A Father's Fight Against Myeloma

A brave Bristol father, Jerry Cowhig, is raising a clarion call for heightened awareness of blood cancer symptoms after enduring a harrowing year of misdiagnoses leading to his own life-altering struggle with myeloma.

Journey to Diagnosis

At 68, Cowhig's life took a dramatic turn following a year plagued by agonizing chest and abdominal pain, leading to the discovery of myeloma—an incurable blood cancer that has left him grappling with both physical and emotional challenges. Teaming up with the charity Myeloma UK, Cowhig aims to ensure that others do not have to suffer the 'unnecessary pain' he experienced due to the initial delays in his diagnosis.

A Call for Awareness

Reflecting on his ordeal, Cowhig stated, 'Every GP should be aware of myeloma and keep it on their radar. People shouldn’t have to endure a year of uncertainty and pain before receiving a proper diagnosis.' His battle highlights the critical need for healthcare professionals to be more attuned to potential myeloma symptoms.

Dismissed Symptoms

In 2013, Cowhig began noticing perplexing symptoms that were dismissed by several healthcare providers, despite his persistent visits to a GP and specialist referrals, including a gastroenterologist. He recounted one particularly excruciating day in London where he was incapacitated by pain during a business meeting, which served as a devastating reminder of the toll the undiagnosed condition was taking on his life.

The Shocking Diagnosis

After a full year of suffering without a clear diagnosis, medical scans revealed a plasmacytoma—a tumor that has severely damaged his spine, eroding a vertebra completely. 'I knew about medical issues through my work in science publishing, but myeloma was a mystery to me,' he lamented.

Complications and Challenges

Soon after his diagnosis, Cowhig faced further complications, including hospitalization for a pulmonary embolism induced by his cancer medication and a battle with shingles, leaving him to cope with ongoing health issues like breathing difficulties and reduced mobility years later.

Importance of GP Awareness

Cowhig emphasizes the importance of general practitioners being familiar with myeloma, but he acknowledges the challenges they face in being armed with knowledge about every condition. 'It’s unrealistic to expect GPs to be specialists in every disease, but maintaining awareness of potential conditions like myeloma is essential,' he stated.

Understanding Myeloma

Myeloma affects over 24,000 people in the UK alone and is characterized as a relapsing-remitting cancer that most commonly afflicts those aged 65 and above. The symptoms—including persistent pain, brittle bones, fatigue, and frequent infections—are often mistaken for signs of aging or other minor health issues.

Advancements in Research

Despite the daunting nature of the diagnosis, a wave of research and clinical advancements are improving treatment options for myeloma patients. However, as Janis McCulloch of Myeloma UK warns, 'Every day counts' when it comes to diagnosis and treatment.

A Rallying Cry for Awareness

Cowhig’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to spread awareness about myeloma symptoms, improving early detection to prevent others from suffering through a long road of uncertainty. The message is clear: 'People with myeloma can't wait. We need your help to spread the word and catch the disease earlier.'

Conclusion

Jerry Cowhig’s battle with myeloma is not just his story but a rallying cry for awareness—one that could ultimately save lives.