Robert Armstrong, a 58-year-old marine engineer from Felixstowe, East Suffolk, was given just months to live after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. But despite the devastating news, Rob remained optimistic and determined to fight the cancer, inspiring his family and friends to rally around him.
The journey began in January 2023, when Rob hurt his back while intervening to prevent an elderly lady from falling. He thought he had simply twisted something in his back, but the pain persisted, and he started experiencing “pins and needles” in his face and fingers. His wife, Alison, and their daughter, Loti, suspected it might be a trapped nerve, but as the symptoms worsened, they realized something more serious was amiss.
In April 2023, Rob and Alison returned from a “bucket list” trip to Cuba, where Rob’s symptoms had become more pronounced. They visited their doctor, who initially thought Rob might have experienced a mini-stroke. However, scans revealed a five-centimeter tumour in the middle of his brain.
The diagnosis was a shock to the entire family. Rob was told he had an inoperable, terminal brain tumour and was given three months to live or six months of treatment. Loti, who was 25 at the time, recalled the devastating news: “It was a really shocking, short turnaround. We actually saw it in real-time, which was obviously horrifying.”
As the tumour continued to grow, Rob’s symptoms worsened. He struggled to use his right arm, was exhausted by short walks, and his peripheral vision was severely impaired. Alison tested his vision by slowly moving an object from one side to the other, and realized he could only see out of his right eye if the object was placed directly in front of him.
Despite the dire prognosis, Rob remained optimistic and determined to fight the cancer. He underwent Gamma Knife radiosurgery, a type of radiation therapy that aims to destroy cancer cells with a precise and intense dose of radiation. The treatment was administered five times, and while it initially showed promise, Rob’s condition eventually stabilized, and his symptoms persisted.
In May 2024, the family was told that the doctors had run out of treatment options, and there was nothing more they could do. But Rob and Alison refused to give up, and they sought a second opinion. This led them to discover a new type of drug called trastuzumab deruxtecan, which is designed to interfere with processes that help cancer cells grow.
The treatment is administered intravenously every three weeks and costs around £14,000 per session. To help cover the costs, Loti launched a GoFundMe campaign, which has received significant support. The family is grateful for the outpouring of kindness and generosity, and they are determined to make the most of the time they have left.
Rob’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of seeking a second opinion. Despite the challenges he has faced, Rob remains optimistic and focused on his treatment, inspiring his family and friends to rally around him.
As Loti said, “It’s really weird thinking about who he has been for the majority of my life and comparing that to the person who my dad is now. Nothing is certain. Dad’s always been such a strong, healthy person, doesn’t smoke and is always doing stuff, and then for him to have this, and it goes so quickly. It was really unexpected, even within his family because they’ve got no history of cancer.”
The family is grateful for the support they have received and encourages others to do the same. As Loti said, “We appreciate all the donations so far and if you’re able to share our fundraiser with friends, family, colleagues, and whoever will listen, it would really, really help. Thank you again, everyone has been beyond lovely.”
Rob’s story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope. With the support of his family and friends, Rob is determined to fight his cancer and make the most of the time he has left.
Rob’s story has had a profound impact on his family and friends. His daughter, Loti, has been inspired to share his story and raise awareness about the importance of seeking a second opinion and the power of determination in the face of adversity.
As Loti said, “I had the notion, as everyone does accidentally, that I would have plenty more years to annoy, argue with, go on holiday with and celebrate with my dad. But now, I’m just grateful for every moment I have with him.”
Rob’s story has also inspired others to share their own experiences and raise awareness about the importance of seeking medical attention and the power of determination in the face of adversity.
Rob’s treatment is ongoing, and he is currently undergoing the new drug therapy. The family is hopeful that this treatment will help slow the progression of the cancer and improve Rob’s quality of life.
As Loti said, “We’re just taking it one day at a time and making the most of the time we have left. We’re grateful for every moment we have with Rob and are determined to make the most of the time we have left.”
The family is also exploring other treatment options and is open to any new developments that may arise. They are grateful for the support of their loved ones and are determined to make the most of the time they have left.
Rob’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking a second opinion and the power of determination in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges he has faced, Rob remains optimistic and focused on his treatment, inspiring his family and friends to rally around him.
As Loti said, “It’s really weird thinking about who he has been for the majority of my life and comparing that to the person who my dad is now. Nothing is certain. Dad’s always been such a strong, healthy person, doesn’t smoke and is always doing stuff, and then for him to have this, and it goes so quickly. It was really unexpected, even within his family because they’ve got no history of cancer.”
Rob’s story is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the importance of seeking medical attention and exploring all treatment options.