Warning: This article contains discussion of cancer which some readers may find distressing.
Govind Sandhu, who works as the Head of Global Music Partnerships at TikTok Australia, has opened up about his devastating cancer diagnosis.
He has expressed his desire to raise awareness after his shock discovery.
38-year-old Sandhu realised something was wrong with his health the day after completing a half marathon.
The TikTok exec took to social media yesterday (12 June) to share the news that he's been given a preliminary diagnosis of 'stage four Non-Hodgkin lymphoma'.
He said: "Over the last six weeks I haven't been feeling well at all.
"I finished Sydney half marathon and the day after that I just went downhill.
"Really bad body aches and sweats and everything that would make you think it was the flu or Covid.
"Over a four week period I just deteriorated.
"After multiple doctor visits, blood tests, ultrasounds, CT scans, PET scans, tissue biopsies and blood work they were able to get a pretty good comprehensive overview."
He continued: "But there's also been some complications as they found some abnormalities just above my pancreas and on my heart."
Sandhu then said: "If it's cancer, the chemo I start soon will be aggressive."
He appears visibly emotional throughout the video.
Sandhu concluded: "It's safe to say I'm about to embark on the biggest challenge of my life yet.
"And I'm going to do my best to keep everyone updated with my progress - the highs, the lows.
"Of course, I can't believe it, but at the same time, so many things are out of one's control. I've had my time to process the 'Why me?'.
@goveybaby AND just like that life has forever changed & I’m about to embark on my biggest challenge to date. I shot this video over the weekend after being preliminary diagnosed with aggressive stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Was absolutely shocked & devastated in the moment. Lots of tears, lows & moments of “why me” as you can imagine. It’s also been the most challenging time for me personally & professionally beyond my health but I have the most amazing group of family & friends as my support network sending me the most beautiful outpouring of love which has been incredible. No more negativity from here on out though, all about positivity, taking this head on & “walking towards the pressure” (My All Black family will resonate with that). I’m going to do my best to share my story across as openly & honestly as I can. Sometimes it will be in real time & others when I have the headspace (like this video). I’m sharing for my own healing & outlet and hopefully putting good vibrations & useful info into the world through the many highs & lows which there will be many. I appreciate it might not be for everyone which is totally fine. If there are any specifics you want covered along the way or need context drop it in the comments & I’ll try to come back to that in time. Long road ahead, but this won’t be the end of my story, it can’t be! I’m 38 years old, lived the most blessed life to date & have so much more to live for. Reality is, I have a chance to fight this f**%%* so I’ll take the W there. Life is beautiful, I am lucky & grateful for what I have. The mission continues ❤️ #nonhodgkinslymphoma #recovery #healing #goodvibes #fkcancer
♬ original sound - Govind Sandhu
"All the things I do that would make me think that I would be in a category not susceptible to this, but it doesn't discriminate. So go get your check ups, go get your blood work done. If you're feeling sick don't just try and fight it off. But we're going to get through this."
Sandhu included in the caption of his video: "Long road ahead, but this won’t be the end of my story, it can’t be! I’m 38 years old, lived the most blessed life to date & have so much more to live for.
"Reality is, I have a chance to fight this f**%%* so I’ll take the W there. Life is beautiful, I am lucky & grateful for what I have. The mission continues."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.