Healthy mum, 43, told by doctors stomach problems could be IBS dies of cancer
A mum who was reportedly told by doctors that her stomach issues were caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has died of cancer. Emma King had an active and healthy lifestyle, regularly joining running clubs and sports classes.
But she began to lose weight dramatically, 'looked very unwell' and was having digestive issues. She went 'back and forth' to see her GP but was 'told her symptoms were due to multiple food intolerances, IBS and wheat sensitivity'.
Two years later, medics discovered a mass on her pancreas and Emma was told she had incurable cancer. She had chemotherapy but her condition deteriorated and she died.
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Mum-of-three Emma, from Maidstone, started experiencing symptoms in 2017 at the age of 40. Digestive issues evolved into persistent stomach problems, particularly on her right side.
Her sister Hayley Penfold, 51, said: "She was back and forth to the doctors who told her to keep a food diary and put it down to multiple food intolerances, IBS symptoms, and wheat sensitivity, but Emma was losing weight dramatically and being already slim, looked very unwell, no scan was suggested."
Two years later, a CT scan revealed the mass and that the cancer had spread to her liver. She began chemotherapy but her condition worsened and she was rushed to hospital with pneumonia, The Sun reports.
Her health declined further, with lumps appearing on Emma's back. Her chemotherapy stopped working and hormone injections were also not helping.
Hayley said: "Our close-knit family, friends and the community, also started Emma’s Army, rallying around her and raised an extraordinary sum of more than £40,000 for alternative treatments." Medics told the family Emma had about one week left to live on January 4, 2021.
She died on January 11. Due to Coronavirus restrictions, just 30 people were allowed at her funeral. But her friends and family lined the streets to show their support.
Cash raised for Emma's alternative treatments have now been put towards her children's university funds. Hayley said: "Emma was a remarkable woman whose battle with pancreatic cancer touched countless lives.
"Before her diagnosis, Emma lived life to the fullest. She was known for her caring nature and dedication to helping others."
Hayley is encouraging everyone to support the ‘ Give It Up for PanCan ’ campaign throughout January, which sees participants give up something meaningful to them such as alcohol, sugar or social media.
Funds raised through the campaign will support Pancreatic Cancer Action. According to Pancreatic Cancer UK, the disease develops 'when cells in the pancreas grow out of control, forming a lump'.
Symptoms can include indigestion, tummy or back pain, changes to your poo, unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite and jaundice.