Liam Griffiths, 31, of Middlesbrough, diagnosed with terminal cancer, regrets ignoring symptoms to “man up.” Despite experiencing stomach swelling, constipation, cramps, and vomiting since March, he pressed on due to self-employment needs.
After Mr. Griffiths’ symptoms became unbearable, he sought medical help and was initially diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, later discovering he had peritoneal cancer. Despite undergoing surgery, doctors informed him it was unsuccessful, leaving him with a terminal cancer prognosis.
Now grappling with stage four peritoneal cancer, a rare affliction targeting the abdominal lining, Liam Griffiths, 31, faces a daunting reality. Though exact UK statistics are elusive, Cancer Research UK notes its prevalence among women and individuals over 60. Initial indicators encompass a swollen abdomen, abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, bloating, and appetite loss.
Reflecting on his struggle with the illness, Mr. Griffiths lamented, “Delaying medical attention was my gravest error. They diagnosed my cancer at an advanced stage three, but perhaps, had I sought help earlier, it could have been intercepted. Being self-employed, I prioritized financial stability, pushing through symptoms. I adhered to what I believed was the expectation of masculinity – enduring and stoic.”
He received a diagnosis of stage four peritoneal cancer, impacting the delicate lining of tissue within the abdomen.
Fatigue was not a factor when he eventually sought medical attention for his symptoms. Upon hospitalization, he was initially informed of a probable diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel condition. However, the following month brought an urgent request from doctors for him to return to the hospital. It was during this visit that he received the devastating news of peritoneal cancer and the necessity for chemotherapy.
Reflecting on the moment, Mr. Griffiths remarked, “The instant they mentioned bringing my mother, Susan, along, I knew. The hospital journey is a blur to me now; I’ve simply blocked out the trauma.”
“I recall asking my doctor about my life expectancy, but he declined to provide a specific timeframe, preferring I not center my entire existence around it,” Mr. Griffiths recounted. However, he confessed to feeling “fragile” and a mere “shadow” of his former self. “Once hailed as the epitome of health, I used to train rigorously every day. Now, something as simple as climbing stairs leaves me drenched in sweat,” he lamented. “This life I’m living now is beyond my worst nightmares. It’s agonizing. Mentally and physically, it’s draining.”
His once vibrant bucket list, brimming with adventures like swimming with sharks, skiing, and conquering Tough Mudder, has been drastically altered due to his deteriorating health. “Now, I must choose activities that allow me to remain seated, as my physical capabilities no longer align with my aspirations. Perhaps my mom and I will embark on a train journey,” he mused. “I simply aim to create cherished memories together before I possibly bid farewell.”
With the NHS chemotherapy treatment proving ineffective, Mr. Griffiths has resorted to private care, bearing the financial burden of scans, medications, and treatments in a bid to extend his time. Supported by his friend Eve Bannatyne, daughter of Dragon’s Den star Duncan Bannatyne, a JustGiving campaign has raised over £18,000 to aid his cause. Describing his plight, Eve emphasized Mr. Griffiths’ unwavering courage and the urgency of alleviating his suffering.
In a poignant plea, Mr. Griffiths hopes his battle with terminal cancer serves as a cautionary tale, urging men to heed their symptoms and prioritize regular check-ups.
