A makeup artist disclosed that the irritated skin she initially attributed to switching her laundry detergent was, after being misdiagnosed, in fact, a manifestation of cancer. April Grierson, a 20-year-old hailing from Liverpool, experienced persistent itching in June of the previous year, a discomfort she attributed to her choice of laundry detergent.
However, her apprehensions grew as she changed detergent brands and observed no alleviation in her symptoms
In a bid to uncover the cause, she even temporarily sent her dog away for two weeks, suspecting a potential allergic reaction. Despite these measures, her condition persisted, driving her to seek medical advice from her GP. Initially, the doctor misdiagnosed her with scabies after a series of phone consultations.
Following this misdiagnosis, April was prescribed creams and tablets to address the condition. However, as time passed, a lump arose on her neck, pushing her doctors to refer her to a hospital, where the shocking news emerged that she was fighting cancer.
In November 2021, April was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of blood cancer. Subsequently, the makeup artist outlined the details of her diagnosis through a TikTok video. Remarkably, this video has amassed more than 5.1 million views and pulled in 553,600 likes.
Reflecting on being misdiagnosed, April knew something wasn’t right
Reflecting on that period, April shared, “I had this sense that something was wrong.” Despite her concerns, she had previously confided in her mother about her fear of having cancer, a notion that her mother blamed on anxiety.
“Turns out I was right and I’m so glad I kept going back to the doctors. I knew my own body. My skin itched day and night from my head to my feet. I was tearing at my skin. I couldn’t sleep and I was making myself bleed, I was red raw.” She talked about being misdiagnosed.
Following a series of remote consultations with a general practitioner, April recounted that she was prescribed creams and tablets as a course of treatment for what was believed to be a case of scabies – something misdiagnosed. “I knew it couldn’t be scabies as it’s highly contagious and my boyfriend hadn’t caught it. I couldn’t get a face-to-face appointment because of Covid so I kept sending more pictures but the doctors said I had no rash or typical skin marks for them to make a diagnosis.” She said.
In October I found a lump in my neck that grew quickly. Within three weeks I had an appointment at a specialist head and neck center. I was diagnosed with cancer that day after blood tests, CT scans and a biopsy showed I had blood cancer and it was a tumor on my neck.” She continued.
Committed to his partner, April’s now fiancee stuck through it all
During April’s vast four-hour appointment, her fiancé, Sean O’Flaherty, 23, had been waiting in the car. Eager to find out what the real issue was after being misdiagnosed. However, he could join her inside the facility when she received the life-altering news. “I knew as soon as Sean was allowed in that it was cancer. And I was so scared and just cried and cried. I couldn’t believe I had to drive home and tell my parents I had cancer. I was devastated.” She mentioned.
Subsequent examinations unveiled that April was dealing with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Her then challenge involved undergoing six months of chemotherapy in two-week intervals. This treatment regimen aimed to destroy the cancer, which had grown from a lymph node in her neck to circle her chest and the vicinity of her windpipe.
Read: Woman, 27, dies from cervical cancer after symptoms were mistaken for IBS
April decided to harvest her eggs after her diagnosis
Adding to her challenges, April faced a second unfortunate event. Before commencing her chemotherapy, she underwent egg retrieval to preserve her future fertility. Tragically, this procedure resulted in complications. The fertility medications administered caused ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), leading to her ovaries swelling and fluid leakage into her body.
This situation necessitated a two-week hospital stay, during which fluid accumulated around her lungs. Despite the difficulties, medical professionals retrieved seven eggs and generated four embryos—a lot to deal with on top of a life-threatening misdiagnosed disease.
Taking to TikTok, April recently shared her ordeal, aiming to offer solace to others and inspire them to heed their instincts. She emphasized, “I’m raising awareness for everything I’m going through because I want people to know they know their body best. If my story helps one person to push for an appointment and listen to their body then I’ll be glad.”
Her followers stood by her side
One user said: “So proud of you! Keep fighting angel x.” Another commented, “Strong woman.” Someone else added: “What you’re going through must be one of the scariest times in your life, thank you for sharing this. I want to follow so I can watch you beat this.“
“I wish all the best in your life you deserve it. Stay strong,” said another fan. Another follower insisted: “You’re gonna get through this!!!” User Kalybaly’s kind words extend to both April and her fiancé, “I just said a prayer for you and your partner. Thanks for being so brave and positive.” And today, April is cancer-free!
Keep Reading: A stranger noticed Jackie Briggs’ birthmark. It saved her life
Sources
- “Make-up artist, 20, reveals itchy skin that she thought was caused by changing her washing powder was actually CANCER.” Mail Online. Lizzie May. February 17, 2022
- “Woman claims doctors misdiagnosed her itchy skin as scabies when it was cancer.” Mirror UK. Lucy Williamson. February 18, 2022.