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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Fahad Tariq

Glasgow mum rushed to hospital with 'overwhelming' neck pain told she has terminal cancer

A mum-of-two was diagnosed with terminal cancer after being rushed to the A&E with an "overwhelming" pain in her neck.

Julie McAlaney visited her GP multiple times over a six month period following pain in her neck but claims she was told it's because of the way she slept or her diet.

"It was everything other than it could be something sinister", the 57-year-old from Knightswood said.

READ MORE: Airdrie mum speaks of 'devastating loss' after 4-year-old with headaches dies from brain tumour

The charity shop manager woke up to get ready for work one morning and struggled to lift her head off the pillow, she knew something was not right.

Her husband lifted her up and she let off an "almighty scream" as the pain took over her and she was rushed to hospital in the back of an ambulance.

A CT scan revealed she had a fracture in her neck and it was associated with cancer. Julie was diagnosed with multiple myeloma - a bone marrow cancer affecting multiple parts of the body - in December 2021.

She was told the cancer had been smouldering for two years prior to her diagnosis. She spent just under six weeks in hospital after being diagnosed.

Julie worked as a hairdresser for over two decades before becoming the manager at a charity shop (Supplied)

Speaking about the terminal diagnosis and being given two to five years to live, Julie told Glasgow Live: "I kept saying they made a mistake but then I realised things were serious and it was quite frightening.

"I was looking at my family and thinking I’m the glue to this family , what are they going to do without me - you start thinking stupid things like that.

"My life changed dramatically and I’m not the person I used to be. I get tired easily and am just exhausted at even making a bed.

"I was working full time, always out and about and very active, now I’m just in the house.

"I don’t socialise either and cannot have a lot of people in and watch I don’t get infections."

Julie has thanked the Beatson cancer centre and QEUH (Supplied)

Julie underwent gruelling chemotherapy treatment and had a stem cell transplant last August.

She has thanked the Beatson Cancer Centre and staff at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) for the care they have given her.

Julie added: "I cannot thank the staff at the Beatson and the stem cell transplant unit at the QE enough, they have been an absolute godsend.

"It really is tough and you have got to be really positive. The support of my family, friends and the Beatson is what got me through it and I’m glad I’ve got the support."

Julie and a 65-strong team of supporters will be taking part in a park-run on February 11 to raise money for the Beatson and QEUH.

Following on from this, staff at The Quarter Gill, Dumbarton Road, Partick, have organised a fun-filled fundraising day from 1pm. There'll be free food and entertainment throughout the day including raffles and prizes up for grabs.

The charity event is free to attend however people are asked to give a small donation at the door, which will go to the Beatson Cancer Centre.

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