Mother of Five Diagnosed with Myeloma After Misinterpreting Symptoms

Emma Heatherington, a 49-year-old mother of five from Donaghmore, Northern Ireland, faced a life-altering diagnosis after dismissing alarming health symptoms as signs of aging. Initially attributing her aches, night sweats, and fatigue to menopause, Emma discovered she was actually suffering from incurable myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood.

In 2024, Emma was thriving in her career as an author, celebrating the release of her first book with Penguin Random House. “I was flying,” she recalled, fully immersed in the joys of parenthood and a burgeoning professional life. However, by February, her health began to decline. She experienced unusual tiredness, dizziness, and a series of unsettling symptoms, including clicking noises in her bones and night sweats.

Emma initially believed these signs were typical of perimenopause, a transitional phase that many women experience between the ages of 45 and 55. The symptoms of perimenopause, which include hot flashes and joint pain, often overlap with the indicators of myeloma, making self-diagnosis difficult.

By the time Emma sought medical attention, her condition had worsened significantly. She was diagnosed with myeloma after a CT scan revealed a broken sternum and lesions in her skull, breastbone, and shoulders. This cancer type claims over 3,000 lives annually in the UK, with around 6,240 new cases diagnosed each year.

Reflecting on her diagnosis, Emma shared, “It was a comedown and a shock to go from utter elation to absolute despair.” The transition from believing she was merely experiencing the effects of aging to facing a cancer diagnosis was overwhelming. A particularly severe dizzy spell prompted her visit to the emergency department, leading to the life-changing diagnosis that would follow weeks later.

Following her diagnosis, Emma began chemotherapy and was referred to Belfast City Hospital for a stem cell transplant in November 2024. While the treatment was necessary, it came with its own set of challenges. Emma spent four weeks in isolation due to the risk of infection, allowed to see only her fiancé, Jim McKee.

Despite the difficulties, she found solace in the support of hospital staff and the camaraderie formed with other patients. “The doctors and nurses also chatted with me, telling jokes and helping to take away my loneliness,” she noted.

Amidst her treatment journey, Emma continued to promote her work. On the day her book, *Maybe Next Christmas*, was released, she conducted an interview live from her hospital bed. The delivery of her stem cells coincided with the conclusion of the interview, marking a poignant moment in her battle against cancer.

Emma’s recovery has not been straightforward. Since her initial treatment, she has been hospitalized twice due to flu viruses and faces ongoing health challenges. “There were days when I couldn’t lift a fork to my mouth; I was so tired,” she recalled, highlighting the profound impact of myeloma on her daily life.

Despite these struggles, Emma remains optimistic about the future. She takes a daily chemotherapy tablet to keep her myeloma under control and undergoes monthly blood monitoring. “I live month to month,” she admitted. “I know I will never be out of the woods.” While there is currently no cure for myeloma, Emma holds onto hope as new treatment plans continue to emerge.

Emma’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection in cancer diagnoses. With over 33,000 people living with myeloma in the UK, many symptoms can be subtle and easily attributed to aging or minor conditions. Common signs include back pain, excessive fatigue, easily broken bones, and frequent infections.

As part of her commitment to raising awareness, Emma is supporting Myeloma UK’s Know the Warning Signs campaign. She urges others experiencing unexplained symptoms to consult healthcare professionals without hesitation. “Don’t feel silly or reluctant to go to the GP. Don’t rule it out, just in case,” she advises.

Emma Heatherington’s story highlights the critical importance of recognizing the signs of myeloma and seeking timely medical advice. She continues to inspire others with her resilience and determination as she navigates her ongoing health journey.