FORMER RANGERS, Manchester United and Scotland goalkeeper Andy Goram has vowed to “fight like he has never fought before” after revealing he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The Ibrox club – with whom he earned legendary status during a trophy-laden seven years in the 1990s – announced last month that the 58-year-old was being treated for the illness.
However, Goram has now confirmed in an interview with the Daily Record that he has been given about six months to live by doctors after declining the chance of chemotherapy, which might extend his life by an extra three months.
The ex-Scotland stopper – who won 43 caps – first felt ill around seven weeks ago, when he was struggling to eat and drink, but he initially ignored the symptoms after failing to get a face-to-face appointment with his GP.
“I thought I had severe indigestion,” he said. “It was as though my gullet was blocked. After a few weeks, it got worse and nothing was getting through. Everything I ate or drank didn’t get halfway to my stomach and I threw it back up.
“I couldn’t get a face-to-face with my GP for two weeks, by which time I was in total agony. I’d also lost 4st in four weeks.
“I had a CT scan at Monklands, then was rushed to Wishaw General and told my next of kin should be with me.
“That is when the alarm bells started ringing. I realised I had cancer.”
Goram was diagnosed with Level 4 oesophageal cancer. It has spread to his liver, right lung, three vertebrae and ribs.
Goram’s son Danny was by his side when a doctor informed him his condition was terminal. He has rejected the chance of chemotherapy after seeing the impact it had on his ex-wife Miriam during her cancer battle last year.
“The surgeon explained where all the cancer was and it was inoperable,” he said. “Danny broke down while I was trying to assess the situation.
“The word ‘inoperable’ hit me hard. I knew I was in for a fight.
“The specialist said if I take the chemotherapy, I’ve an average of nine months to go – an average. If I don’t take the chemo, I have an average of six.
“After seeing what it did to Miriam, my decision was made after chats with her and Danny.
“Take chemotherapy and be in agony for the sake of an extra three months and zero quality of life? No thanks. Chemotherapy is off the menu.
“Miriam had six chemotherapy treatments and three radiography sessions. It was hellish.
“Her partner Dale had to carry her up and down the stairs for weeks.
“But she had a goal because now she’s more or less beat it. My problem is there was no exit door for me to fight for.
“I’ve been told by the doc, ‘Go enjoy your everyday life and be as normal as possible’. My pain is manageable. I can still go see friends and supporters’ clubs and still be myself.
“I’ll be here as long as I possibly can. The only difference is the timebomb ticking away.”
The organisers have ruined this competition. I’m delighted a French team have been given the same treatment as Leinster but it still doesn’t make it right.
Happy for Connacht though.
@Clark: what would you do though? Or what exactly can be done, considering the pandemic
@Andrew Taz Donohoe: play the feckin tie with players that have tested negative today. Same as should have been done with Leinster, we had a negative match day ready to go. These outbreaks will come and go, those players that are vaccinated and also negative on the day should be allowed play on.
You mean Testdemic.
@Clark: Agrred. These 28 :0 wins were never any good in situations where no one is at fault. Whoever came up with that should be fired on the spot! 1D10TS
@Andrew Taz Donohoe: think the point is, some games 28-0 and others 0-0.. how can that be‽?
@Eoin Roche: where you saying the same when Toulon had a match day 23 all test negative, yet the game was awarded to Leinster?
@Karl Mc Cauley: Thats easy, some games were cancalled due to covid outbreaks (which EPRC legistrates for) and awarded 28-0, and some were cancelled due to travel restrictions (which isnt legislatiled for) so were given as draws.
I didn’t see LNR say anything about it being a scandalous decision when Montpellier were handed a 28-0 win against Leinster
Well deserved, a justification for the brand of rugby they promote.
It’s a total anticlimax of a way for us to make the knockouts, but reaching the knockouts this year, is not near the same as reaching it when there’s only 8 teams, and there’s been a fair and equal group stage. However it’s still great to make it to the last 16, the aim now has to be to make sure we can put our best foot forward, and target further progression in the competition. Have to say I always liked Toulouse, but it’s totally hilarious to see the reaction from both Toulouse and the LNR. One thing to note is how the URC never came in to back Scarlets, Ospreys or Leinster when they got shafted.
@Patrick Breen: good point re the URC… And regarding getting through, its a topsy turvy year, take what you can get, and I bet there will be a great buzz in Connacht now going into this last game regardless.
@SPQH: enjoy it. Get to a semi snd earn the buzz
There’ll be no easy games in the last 16 but I’d like to avoid Racing and Leinster, Exeter and Le Rochelle also if I’m making wish-list
@mike ryan: I think they will be hoping to avoid us as well. A good win tomorrow should give us a home draw, which means we should avoid the likes of the teams you’re talking about.
@Donal McCarthy: actually, just had another look at the table, we need Scarlets to beat Bristol for that to happen. Unlikely
Castres will regret no going full guns last week, but then again they didn’t seem to be too bothered
@Scott Crossfield: I don’t think they give a daam, they’ve always been a bit of a disappointment in Europe, a bit like Montpellier.
@Scott Crossfield: if castres and wasps win toulouse go out.
@Scott Crossfield: Castes have been absolutley ridden by the Mike Addission and his team. The officals have a lot to answer for forward passes by quinns sealing off penalties not given. The last 20 miniutes of reffing was a disgrace
I had my doubts about this years H Cup when I first saw the format. But now………….. meh.
Leicester given a walkover too.
All done in trying to justify the unfair treatment of Leinster. 2 wrongs don’t make a right
More 28 nil BS.