She Was Fit Then Sciatica Turned Out to Be Cancer

Kate Drummond, a 25-year-old woman from Devon, was known for being active, fit, and full of life. She passed away less than a year after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer Ewing sarcoma which was initially misdiagnosed as sciatica.

Early Symptoms Mistaken for Common Back Issues

Kate first experienced lower back pain in the summer of 2020. She believed it was due to poor posture from working at home during the COVID-19 pandemic or possibly from over-exercising. However, the pain gradually worsened and spread to her hip by early 2021.

Although she consulted her GP and later visited A&E in May 2021, doctors initially diagnosed her with “probable sciatica” – a condition typically caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve. Medical staff even remarked that she was one of the youngest people they had seen with such severe symptoms.

A Delayed Diagnosis

Despite being prescribed painkillers, Kate’s condition deteriorated. She experienced swelling and warmth in her hip, difficulty walking, and rising levels of pain. A spinal physiotherapist later expressed concern, prompting Kate to seek a private MRI scan.

By July 2021, the MRI revealed a large tumour in her pelvis, roughly the size of a grapefruit. Additional testing confirmed it was Ewing sarcoma, and by then, the cancer had already spread to her lungs, liver, jaw, skull, and bones.

Fighting the Disease

Kate started emergency radiotherapy and chemotherapy. At first, there were small signs of improvement. Her sister, Kelly Drummond, described Kate as incredibly brave and positive throughout her treatment.

Sadly, her health took a sudden turn in January 2022. Her liver and kidneys began to fail as the cancer advanced quickly. Kate passed away on March 17, 2022.

Understanding Bone Cancer Symptoms

According to the NHS, common symptoms of bone cancer include:

• Persistent bone pain that worsens over time
• Swelling or redness near a bone or joint
• A noticeable lump over a bone
• Increased risk of fractures
• Difficulty moving or walking with a limp

These signs can sometimes be mistaken for more common issues like muscle strain or nerve pain, especially in young, active individuals.

Kate’s Legacy: A Message to Others

Kelly wants Kate’s experience to be a reminder for others to trust their instincts when something feels wrong.

“Kate would want everyone to listen to their body. Don’t delay getting help. Laugh more. Enjoy life while you can,” she said.

Today, Kate’s friends and family continue to honor her memory by living more mindfully and embracing the joy in everyday moments.

Conclusion

Kate’s story is a heartbreaking example of how early detection can be the difference between life and death. It also highlights the importance of taking symptoms seriously, regardless of age or fitness level.

If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent or unusual pain, don’t ignore it. Seek medical advice and, if needed, ask for further investigation. Your health is worth advocating for.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources