Rangers legend and former Cambuslang Rangers goalkeeping coach Andy Goram is suffering from terminal cancer - and has just six months to live.
The 58-year-old, who lives in Coatbridge, has revealed his devastating diagnosis just weeks after it was announced he was battling for his life.
The man nicknamed 'The Goalie' was rushed to Wishaw General Hospital after feeling ill around seven weeks ago and doctors discovered he has inoperable Level 4 oesophageal cancer, which is lifestyle related.
Former Motherwell and Scotland No.1 Goram had initially felt he was suffering from severe indigestion and ignored the symptoms after failing to get a face-to-face appointment with his GP in Coatbridge.
However, he started to notice weight loss and his pain soon became unbearable.
He has turned down the chance of chemotherapy after witnessing how ill it made his ex-wife Miriam, who battled cancer last year.
It would give him an extra 12 weeks of life, but doctors have told him to go and enjoy the time he has left.
Speaking to Daily Record about his ordeal, the Ibrox nine-in-a-row legend says he will put all his energy into fighting the cancer - which has spread to his liver, right lung, three vertebrae and ribs - and discussed the awful moment his son Danny discovered the horrible news.
Goram expalined: “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.
“The surgeon explained where all the cancer was and it was inoperable. 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."
He added: “I thought I had severe indigestion. 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.
"The pain was off the scale.
“They had to put a stent in my oesophagus to unblock the cancer blockage and help me swallow again.
“The operation was a total success yet the pain was still unbearable.
“I’ve been in bad pain with all my knee operations and a snapped achilles. But this pain was horrendous."
During his career, which started at Oldham Athletic in 1981, Goram played for clubs north of the border including Hibernian, Motherwell, Queen of the South, Elgin City and once for Hamilton Accies.
However, it was at Ibrox where he enjoyed the best days of his carrer, winning six league titles and five cups, with performances there earning him a regular spot in the Scotland squad, where he competed regularly with Jim Leighton for the gloves.
He also represented Scotland at cricket between 1989-1991.
Most recently, Goram has been involved at Cambuslang Rangers in the West of Scotland Football League and earlier this month the club lifted the Conference B title.
He stepped down from his coaching role at the club when his cancer was diagnosed, but was due to appear at a club Q&A on Saturday night after a Rangers Legends match at Somervell Park.
These past few months have been incredibly difficult and the Goalie is focused on managing his pain and making the most of his time.
He added: "“I’ll fight like I’ve never fought before.
“Now the priority is to get the right mixture and strength of painkillers along with morphine.
“I’ve been given other drugs I’m not attempting to pronounce.
“Getting all these pills hit home just how serious this situation is.
“I need to take my medication religiously or I’m in big trouble.
“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.”
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