Mother Mistook Myeloma Symptoms for a Cold
A mother who thought she was battling a heavy cold was horrified to discover she had blood cancer. Ann Wraith, 48, from Glasgow, was diagnosed with myeloma in January this year after initially dismissing her symptoms.
Ann, mother to young daughter Georgia, had never heard of myeloma before her diagnosis. She experienced exhaustion, night sweats, disturbed sleep, and leg pain, which she attributed to a cold or perimenopause.
Blood Tests Revealed Cancer
Blood tests at her GP surgery revealed myeloma, a blood cancer that develops in plasma cells within the bone marrow. Ann faced a stem cell transplant and a three-week hospital stay away from her loved ones.
She said: "When I was first diagnosed, I felt scared and overwhelmed. My daughter couldn't visit me on the ward because of her age. I was isolated and alone."
Myeloma: Treatable but Not Curable
Myeloma is currently treatable but not curable. Ann is still learning to navigate life as a parent, wife, and friend while adapting to the diagnosis. Symptoms vary and may include persistent pain, fatigue, recurring infections, and unexplained bone problems, making it difficult to diagnose.
Ann said: "I had what I thought was a bad cold that I couldn't shake off. I was getting up frequently during the night, and I was so exhausted that I was falling asleep during the day. I also had a painful leg for months that seemed to come out of nowhere. I knew something wasn't right, so I asked my GP for blood tests. At no point did I think I could have cancer. I was diagnosed two weeks later."
Psychological Impact and Support
Treatment brings physical and emotional side-effects. Ann said: "I wish more people understood the psychological impact of living with myeloma. Alongside the physical challenges, there is a lot of uncertainty and fear. It can be easy to dismiss what your body is trying to tell you and put symptoms down to stress, ageing or being busy, but don't ignore symptoms that don't feel normal for you. There is hope. You don't have to face it alone."
Throughout her treatment, Ann has been supported by the Beatson Cancer Charity. She said: "The charity created a sense of community... whether it was a chat over tea and cake or the support available both in hospital and in the community, they made the experience more manageable. I don't take ordinary moments for granted now. Walking outside, going for a coffee, or spending time with the people I love feels incredibly precious. Recovery is teaching me to celebrate even the smallest victories."
A spokesperson for Beatson Cancer Charity said: "Raising awareness of myeloma and its symptoms is vital, as earlier diagnosis can make a significant difference to treatment options and outcomes."
