Doctors were desperate to reassure Georgia Williams that her debilitating knee pain was just a torn ligament.
So the 19-year-old was shocked to discover the “terrible” pain she endured for months was actually terminal bone cancer.
Excruciating pain caused by the aggressive tumour, an osteosarcoma, meant Georgia struggled to walk and even sleep.
Georgia, from Northampton, now faces a grueling two years of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. Limb amputation may be a last resort.
Georgia Williams, 19, pictured, was originally told her aching pain was due to a torn ligament. But later she found out it was bone cancer
Georgia, from Northampton, now faces a grueling two years of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. Limb amputation may be a last resort
The teenager, who was diagnosed last week, only sought help for his knee pain in September.
But she was “turned away” by paramedics even though she was in pain.
Her mother Janine, 43, told MailOnline: “They told her she had a lack of muscle on one side of the knee.
“They refused to give her any scans.”
Janine described her daughter’s plight to MailOnline: “She couldn’t sleep, I was sitting next to her bed.
“Nothing we did helped.”
As Georgia’s pain worsened and gave her sleepless nights, she returned to the emergency room.
Finally, after insisting on an MRI scan, doctors told her she had torn ligaments and a ruptured kneecap.
Later, a doctor saw something unusual on the same scan and sent it to a specialist, but Georgia and Janine claim they didn’t know.
Two weeks later, Georgia received a text message letting her know about it An MRI scan was referred to her hospital Bone Sarcoma Section.
An email followed about bone cancer, explaining that she needed to make an appointment via a link.
Shocked by the insensitive communication, Janine, a carer, assumed it was a mistake and visited the hospital.
But they confirmed their worst fears that Georgia had cancer.
Georgia is still waiting for results to find out what stage the cancer is, but all Georgia knows is that the cancer has not spread to the lungs.
Janine said: “A bit of communication with us wouldn’t have hurt. She’s 19, it’s scary.”
Within days of diagnosis Georgia visited Northampton General Hospital to see a specialist who had traveled from the Royal National Orthopedic Hospital in London.
Georgia is angry that the tumor was not found earlier, and wants to raise awareness about bone cancer.
Around 160 Britons are diagnosed with osteosarcoma each year, charities say.
About 1,000 cases are diagnosed in the US each year.
It begins in cells that make up bones called osteoblasts.
Tumors usually start at the end of long bones, where new bone tissue forms as a young person grows, such as knee and shoulder joints, according to the NHS.
While pain at the site of the tumor may initially come and go, the NHS says the pain may become worse and more constant, especially at night.
According to the charity Sarcoma UK, the symptoms can be confused with common problems such as sports injuries or growing pains.
A fundraising page set up by a friend has received some donations to help with travel costs and expenses such as Georgia’s phone bills.
Janine, a single mother of three and a carer, says the hospital visit in London alone cost her £100 and she hopes the Gofundme page will help give Georgia ‘some kind of life’.
The website said: “Georgia was in constant pain as her knee was misdiagnosed as a torn ligament.”
Janine added: “She’s sick all the time, tired all the time.
“She is literally exhausted and she now has a big battle to fight.
“She had to quit her job and because she is 19, she has to pay for things like phone bills. I’m a single mother of three, I’m fighting.’
Janine, who has battled breast cancer herself, added: “Georgia will need things to cheer her up.
“There’s a chance she’ll lose her hair from chemo and those wigs are outrageous.
“The money will make their lives easier and less stressful.
“She really deserves it, she is the person who gives the most, she does everything for everyone and goes above and beyond. She is wonderful.’
Readers interested in donating to Georgia’s fund can do so here through GoFundMe.
Source link
Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
