A mother-of-three has been told that she has just months to live after doctors repeatedly misdiagnosed her.
Gemma Kent, from Reading, initially visited her GP six months ago complaining of stomach and upper back pain but was told that it was likely a non-serious issue – a diagnosis that doctors stuck by even when she returned on several other occasions.
Eventually, Kent’s GP arranged for her to have an endoscopy so that they could rule out the possibility of a stomach ulcer.
However, just days before her scheduled appointment, Kent was admitted to A&E in so much pain that she was physically sick and losing consciousness.
After being given pain relief, doctors wanted to send her home but Kent refused and demanded that she was given a CT scan.
The very next morning the mother-of-three was given the devastating news that they had found a 9.5cm hard mass on the tail end of her pancreas.
Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, doctors later revealed that it had also spread to her liver and that without chemotherapy she would have just a few months to live, or extended expectancy of nine to 12 months if her body accepted the treatment.
Now, Kent is fighting for her life as family and friends race to raise funds so that she can undergo pioneering treatment in Istanbul, Turkey.
Last week, Kent’s close friend, Jane Candy, set up a GoFundMe to raise £60,000 after being contacted by a man whose cancer count dropped from 5,000 to 2,900 in just two sessions at the clinic.
“The reason why we decided to set up the GoFundMe page was because we had been in touch with a gentleman who had exactly the same cancer as Gemma, pancreatic which spread to the liver, and he’s now in the clear,” Candy tells The Independent.
“The NHS refused to operate on him like they did with Gemma but he’s had amazing treatment in Istanbul.
“We’re doing everything we can in our power to help her. We just don’t want to lose her."
So far, Kent’s GoFundMe has raised £24,238 in just eight days and the family are hopeful that they will reach their goal.
Speaking of her friend’s reaction to the overwhelming number of donations her page has received, Candy added: “She feels quite embarrassed but she’s also amazed, absolutely amazed by how many people want to help.”
Pancreatic cancer is caused by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the pancreas - a large gland that’s part of the digestive system, the NHS says.
And, although early pancreatic cancer doesn’t usually cause any symptoms, there are signs that you should be aware of.
These include pain in the back or stomach area, unexpected weight loss and jaundice.
Additionally, nausea and vomiting, changes in bowel movements, fever and shivering, and indigestion are all symptoms associated with pancreatic cancer.
If you are concerned, you should visit your GP as soon as possible but if you feel as though your doctor is not taking your symptoms seriously, seeking a second opinion is advisable.
To help Gemma afford this potentially life-saving treatment, you can donate here.
In addition, you can find details of a series of events that will fundraise for Gemma’s treatment here.
