A woman has told how she struggled with cancer after initially mistaking her symptoms for the stomach flu.
When Kasia Szczech, who lives in London, started suffering from frequent illnesses after eating out last September, she assumed a virus had emerged.
However, the 41-year-old went to her GP when her symptoms did not improve.
Test results showed that the service support administrator had bile duct cancer and that a 4-inch “grapefruit-sized” tumor had grown inside her.
Although the initial treatment seemed successful, the cancer returned and spread throughout her body.
When Kasia Szczech, who lives in London, started suffering from frequent illnesses after eating out last September, she assumed a virus had arisen
However, the 41-year-old went to her GP when her symptoms did not improve. The test results showed that the service support administrator had bile duct cancer and that a 10 cm “grapefruit-sized” tumor had grown in her.
Ms Szczech said: “I was just sick and throwing up so I thought it was a virus or a food intolerance.”
“I thought it was the stomach flu. ‘I thought it was that simple.’
In October 2022 Ms Szczech visited her about her symptoms.
She asked the GP for a referral but then went privately to Bupa, which she did Blood tests, MRIs, ultrasounds and a biopsy.
After initial tests revealed unusual results, doctors told Ms Szczech to “prepare for the worst option” and said the situation was “serious”.
The November results showed she had bile duct cancer.
She said: “The doctor said the cancer cells are confirmed and I will start treatment immediately.” [They said] that I am young and have a strong body.
“After that I could barely hear what the doctor was saying because all I knew in my head was that it was cancer.”
Around 2,200 Britons and 8,000 Americans are diagnosed with cancer each year.
The cancer originates in the bile ducts – small tubes that connect various organs, including the liver and gallbladder.
Nausea and vomiting as well as other symptoms that affect digestion such as stomach pain, loss of appetite and unwanted weight loss are signs of this.
The tumor can also cause the whites of the eyes and skin to turn yellow, the skin to itch and the urine to be darker than normal.
Common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Despite her “shocking” diagnosis, Ms Szczech said she remained calm.
In December, she began chemotherapy to shrink the tumor.
Further tests two months later showed the mass had shrunk to less than half its size, and her family believed the ordeal was over.
She received chemotherapy until May and in June began immunotherapy – a drug treatment that boosts the immune system to fight cancer cells.
But in September 2023, scans showed “severe” progression of her cancer.
Doctors said the cancer had spread throughout her body.
And it is believed that her original tumor has grown back to its original size and that more growths are forming all over her body, especially in the lungs and legs.
According to her sister Gosia, it is unclear how much time she has left.
Ms Szczech’s ex-boyfriend Justine Pearman, 50, has become her full-time carer, something her family is “forever” grateful for.
Although the initial treatment seemed successful, the cancer returned and spread throughout her body. According to her sister Gosia (right), it is unclear how much time she has left.
Gosia (right) said: “We want to believe that Kasia will stay with us as long as possible. That there is a cure and a chance for her.”
Ms Szczech’s ex-boyfriend Justine Pearman (left), 50, became her full-time carer, something her family are “forever” grateful for
Gosia said: “He’s a really nice guy with a big heart and I’m glad he’s there to help because she can’t walk very well anymore and has to be carried a lot.”
“Kasia remains strong, but she quickly loses her hair and her concentration begins to wane, unable to maintain her attention for more than five minutes.”
“She is also starting to get tingling in her hands and feet and is sensitive to cold objects.”
Ms Szczech now undergoes chemotherapy every two weeks in the hope of stopping the spread of her cancer.
However, her sister has set up a GoFundMe in the hope of raising money for proton therapy – a form of radiotherapy – which costs up to £100,000.
The treatment – which knocks out cancer cells and protects surrounding healthy cells – is available on the NHS at clinics in Manchester and London.
The health agency says it is only suitable for rare cancers or those that are close to vulnerable parts of the body, such as those that develop in the head or neck.
Gosia said: “We want to believe that Kasia will stay with us as long as possible.” That there is a cure and a chance for her.
“We have not received any information from Kasia’s doctors that this therapy will help.” To be honest, we have not received any information from them.
“That is why we are looking for all options that can help.”
The fundraiser raised around £2,000 of the original target of £20,000.
Gosia said: “We’re still waiting to see how she responds to chemotherapy, but it will be life-changing – and life-saving.”
“But at the moment we just have to wait and see.”
“I would do anything to rid her of this terrible disease and it is very difficult to express my feelings.” I am a mixture of anger and sadness.
“But she’s strong and I know it won’t be the end for her, so I’m trying everything I can to block out all the negativity.
“I always thought we’d grow old together – and that’s still my plan.”
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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.
