John Robertson, a 35-year-old father of three from Ayr, has been diagnosed with terminal 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.
From Healthy Dad to Terminal Diagnosis
Robertson, a glazier, had always been fit and healthy. In February, he began struggling to swallow food, which led to a weight loss of three stone in two and a half months. He also suffered from unbearable chest pain, which he described as feeling like a heart attack. He visited his GP and was fast-tracked for an endoscopy, which revealed a bleed and a mass tumour covering 75 per cent of his oesophagus.
Medics told Robertson that the cancer could not have been caught earlier because symptoms only appear when the disease is already advanced. He was informed that the tumour may have been growing for years.
Emotional Impact on Family
Robertson is devastated by the thought of leaving his partner of 11 years, Nicole, 29, and their three children: Jorja, 15, Paris-Cole, eight, and Clay-Ty, four. He told the Record: "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. They've already seen enough."
Treatment and Fundraising
Robertson is now on an all-liquid diet and will begin chemotherapy this month. He may also need a feeding tube. He has started fundraising to pay for private medical treatments and clinical trials not available on the NHS. He is waiting to hear if he has been accepted for trials in Germany and London.
The funds will also be used to create lasting memories with his family. Robertson 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."
Appearance vs. Reality
Despite his diagnosis, Robertson appears healthy. He said: "Doctors have told me I'll look like this until the end except a bit paler and thinner. My bloods, liver function, and heart rate are good. I'm still strong and active. Looking at me and hearing my story doesn't marry up."
He recalled the moment of diagnosis: "I remember seeing a pool of blood in my throat on the screen during the endoscopy. The doctor's face dropped. I was so panicked."
