Nigel Robinson, a 57-year-old father from Derbyshire, has been diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer, a situation exacerbated by the disease spreading to his liver. Robinson, a keen cyclist and company director, initially dismissed his health issues as minor, experiencing an increased urgency to use the toilet numerous times each day and discomfort, which he believed could be related to hemorrhoids.
His health issues began three years ago, and it wasn't until a month of persistent discomfort that his wife urged him to seek medical help. Following her advice, he completed a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) that indicated the presence of blood in his stool, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of cancer. Upon undergoing a colonoscopy that lasted 90 minutes, rather than the expected 30, Nigel was confronted with the reality of his condition when he saw the cancer on the monitor.
Robinson recalled the moment he received his diagnosis, revealing that his first concern was whether he would still be able to cycle. However, the situation became more complex when subsequent medical appointments indicated that the cancer had progressed to stage four, resulting in a mere 15% chance of survival. The diagnosis was further compounded by personal tragedy; shortly after receiving the news, he learned of his mother's passing. "We walked out of the hospital and I got a text to say my mum had died. So strange really... stage four, 15% chance survival, how do you feel?" he said in an interview with BristolLive.
The treatment pathway for Robinson has been fraught with challenges. He underwent both oral and intravenous chemotherapy, and subsequent surgery to address a 1.9 mm lesion in his liver. During this tumultuous period, he also faced serious complications, including pulmonary embolisms in both lungs and an incisional hernia. Despite these hurdles, Nigel's treatment was successful, and he reported being clear of colorectal cancer.
However, a subsequent medical assessment on December 28 brought new complications when he was informed about a concerning 35 mm lesion suspected to be a continuation of his primary cancer, just ahead of his scheduled incisional hernia operation on January 6. Robinson is now awaiting his next assessment in April, hopeful that the new lesion will prove to be benign.
Amidst this health battle, Nigel Robinson is committed to raising awareness about colorectal cancer. He has set up a GoFundMe page and is participating in Chris Hoy's Tour de 4 cycling challenge, an initiative aimed at bringing attention to cancer-related issues and financing support for organisations such as Bowel Cancer UK. He articulated the significance of his fundraising efforts by stating, "Unless you've been through it I guess you can only try to comprehend what it's like to be told you have stage four cancer."
Nigel has emphasised the importance of getting regular health checks, advising others that they should consult medical professionals even if they do not display symptoms. He pointed out that NHS tests are currently sent out to individuals over the age of 55, but he believes that such screenings should be made available to a broader demographic for early detection and intervention.
Source: Noah Wire Services