A 58-year-old Worcestershire woman who was diagnosed with a rare aggressive cancer after suffering cold-like symptoms is urging others to trust their instinct if they have ongoing health concerns.
Wendy White was diagnosed with mucosal melanoma in January 2023 after suffering symptoms which she initially thought were related to a nasty cold.
“I thought it was just a cold but then I started getting nosebleeds and quite a lot of congestion. I also discovered, what I can only describe as a jelly-bean-shaped growth, hanging out of my nostril,” explained Wendy, a HR manager, who lives in a small village on the outskirts of Worcester.
“I went to my GP, who diagnosed it as sinusitis, but I knew it wasn’t. I had to keep insisting that I see a doctor because they weren’t interested.”
After seeing three different doctors, Wendy was finally told she might have a polyp. Using her private medical insurance, she arranged to have it removed.
However, two weeks after the procedure, she received the shocking news that it wasn’t a polyp but in fact an aggressive form of cancer known as mucosal melanoma which affects the mucus membranes in the nose, mouth and throat.
Wendy, who has now teamed up with leading head and neck cancer charity Get A-Head to help raise awareness, said: “Although the jelly-bean growth had been removed unfortunately scans revealed there was a size-able tumour in my sinus just next to my eye and below my brain. Worse still, the cancer had also spread to my breast, lungs and liver.”
She was referred to leading consultant Shahz Ahmed, who specialises in sinus and skull surgery and is also a trustee of Birmingham-founded Get A-Head.
“It came as a real shock. I was really fit – I used to run twice a week, do yoga and go to the gym. I’d just had a full medical assessment and mammogram, and everything was fine,” explained Wendy, who is married to Ross and has two daughters Emily (25) and Lucy (21).
Mr Ahmed successfully operated to remove the primary tumour, and Wendy is now undergoing immunotherapy treatment to help fight the tumours in her breast, lungs and liver.
Despite her diagnosis and ongoing treatment, Wendy continues to work full-time and exercises daily, which she says has helped her mentally cope with her diagnosis.
By sharing her story through Get A-Head, she hopes to encourage others not to ignore persistent symptoms and to be their own health advocate.
“Listen to your gut feeling and don’t take no for an answer. If you truly believe there’s something wrong, pursue it,” said Wendy.
It was through Mr Ahmed that Wendy first learned about Get A-Head, a charity that funds vital research and equipment for head and neck cancer treatment.
“I knew nothing about Get A-Head until Mr Ahmed asked if I’d like to attend their charity ball last November,” said Wendy.
Get A-Head plays a crucial role in funding research into cancer treatment and ensuring NHS trusts across the UK have access to cutting-edge technology and equipment that can improve outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer. This includes funding specialist equipment that is not normally available through NHS budgets.
Wendy, who has now become a vocal supporter of the charity, says: “I’m so indebted to Mr Ahmed and want to do anything I can to help the cause. If my story can help raise awareness of head and neck cancer and encourage others to support Get A-Head, then sharing it is absolutely worth it.”
Danni Heath, director of Get A-Head, said: “Recent evidence suggests there is a concerning rise in the number of people being diagnosed with head and neck cancers so the more we can do to drive awareness the better.
“Wendy was right to continue seeking medical help when she knew things weren’t right and we would urge others to do the same. One of the biggest risks with head and neck cancer is late diagnosis so the more we can do to spread awareness about early symptoms the better.”
Health professionals advise that if you experience any of the following symptoms that persist for more than three weeks, you should consult your doctor:
