Mother Overcomes Nose Cancer After Dismissing Symptoms as Hay Fever

A mother from Carlisle, Cumbria, faced an unexpected medical crisis when her persistent nosebleeds, initially attributed to hay fever, were revealed to be a malignant tumour. Ellen McCleary, aged 46, began experiencing nosebleeds in July 2023 after returning from a holiday. Initially, she dismissed these symptoms as typical of her ongoing battle with hay fever, a condition she frequently manages. However, the frequency of the nosebleeds increased, leading her to seek medical advice.

After experiencing up to three nosebleeds daily, McCleary consulted her general practitioner, who prescribed antibiotics under the assumption that it was merely hay fever. Despite the treatment, the symptoms persisted, and she began coughing up blood clots. This alarming development prompted her to secure an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in October 2023. A subsequent biopsy and CT scan revealed a malignant tumour positioned behind her nasal bone, which was encroaching towards her brain.

The diagnosis prompted immediate action. McCleary underwent surgery later that month, expecting a straightforward procedure to remove the tumour. Instead, the six-hour operation resulted in the complete removal of her nose due to the tumour’s aggressive growth. McCleary now faces daily challenges, including cleaning the cavity where her nose once was and managing mucus leakage, as she currently cannot blow her nose.

She has been fitted with seven different prosthetic noses as her face continues to heal, and she is awaiting a magnetic prosthetic. Despite these changes, McCleary remains committed to her daily life, though she finds herself easily fatigued during routine activities, such as vacuuming.

Reflecting on her ordeal, McCleary stated, “I had a very dry nose but didn’t think anything of it… I thought it was my hay fever.” She recounted the emotional turmoil that followed her diagnosis, saying, “When they told me, I burst into tears – that’s when I let it all out.” The diagnosis led her to make significant lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking and drinking.

The surgery and subsequent six weeks of radiotherapy concluded in January 2024, and McCleary is now celebrating being cancer-free. She emphasizes the importance of awareness regarding symptoms of nose cancer and encourages others to seek medical attention for recurring nosebleeds. “Push at the doctor’s – it doesn’t matter if it’s a small or heavy nosebleed, go to the doctor,” she advised. “They said they caught it in time, but don’t know what stage it was.”

Over the past year and a half, McCleary has not only confronted her reflection but also developed a resilient attitude towards public perception. She shares, “I stick two fingers up at them,” referring to those who stare at her in public. Her journey underscores the critical nature of listening to one’s body and the potential consequences of delaying medical consultation.

As she continues to adapt to her new reality, McCleary remains focused on spreading awareness about nose cancer. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance in health matters, particularly when symptoms persist.