I was told the dull ache in my shoulder was nothing sinister – now I’m living with a death sentence
A MUM has told how she was told an ache in her shoulder was nothing - before being diagnosed with incurable cancer.
Jules Fielder was given exercises to help with "Tennis Elbow" after she noticing pain last year.
The 37-year-old was then alarmed to hear she was making a "crackle" noise when breathing out.
The mum-of-two claims medics said this was probably due to wearing masks a lot.
In October, Jules noticed a "pea size"; lump on her neck and says she was told it was likely to be a cyst or raise lymph node.
But she pushed for more tests, with a biopsy tragically revealing she had incurable lung cancer in November.
She said: “I used my voice and requested further investigation - the biopsy of my presumed cyst showed double lung cancer.
‘It has now spread to my spine and pelvis. I am frustrated about the misdiagnosis.
“It is horrible to know that diagnosis are being missed because of the pandemic.
“It’s sad that I had to fight for a face to face appointment and insist on further testing when the lump in my neck was being examined. “
Despite having a sore shoulder, 3cm lump and a "crackle" noise, Jules is still feeling in good health.
She said: “The crackle noise happens only when I exhale but other than that, I have been absolutely fine.
“I feel fit enough to run half a marathon. People assume lung cancer only happens to smokers over 50 but it doesn’t discriminate.
“I don’t smoke and I have no other symptoms. Lung cancer has many signs and it isn’t just coughing up blood.
“I don’t have breathing difficulties or any pain. I can’t stress enough how important it is to get checked.
“We need to check our bodies, anything abnormal or something that wasn’t there before.
“Don’t listen to your neighbour, go and see a doctor!”
Jules now takes a drug called Osimertinib daily - it is used if tests show the cancer cells have a mutation in a gene called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).
She said: “I am not eligible for surgery so I rely on a therapy drug which was released in 2015. It will give me years to live.
“All they can do is buy me time but I choose not to wallow in sadness.
The symptoms of lung cancer you need to know
While suffering with a lingering cough, feeling tired and losing your appetite could be mistaken for a virus or common cold, it may be the sign of something more serious and is worth getting check out.
Other symptoms of lung cancer can include:
- Having a cough most of the time
- A change in a cough you have had for a long time
- Being short of breath
- Coughing up phlegm which has signs of blood
- Aches or pains in the chest or shoulder
- Loss of appetite
- Tiredness
- Weight loss
“I am now an advocate for myself, I use my social media to encourage others to get checked.
“I want to be a role model to my son, Toby, 12, so I am being positive.
“Cancer isn’t an automatic death sentence anymore and in years to come there might be a break through.
“Unfortunately, I know how I am going to die but I want to make sure Toby can look at me for strength.”
It comes after we told how cancer symptoms are being mistaken for coronavirus, with experts worrying that sick patients aren't receiving the treatment they need.
But various studies have shown that alongside these symptoms, many people also suffer with fatigue and shortness of breath, which can overlap with lung cancer.
There are around 48,500 new lung cancer cases in the UK every year, equating to 130 every day.
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It's the third most common cancer in the UK and the second most common cancer in women.
Early diagnosis is key for any cancer and the sooner it's spotted, the faster specialists can treat the patient.