Dad with ‘lots of of tumours’ thought ‘life was over’

Craig, 42, from Elderslie close to Paisley, began experiencing signs in 2008, together with flushing of his face and physique, frequent journeys to the bathroom, and coronary heart palpitations. After years of uncertainty, he was lastly identified with Neuroendocrine most cancers in November 2013, on the age of 32. The most cancers had originated in his rectum and had unfold to his liver, the place he now has lots of of tumours.

Despite the devastating prognosis, Craig has defied the chances and continues to be alive, studying to stay along with his terminal sickness. The news of his most cancers analysis deeply affected his family members, particularly his spouse Angela and their two kids, Adam, seven and Rhianne, 14.

Craig instructed Glasgow Live: “I thought my life was over when I got told I had cancer. It was quite shocking for my family too; they probably thought they are going to lose me.”

Craig initially continued working for 9 months however discovered it more and more troublesome to handle therapies and carry out his job successfully. He made the choice to step again and prioritise spending time along with his kids.

He emphasised how a most cancers analysis adjustments one’s perspective, saying: “A cancer diagnosis will prioritise your life in a way that nothing else ever will. You will look at things in your life and think that things which weren’t a priority before become a priority. My priority in life isn’t how far I can go in my career; I have different aspirations in life.”

Neuroendocrine most cancers impacts round 6,000 folks within the UK annually. Over the previous decade, Craig has undergone eight liver operations, two coronary heart surgical procedures, and numerous therapies, together with chemotherapy, to enhance his high quality of life.

His well being battle has been mentally difficult, with each good and unhealthy days. However, Craig has channeled his vitality into elevating consciousness about Neuroendocrine most cancers and is now an envoy for Neuroendocrine Cancer UK (NCUK).

In his efforts to assist most cancers analysis, Craig is organising a charity firewalk on the Johnstone Bowling Club, aiming to boost £100,000 for NCUK. He stays constructive and decided, regardless of having lots of of small tumours in his liver.

Craig defined: “If you see a scan, you’d think this guy has days to live, but because it is slow-growing, my body is able to adapt and live with it a bit longer.”

Craig’s final hope is to discover a take a look at that may expedite the analysis course of, enabling sufferers to be identified earlier. He additionally aspires to organise a nationwide firewalk occasion and encourage others throughout the UK to take part in comparable fundraising actions. His most important goal is to boost a million kilos for most cancers analysis.

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