A mother from North Belfast is grappling with a stage four cancer diagnosis after multiple dismissals from A&E, where she was told she was experiencing a heavy period.
Emma McQuitty faces a tough battle with chemotherapy and other treatments. Tumours have spread to her cervix, uterus, and bladder, causing severe pain and leaving her dependent on assistance to walk.
Emma sought help for prolonged bleeding at Mater Hospital’s A&E in February, enduring a 15-hour wait before being sent home with co-codamol for what doctors diagnosed as menorrhagia, or heavy menstrual bleeding.
Despite several visits to both Mater Hospital and Royal Victoria Hospital A&E, she received the same diagnosis each time. Emma claims that only once was she asked for a urine sample, with no further examinations conducted.
By July, her condition had worsened, severely affecting her mobility. Despite her deteriorating symptoms, she was reluctant to return to any Belfast Trust hospital, haunted by previous dismissals.
A relative persuaded her to visit Ulster Hospital, managed by the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust. There, she received the devastating diagnosis: stage four cancer with tumours on her cervix, uterus, and bladder, spreading throughout her body.
In the following weeks, while preparing for cancer treatment, she also faced kidney failure and sepsis due to her declining health. Emma expressed that if doctors had listened to her concerns earlier, she might not be in her current dire situation.
She recounted the months of dismissals at A&E, frustrated over being repeatedly sent home with co-codamol: “I had been going to A&E for six months and every time I was sent home with co-codamol and doctors telling me that I just had a heavy period, when in reality I needed urgent tests and treatment.”
Despite her condition, she expressed gratitude for the care now provided at Ulster Hospital, although she acknowledged the challenging journey ahead: “My condition has deteriorated so much that I can barely walk on my own now and need assistance to go anywhere. I just wish that I had been listened to in the first place.”
Emma’s daughter Codie and a friend have started a fundraiser to help Emma acquire a mobility scooter and other aids for her home to support her during her cancer treatment, raising over £4,000 so far.
The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has been approached for comment.
What Other Media Are Saying
- WebMD provides a detailed overview of stage IV ovarian cancer, highlighting the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options, including palliative care and the importance of a supportive care team.(read more)
- American Cancer Society discusses the signs and symptoms of endometrial cancer, highlighting abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and weight loss as common indicators.(read more)
- Healthline offers an overview of the symptoms of advanced uterine cancer, emphasizing the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment despite the lack of a routine screening test.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What was Emma McQuitty initially diagnosed with?
Emma was initially diagnosed with menorrhagia, or a heavy menstrual period.
What stage cancer was Emma McQuitty eventually diagnosed with?
Emma was eventually diagnosed with stage four cancer.
Which hospitals did Emma McQuitty visit before her cancer diagnosis?
Emma visited the Mater Hospital and Royal Victoria Hospital.
What additional health issues did Emma face apart from cancer?
Emma also faced kidney failure and sepsis.
How much has been raised for Emma’s mobility aids so far?
Over £4,000 has been raised for Emma’s mobility aids.