Four years after receiving a terminal diagnosis, a man from the UK is preparing to celebrate his fourth Christmas since doctors told him he likely wouldn't see the festive season of 2022.
The First Symptoms and a Fight for Diagnosis
Sandy Whitelaw first noticed unusual symptoms in early 2021. He experienced strange tremors, akin to a vibrating sensation, which began in his stomach before moving under his arm. Concerned, he visited his GP multiple times over the following months. Initially, the symptoms were dismissed as possible muscle spasms, and a referral for an MRI scan was made, but that scan did not materialise until his case became an emergency.
The situation escalated dramatically between Christmas and New Year. On 27 December 2021, while cooking dinner, Sandy's arm locked upright for a full five minutes. The vibrating sensation became intensely painful, prompting a trip to A&E with his wife, Fiona. He was sent home with only painkillers. A week later, on 3 January 2022, his arm locked again, this time for 15 minutes. Returning to A&E, he saw the same doctor, who immediately ordered MRI and CT scans.
The scans revealed a frightening mass in his brain. After an operation to remove most of the tumour, Sandy and his family awaited biopsy results. Two weeks later, the devastating news was confirmed: he had glioblastoma grade 4, a terminal brain cancer. His life expectancy was estimated at just 18 months.
Navigating Treatment and Emotional Despair
Following surgery, Sandy underwent six weeks of radiotherapy and began a course of chemotherapy in tablet form. He was also prescribed anti-seizure medication and steroids. The physical toll was significant, including hair loss which made his scars visible and forced him to confront the reality of his illness.
As December 2022 approached, Sandy believed he was facing his last Christmas. He fell into a deep depression, often crying when alone and struggling to see a future. "I thought, ‘That’s it. Everything is over’," he recalls. His wife Fiona, concerned for his mental wellbeing, encouraged him to seek professional support.
Finding Hope and a New Perspective
In June 2023, Sandy found vital support through Maggie's, a UK-wide cancer charity offering free emotional and practical help. They connected him with a counselling psychologist and a 'Living Well with Ongoing Cancer' support group. This proved to be a turning point.
"The charity helped me to accept that, even though I have a terminal illness, I’m still here and I still have lots to offer," Sandy explains. Connecting with others in similar situations helped shift his mindset from despair to determination. He began to focus on living for every moment, cherishing simple joys like trips to the chip shop, playing with his young daughter Imogen, and afternoon tea with Fiona.
Defying Prognosis and Looking Forward
Remarkably, the 18-month prognosis came and went. Sandy and his family celebrated Christmas 2023 on a cruise, and spent Christmas 2024 in Turkey. This year, having been cleared for long-haul flights, they are preparing for a festive holiday in Florida, where they plan to swim with dolphins on Christmas Day.
While Sandy lives with ongoing limitations—he is now registered disabled and uses a walking stick due to limited use of his left leg—he has required no further treatment beyond daily anti-epileptic medicine and pain relief. He acknowledges the anxiety that can come between scans but strives to focus on the future.
"While I may not know how many more Christmases I’ll see, one thing I know for sure is that life truly is for living," Sandy states. "I want to enjoy every single moment of it." His story stands as a powerful testament to resilience, the importance of specialist support, and finding joy amidst profound challenge.
