Mum's heartbreaking battle with rare 'one in a million' disease
Stephanie Thomson experienced 'shooting pains' in her groin before receiving the tragic news.
A woman has detailed her heartbreaking ordeal after being told she was clear of cancer, only to learn it had returned and now it was terminal.
Stephanie Thomson, 34, has been open about her battle with extrarenal rhabdoid tumours, a rare "one in a million" cancer, on social media since her diagnosis in September 2022, after she initially began experiencing "shooting pains" in her groin.
The mum-of-one, from Glasgow, Scotland, also noticed a "pea-sized" lump at the top of her right thigh before receiving her tragic diagnosis. 14 months of intense chemotherapy treatment followed, as well as two major surgeries — and in October 2023, the former hairdresser was officially declared cancer-free.
However, tragically, late last year she was told her cancer had returned and is now terminal.
"The news came as an absolute shock, especially days before the holiday season," the mum said.
"My whole life has changed once again. I was once a bubbly, outgoing and sociable person, but now my life is just cancer and nothing else.
"I’m terrified, especially for my son, as he is my entire world and my whole life has been focused on him. The thought of him not having a mum anymore is too much to think about."
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Stephanie, who was once an award-winning hairdresser, initially believed the lump was "fatty tissue" but still sought a second opinion. In January 2023, she began five different types of chemotherapy and had major surgery to remove the primary tumour, along with part of her pelvis bone and two large stomach muscles.
"I feared I never would be able to walk again and the recovery was so hard and traumatic. When I completed my last chemotherapy, I thought I had won," she said.
"I felt a weight lifted and such relief, but then a scan found small metastases near my right lung. I had them removed and then rang the bell – a day I thought never would come."
Limited treatment for rare cancer
Sadly, during a routine check-up, medics confirmed the cancer had now returned and had spread to her lungs, lymph nodes and chest. As this type of cancer is usually found in children, little is known about adult cases and therefore, treatment is limited.
Currently, she’s in hospital undergoing emergency chemotherapy to help slow down the progression of her condition and is raising awareness to warn others of the signs to look out for and hopes to make the most of the time she has left with her loved ones.
"My main focus is on finding the right treatment which will prolong my life and give me as much time as possible with my son and family," she said.
"We’re trying everything possible to slow down the spread and my family is researching worldwide for other treatments.
"My message to anyone is that you know your own body – check it over as cancer has no boundaries.This can happen to anyone and I never expected at only 34 to be told I don’t have much time left.
"Live life to the fullest, as it’s so short. I know I will never be cured, but I hope to get some extra years with my son before my time is up."
Jam Press
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