Dad diagnosed with cancer after family notice weight loss

Rob Gore, from Sandymoor in Runcorn, was at a family party when his mother-in-law commented on the weight loss.

This sparked his wife Kirsty to book an appointment with the doctor, leading to the ‘devastating’ discovery being made.

The cancer had also spread to his liver and lungs.

Rob, who had a four-year-old daughter and two stepsons, said: “I’d noticed some blood when I went to the toilet and my mother-in-law commented on how much weight I’d lost at a family party.

“We put it down to stress at work, not eating right and maybe too much alcohol but Kirsty booked me an appointment anyway.

“By the time I received my diagnosis, I’d resigned myself to the fact it was serious.

“Kirsty was obviously devastated.

“I think my positive attitude throughout all this has really helped her – if I stay positive, it puts her mind at rest.

“The kids have taken all of this in their stride.

“In the beginning, they were always asking if they could help me – they’re amazing and took to these changes in our family like ducks to water.”

Rob was fitted with a stoma bag and began six rounds of chemotherapy at the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre’s Halton Hospital in March 2019.

Two years on, he continues to receive treatment and underwent successful surgery on his liver in December.

He has shared his story to mark Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, which runs throughout April.

Rob added: “The Clatterbridge team in Halton are amazing.

“It was such a welcoming environment, nothing like what you seen in the films where cancer treatment happens in dark and gloomy hospitals – the experience was so positive, even if my first treatment was a little daunting.

“The future looks good and I’m recovering well from my surgery and the treatment I’m having.

“I trust the teams looking after me implicitly.

“They know what they’re doing and I’m in the very best hands with the NHS. Never have I wanted to give up – this cancer is more of an inconvenience than anything and I just take every day as it comes.

“My family sometimes joke that I talk about my cancer too much but talking about it openly helps me and hopefully helps my family if they see me being positive about it.

"It’s them that keep me going.”

Clatterbridge Cancer Centre staff have described Rob as an ‘inspiration’.

Dr Danielle Shaw, the consultant in medical oncology who has led Rob’s care, said: “I’m delighted that Rob has such a strong support network around him and them noticing his weight loss and booking an appointment with his GP was a vital first step in his diagnosis.

“Cancer care remains a priority for the NHS. If you have symptoms you’re worried about that persist for three weeks or more, please go and see your GP as Rob did.

“Blood when you go to the toilet, persistent pains in your stomach or sudden weight loss could be a sign of bowel cancer but the earlier it is seen to, the more treatable it is.”

Bowel cancer nurse consultant Jeanette Ribton added: “Rob’s attitude is so inspirational.

“With the support of his family and friends, I’ve no doubt he’ll continue to cope through all the ups and downs that this disease can throw at you.”