Middlesbrough woman with 'hidden cancer' urging people to check for symptoms
68 year-old Elizabeth Askins was told she had Myeloma 10 years ago
A Middlesbrough woman who was diagnosed with an incurable 'hidden' cancer is urging people to get symptoms checked.
Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is an incurable blood cancer arising from plasma cells that affects the bone marrow.
It affects more than 33,000 individuals in the UK.
Despite being the third most common type of blood cancer, the symptoms of myeloma which include back pain, easily broken bones, fatigue and recurring infection, can often be missed as they may be attributed to old age or minor health problems.
Retired teacher, 68 year-old Elizabeth Askins from Middlesbrough, was in constant battle with persistent back pain after suffering from a fall in 2015.
Medical tests revealed that her agonising back pain was due to three fractured vertebrae in her body and she was admitted to The James Cook University Hospital for back surgery, the same year.
However, during a blood check-up on the day of her surgery, Elizabeth was informed there was a presence of anaemia in her blood, which means the blood has a lower number of red cells than normal.
Upon further investigation, she learned that she had myeloma and had to pause her surgery due to the diagnosis.
She said: “I was shocked when I was told I had multiple myeloma as I did not know what it was at all. I was informed it was an incurable blood cancer. I thought my life expectancy was extremely limited.”
However, after speaking to the medical team at James Cook, Elizabeth was given hope. They told her about the treatment options available for myeloma including a structured care plan to prolong life expectancy.
She added: "I am grateful to Dr Dang and the haematology team who have been amazing. The back surgery went ahead two weeks after my diagnosis, and I had six months of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant at the Freeman Hospital in June 2016."
The diagnosis has made a huge impact on Elizabeth’s life. Her mobility is now severely restricted and she was forced to leave work due to bone pain and undergoing chemotherapy treatment and a stem cell transplant.
As myeloma is a hidden cancer, she said people often tell her she looks quite healthy – which is not an indication of her actual condition.
Elizabeth, who is marking ten years since being diagnosed, said: “There have been occasions when I have suffered from infections because of my weakened immune system but the team has always reacted quickly, helping me to recover well.
“To anyone reading this, I would strongly urge you to get your symptoms checked. Early diagnosis will always help you get better outcomes.
“For those who have been diagnosed, I know it is difficult but there are treatments for multiple myeloma, there is ongoing research and new treatments are always being developed.
“Although I am anxious about coming out of remission, I am pleased about the treatments I have had and despite the problems, I feel grateful to have been able to attend some special family events and to be here to meet my grandchildren.”