experiencing 20-minute coughing fits, and relying on steroids and morphine to manage symptoms.
During lockdown, his sister moved back into their shared flat, providing crucial companionship. He also qualified for a drug trial aimed at extending his life by a few months, but after a week he stopped due to severe side effects. 'Life for me is about living, not just clocking up the years,' he says.
Now with no treatment left, Elliot reflects on his past: 'The first three decades of my life were pretty standard. Actually, they were awesome.' He had plans to travel and settle down, but accepts that 'everybody dies'. He acknowledges the emotional struggle but finds peace in the good times he has had.
