Cancer diagnosis beats endometriosis wait

Tamara Mulley, a London resident, received a life-altering diagnosis of stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma in December 2023. At just 27 years old, she was initially seeking answers for severe bloating and hip pain, suspecting endometriosis, a condition affecting millions of women. However, a persistent cough led to A&E, revealing a concerning shadow on an X-ray.

Further investigations, including CT and PET scans, indicated the cancer had significantly spread, with Ms. Mulley describing the scans as lighting up like a Christmas tree. Her diagnosis came shortly before her endometriosis appointment, which she had waited nearly a year for. The cancer was identified as cholangiocarcinoma, originating from the bile duct.

Doctors initially gave Ms. Mulley a prognosis of two years to live. However, she has since surpassed this milestone, a testament to her strength and response to treatment. She has undergone chemotherapy and is currently participating in a clinical trial for targeted therapy, which has shown positive results in shrinking tumours.

Ms. Mulley's story underscores the challenges of diagnosing rare cancers and the critical need for research and funding for cholangiocarcinoma. She emphasizes that while late-stage diagnosis is often dire, early detection can be survivable, offering a beacon of hope for others facing similar battles.