A gravely ill man was bracing for the worst after doctors told him to “put his affairs in order.” Last week, the Liverpool Echo shared the story of 39-year-old Danny de Brabander, who had spent several years fighting bowel cancer. His journey included the removal of 60% of his liver, his gallbladder, and spleen, along with multiple rounds of chemotherapy, including intra-abdominal treatments. He also endured sepsis and even a heart attack.
Danny first began noticing symptoms back in early 2019 but brushed them off. By the time he finally sought medical help, the cancer had progressed to stage four and had already spread to his liver. That marked the beginning of a grueling two-year battle for survival. Doctors didn’t offer much hope, instead advising him to prepare for the worst.
But just a few weeks ago, Danny received astonishing news: a routine scan showed no trace of cancer in his body. Against all odds, he had entered a sustained remission, leaving his doctors stunned. He quickly shared the good news online, crediting a positive mindset as a key factor in his recovery. Now, Danny hopes that sharing his journey can offer hope to others facing a cancer diagnosis and remind them that cancer isn’t always a death sentence.
“Honestly, I didn’t think I’d make it this far,” Danny admitted. “But I kept going, inspired by real-life stories of others who had beaten cancer.” Although he acknowledges the risk of recurrence due to his late-stage diagnosis, Danny is focused on staying hopeful and strong. He now undergoes checkups every three months.
If his condition remains stable, he’ll only need to visit the hospital twice a year in another two years. Danny has already returned to his job at a telecommunications company, currently working from home. He hopes to be back in the office by April next year after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. “The odds might still be against me, but I’ve decided not to dwell on that—I want to enjoy life, at least between my hospital visits.”
Reflecting on his journey, Danny said, “I’ve survived a heart attack, several surgeries, lost organs, got a stoma, and barely made it through sepsis. And that’s not even counting the emotional toll—the silent pain, the constant anxiety of not knowing how much time I have left. To anyone going through something similar, please stay positive, believe in yourself, and never give up!”