Lee Whitehorn, father of two young boys defies his brain cancer

Lee Whitehorn was told he had just 14 months to live. Three years on he has managed to defy the odds – but time is running out for the beloved dad and former footy coach.

Lee Whitehorn was diagnosed with a severe brain cancer which typically has a prognosis of 14 months, but against all the odds the father-of-two is still fighting for his life three years later.

It started in May 2021, Mr Whitehorn, 47, was suffering from headaches which he attributed to a stressful work period until two weeks later he had a frightening, prolonged seizure at home.

Ambulances rushed him to the hospital where a CT scan immediately revealed a tumour, however its true damaging nature wasn’t revealed until a month later.

Lee Whitehorn with wife Laura Picture: Supplied

Mr Whitehorn’s wife Laura, 35, recalled the waiting period and the shocking aftermath.

“Throughout that month of waiting, Lee was so positive, he was like ‘it’ll be fine, it’ll be a non-cancerous tumour and they’ll cut it out and that will be that,’” Ms Whitehorn recalled.

“I remember the day we went in, he didn’t prepare himself for any bad news.

“We sat down and the doctors kept using scientific names like ‘astrocytoma’ and we let them talk until we just asked if Lee had cancer and the doctor said ‘yes.’

“That’s when we left and we cried. We both cried out the front for a long while.”

Doctors had given him the devastating diagnosis of glioblastoma – a very aggressive and fast growing tumour which kills most after 14 month.

Immediately after his diagnosis, Mr Whitehorn started chemo radiation with incredible success and throughout his first year he wasn’t showing identifiable symptoms of brain cancer.

However, he developed a fast-growing cyst in his brain which affected his vision.

“Lee had to have brain surgery on the cyst in mid-2022,” Ms Whitehorn said.

“The doctors had to deflate the cyst and when they made a hole to drain the cyst some of the cancer cells travelled to the draining point.

“Lee actually developed a secondary tumour in his fourth ventricle and that’s when the problems started.”

Despite beating the odds for years, Mr Whitehorn’s health has experienced a significant functional and physical decline in the last weeks which keeps him at home.

His palliative care has also increased to support him with pain management.

But despite his struggles, Mr Whitehorn has been trying to enjoy time with his partner and two young boys Max, 6, and Jack, 4.

Lee Whitehorn with wife Laura and kids Jack (4) and Max (6) Picture: Supplied

Lee Whitehorn with wife Laura and kids Jack (4) and Max (6) Picture: Supplied

Lee Whitehorn with wife Laura and kids Jack (4) and Max (6) Picture: Supplied

Ms Whitehorn said her husband has always been very involved and active with the kids since they were bubs.

“It’s been hard for the kids,” Ms Whitehorn said, “Max is very aware of what’s going on and he started getting anxious about it all … but Jack doesn’t really know.”

“But Lee is doing everything he can to continue being hands on with the kids.

“Even now he’s sleeping so he can go watch go watch Max play footy on Friday night.”

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