A young woman has come forward to recount the alarming experience of how her cancer symptoms were overlooked by doctors for eight months. Her story is a sobering reminder of the importance of advocating for one’s health.
Hannah, a user on TikTok, decided to share her ordeal to highlight the necessity of seeking additional medical opinions when faced with dismissive healthcare responses.
Hannah described numerous attempts to seek medical attention for her troubling symptoms, only to be disregarded for nearly a year by her general practitioner. She noted, somewhat sarcastically, that her relationship with the GP is far from cordial.
Ultimately diagnosed with stage four cancer, Hannah faced the harsh reality when a 12cm tumor was discovered pressing against her spine in 2021.
Using her travel-focused social media platform, which she operates with her husband, Charlie, Hannah seeks to bring attention to her healthcare experience and the symptoms that preceded her diagnosis.
In her shocking revelation, Hannah recounted the nearly year-long journey of being overlooked before finally receiving the grave diagnosis, admitting it should “never have got that far.”
She narrated: “So I was medically gas-lit for over eight months which led to a late diagnosis of stage four cancer so no, me and my GP are not the best of friends.”
Highlighting the symptoms, Hannah explained: “In July of 2021, I had a cough, a full-body rash, extreme fatigue, and significant weight loss, which at the time I mistakenly considered a positive change.
“I was advised to take antibiotics and return if they didn’t work – spoiler alert, they didn’t. I was denied an in-person appointment – and it felt as if there was a ‘hypochondriac button’ that they had pressed.”
Repeated calls with worsening symptoms did not improve her situation.
Despite her urgent need for help, she was advised to seek over-the-counter treatments from a local pharmacy.
Subsequently, Hannah developed pneumonia during the winter, a condition made worse by the tumor pressing on her chest.
Due to being neglected repeatedly, she tried to ignore the pain and continue with her life until it became intolerable.
Hannah recounted ending up in the emergency room with symptoms indicative of a heart attack, grasping her chest in pain.
She pointed out further errors in her care when the receptionist mischaracterized her symptoms as mere period pains.
“If that doesn’t just scream ‘misogyny’, I don’t know what does,” she commented.
Fortunately, an attentive nurse noticed her distress in the waiting area, which led to the discovery of sepsis and a ‘massive shadow’ on an X-ray.
A CT scan was conducted, finally revealing the severe truth that Hannah was dealing with stage four cancer.
Hannah has been vocal about her appreciation for the exceptional medical care she received following her diagnosis.
Undergoing eight months of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and participation in a clinical trial, Hannah has been resilient in her fight.
In her video description, she wrote: “I was medically gaslit for 8 months… and it nearly cost me my life. I was dismissed with antibiotics, told I was dramatic, and refused scans, while a 12cm tumor was crushing my lungs and heart.
“By the time anyone listened, it was stage four cancer. Eight months of chemo later, I’m still here. But it never should have got that far.
“This is your reminder to fight for answers. If they won’t give you a test, ask them to write it in your notes. It might save your life.”
If this story resonates with you and you need support, reach out to the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or through their 24/7 live chat feature.