Teenager’s Cough Leads to Cancer Diagnosis
A seemingly ordinary cough in a 16-year-old girl turned into a life-altering cancer diagnosis just weeks later.
Initial Symptoms and Misdiagnosis
In March 2023, Daisy visited her general practitioner (GP) suffering from a persistent cough. Initially, medical professionals suspected a chest infection and prescribed antibiotics.
Alongside the cough, Daisy noticed small lumps developing on her head. These lumps worsened, and the Derbyshire teen experienced increasing respiratory difficulties, prompting a visit to the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department.
Doctors at A&E performed a chest X-ray and blood tests. Despite these investigations, Daisy was discharged with a stronger course of antibiotics, as the initial diagnosis of a chest infection remained.
Devastating News: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Only three days later, Daisy received an urgent recall to A&E. It was there that her ‘worst nightmare’ became reality: she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a type of blood cancer.
“I was in shock,” Daisy recounted to Derbyshire Live. “Never in a million years did I think it could happen to me. My mum was also completely shocked, and I broke down in her arms.”
Impact of Cancer Treatment on Teenage Life
Immediately following the diagnosis, Daisy, then 16, commenced intensive treatment at the Teenage Cancer Trust unit located at Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre. Her life underwent a dramatic shift, as school and social activities were replaced by rigorous chemotherapy sessions and weekly lumbar punctures.
“Like any typical 16-year-old, I valued my independence, enjoying activities like walks with friends and running. Being unable to do these things had a significant emotional impact,” Daisy explained.
Daisy (pictured) received a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia three weeks after consulting her GP and initially being treated for a chest infection.
Daisy is supporting Teenage Cancer Trust’s Only Young Once campaign, aimed at raising awareness about cancer diagnoses in teenagers and young adults.
Navigating Treatment and Finding Support
Daisy experienced distressing side effects of treatment, including hair loss and nausea, which significantly affected her self-esteem.
During her hospital stay, Niamh, a youth support coordinator from the Teenage Cancer Trust, provided invaluable support. Niamh connected Daisy with other teenagers undergoing cancer treatment, fostering a sense of community and understanding.
Daisy praised Niamh for seeing her as an individual beyond her illness, stating, “My cancer defined me for a while, but Niamh saw me as someone outside of my cancer diagnosis.”
Advocating for Teenage Cancer Awareness
Daisy is now a passionate advocate for the Teenage Cancer Trust’s Only Young Once campaign. This campaign aims to highlight the unique challenges faced when teenagers and young adults receive a cancer diagnosis during pivotal years of their lives.
She acknowledges that while her cancer journey presented unexpected milestones, she recognizes them as significant personal achievements and is proud of her progress.
With the Trust’s support, Daisy has relearned to walk and write, gaining “valuable life lessons that most 16–17-year-olds don’t even realize until later in life.”
Path to Recovery and Future Outlook
Currently, Daisy continues to receive low-dose monthly chemotherapy and daily oral chemotherapy to prevent leukemia recurrence.
Her treatment is scheduled to conclude at the end of June, and she expresses immense gratitude for being in remission.
Daisy began treatment at the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre (pictured), trading school and leisure activities for intensive chemotherapy and regular lumbar punctures.
Teenage Cancer Trust: Providing Essential Support
Kate Collins, Chief Executive of the Teenage Cancer Trust, emphasized the gravity of teenage cancer diagnoses: “Every day in the UK, seven young individuals are diagnosed with cancer. This occurs when they are just beginning to live their lives.”
Collins added, “A cancer diagnosis can devastate young lives, jeopardizing memories, milestones, and futures. Without appropriate support, cancer in youth can have a profoundly negative impact on their future.”
“Teenage Cancer Trust provides specialized care and support to assist young people through cancer and rebuild their lives post-treatment. We are dedicated to helping young individuals maintain their identity and aspirations while facing cancer.”
Understanding Leukemia
What is Leukemia?
Leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells. The two primary types of white blood cells are monocytes and granulocytes, originating from myeloid stem cells, and lymphocytes, originating from lymphoid stem cells.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Daisy was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most prevalent type of leukemia among young people.
Common Leukemia Symptoms
Common symptoms of leukemia may include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Pale skin
- Frequent infections
- Easy bruising