Author Discovers Silent Cancer After Misdiagnosing Symptoms

Emma Heatherington, a 49-year-old author and mother of five, faced a life-altering diagnosis after attributing her health issues to aging. Initially believing her symptoms—aches, night sweats, and fatigue—were signs of perimenopause, she was shocked to learn that she was actually suffering from incurable myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow.

Emma’s troubles began in early 2024 while she was enjoying a successful career. “I was flying,” she shared, explaining that she had just published her first book with Penguin Random House. However, by February, her health took a dramatic turn. “Everything started to go terribly wrong,” she said, as she began to experience dizziness, unusual clicking noises in her bones, and persistent night sweats.

Despite the common symptoms of menopause, Emma’s case was far more serious. Incurable myeloma claims approximately 3,000 lives annually in the UK, with around 6,240 new cases diagnosed each year. By the time Emma received her diagnosis, she had developed holes in her skull, breastbone, and shoulders due to the cancer’s progression.

After experiencing severe dizziness, Emma sought help at a hospital, where a CT scan revealed the extent of her condition. Following a tense four-week wait for results, a hematologist delivered the devastating news. Emma began chemotherapy and underwent a stem cell transplant at Belfast City Hospital in November 2024.

“I had kept brushing it off,” she reflected, acknowledging that she initially dismissed her symptoms as typical for her age. Emma’s journey through treatment has been challenging; she faced isolation during her hospital stay and battled severe fatigue that drastically altered her daily life.

Despite these hurdles, Emma remains optimistic. She continues to take a daily chemotherapy tablet to manage her myeloma and has monthly blood tests to monitor her condition. “I live month to month,” she stated, understanding that a complete cure remains elusive.

Emma’s experience highlights the importance of recognizing the subtle signs of myeloma, a disease often overlooked due to its vague symptoms. Myeloma UK’s campaign, “Know the Warning Signs,” aims to raise awareness about the condition, which can include back pain, easy bruising, fatigue, and frequent infections.

With over 33,000 individuals living with myeloma in the UK, early diagnosis is crucial for improving outcomes. Emma advises others to keep a record of their health changes and not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. “Don’t feel silly or reluctant to go to the GP. Don’t rule it out, just in case,” she urged.

As Emma continues to navigate her health challenges, she finds strength in the support from family, friends, and even strangers. Her story serves as a vital reminder of the need for vigilance when it comes to health, particularly for symptoms that may seem benign but could signal something more serious. Emma’s next book, “Every Christmas Eve,” is due for release on October 23, showcasing her resilience and determination to share her journey with the world.