For Andrew, from Warminster in Wiltshire, music has always been at the heart of his life. As a professional classical singer, he has performed across the UK and around the world. But in late 2023, his voice faced an unexpected challenge – one that had nothing to do with music.
At 67, Andrew began having trouble swallowing. Concerned, he underwent a gastroscopy and CT scan at Salisbury, followed by a PET scan in Southampton. On November 21, 2023, he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, linked to his Barrett’s oesophagus – a ‘potentially precancerous condition’, where some of the normal cells in the lining of his oesophagus had changed to be ‘abnormal’ and were more at risk of turning into cancer.
Determined to fight, Andrew began FLOT chemotherapy in December 2023 at Salisbury’s Pembroke Suite. Four rounds of treatment later, in March 2024, he underwent a robot-assisted oesophagectomy at Bournemouth Hospital – a complex seven-hour surgery performed by consultants Andrew Cowie and Richard Byrom. Just over a week later, he was home.
The plan was to continue with another cycle of FLOT chemo (which is used to is used to treat stomach and oesophageal cancer), but in June, a severe lung infection led to a four-week hospital stay, forcing him to stop further treatment.
Despite this setback, a CT scan in August 2024 brought incredible news – his oncology team believed he was cancer-free.
Since then, he has remained under close monitoring, with regular CT scans and check-ups in both Salisbury and Bournemouth.
Life After Cancer
As a widower, Andrew understands the impact of loss – his wife of 24 years passed away from rectal and liver cancer in 2017. But through his journey, he has been supported by loved ones, including his sister-in-law, a trained community nurse and midwife, who was by his side.
Despite everything, Andrew’s passion for life remains undimmed. His worry before surgery was his voice, but by December 2024, he had already returned to teaching – and even performed three concerts in four days.
Staying Strong
Throughout treatment, Andrew prioritised staying active, regularly attending the gym – even during chemotherapy. He firmly believes that keeping fit played a crucial role in his recovery. When he’s not singing, he enjoys gardening, travelling, especially to Italy, and spending time with friends and extended family.
Andrew’s journey is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of doing what you love – no matter the obstacles.
