An 18-year-old cheerleader has shared her experience of facing unexpected pain and subsequently discovering it was due to cancer.
Kelly Mullooly has bravely shared her journey of being diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 18, despite maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.
Her story was featured in a video on The Patient Story YouTube channel, which focuses on personal narratives of those battling cancer.
As a college student, Kelly kept a rigorous schedule, attending cheerleading practice twice a week and frequenting the gym to stay fit.
Discussing the onset of her symptoms, Kelly noted a change following a gym workout.
She recalled: “I was doing legs one day at the gym and like, I always get pretty sore from legs but I noticed like, a few days had passed and I was still, like very sore and I noticed my knee just feel a little bit off.”
“It wasn’t until like a few weeks had passed and I was still just having… like it wasn’t a constant, it was like an on and off pain, like mainly when I was like laying in bed.”
Despite the persistent pain, her initial visit to the doctor led to the conclusion that her knee was simply ‘overworked and overused.’
While doctors dismissed it as nothing major, Kelly was concerned about a potential underlying issue but reassured herself since she could still participate in cheerleading.
The discomfort persisted, prompting Kelly to seek further medical advice to better understand her condition.
Subsequent tests, including an MRI, revealed the presence of a tumor, a revelation she was unprepared for at such a young age.
After additional consultations, Kelly received a diagnosis of osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer.
She then began chemotherapy and other treatments, expressing that the discovery derailed her future plans.
Following surgery to remove the tumor, she found encouragement in her progress through the ordeal.
A GoFundMe page has been established to support Kelly and her family in managing the financial challenges of her recovery.