Raymond Martin's problems first started when he noticed a spot on his face, but he initially thought nothing of it.
However, when it started to spread the great-grandfather-of-five went to see his GP who suggested it could be a rash or infection and prescribed him a course of antibiotics.
"The antibiotics didn't work and, as my face was getting worse, I was sent to hospital for tests," said Raymond.
"Never in a hundred years, would I have imagined that I would be told I had cancer."
When the symptoms started getting worse, Medics at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary took a skin biopsy from Raymond.
Experts then identified that the 64-year-old was suffering from facial angiosarcoma, a rare cancer of the inner lining of blood vessels.
Raymond then underwent a 12-hour operation to remove the cancer and skin was the taken from his thigh and grafted onto his face.
The drastic operation left him nearly unrecognisable.
Raymond said: "I knew that the operation had to be done, so I just had to get on with it.
"When I was going home from hospital I thought 'I don't want to look in the mirror'.
"It was a few weeks before I had a proper look at myself and I did get frightened as it looked like I had a bandage on my face."
However, Raymond's angiosarcoma returned and in recent months a giant hole began to develop under his right eye.
The wound has deteriorated rapidly over recent weeks and Raymond's eyes have been bleeding constantly.
Tragically medics have told him nothing more can be done to stop the disease, which has ruthlessly destroyed his facial features.
But the great-grandfather, from Newcastle, hopes his story will help raise awareness of angiosarcoma and its devastating effects.
Daughter-in-law Nicola Borthwick, 42, said: "They've told us nothing more can be done now.
"We only hope that Marty's story raises awareness and prevents anyone else undergoing what he has had to suffer."
The nature of his condition means Raymond has been left stuck in his Newcastle home where he has been cared for by wife Alice, 63.
The family say they are rallying around the great-grandfather to support him.
But all medics can do is help change Raymond's bandages and keep him as comfortable as possible.
What is angiosarcoma
Angiosarcoma is a cancer of the inner lining of blood vessels, and it can occur in any area of the body. The disease most commonly occurs in the skin, breast, liver, spleen, and deep tissue. Angiosarcoma of the skin, or cutaneous angiosarcoma, makes up the majority of cases, and it is usually found on the scalp and face.
What causes angiosarcoma
In most cases, the cause of a sarcoma is unknown. The most widely known cause of angiosarcoma is lymphedema, the swelling of an area of the body due to the collection of fluid.
What are the symptoms
Angiosarcoma can present in many different ways. It can look like a skin infection, a bruise or a lesion that does not heal.
How is it diagnosed
Diagnosis usually begins with a physical exam and may include imaging studies such as an X-ray, CT scan, MRI or PET scan. These studies help to determine the location and size of the tumour and can also find disease that has spread throughout the body.
How is angiosarcoma treated
Surgery is the primary method of treatment. Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy can be an important part of the treatment plan, and they may be administered before or after surgery.
What is the prognosis for patients
Unfortunately, many angiosarcoma patients are diagnosed after the disease has spread throughout the body, and this late diagnosis results in a poor prognosis.
