John Robertson, a 35-year-old father of three from Ayr, has been diagnosed with Stage 4 oesophageal adenocarcinoma after experiencing difficulty swallowing food. The cancer has spread to multiple parts of his body, including his liver, lungs, throat, and right adrenal gland. Doctors have given him just nine months to live.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
John began having trouble swallowing food in February, which caused him to lose three stone over two and a half months. He also suffered from severe chest pain, which he described as feeling like a heart attack. After visiting his GP, he was fast-tracked for an endoscopy, which revealed a bleed and a mass tumour covering 75% of his oesophagus. Biopsies confirmed Stage 4 oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
Doctors told John that the cancer could not have been detected earlier because symptoms only appear at an advanced stage. He may have been carrying the tumour for several years.
Impact on Family
John is devastated by the thought of leaving his wife Nicole, 29, and their three children: Jorja, 15, Paris-Cole, eight, and Clay-Ty, four. He said: "It was the most devastating, world-crushing news. My world fell apart. My kids don't deserve to lose their dad so young. I want to watch them grow up and guide them through life."
He added: "To know I might not be here to walk my daughters down the aisle or watch my son grow into the gentleman he is already becoming is heartbreaking. I don't want them to remember me as ill."
Treatment and Fundraising
John is currently on a liquid diet and is due to begin chemotherapy. He may require a feeding tube. Despite his diagnosis, he remains strong and active, with good bloods, liver function, and heart rate.
He has launched a fundraising campaign to pay for private medical treatments and clinical trials not available on the NHS. He is awaiting confirmation for trials in Germany and London. The funds will also be used to create lasting memories with his family.
John said: "We're trying to cram a lifetime of experiences into a few months. I'm writing cards and recording video messages for my family to cover birthdays and other celebrations. I want them to know I will still be there with them through every milestone."
