A MUM has told how she was told an ache in her shoulder was nothing – before being diagnosed with incurable cancer.
Jules Fielder was given exercises to help with “Tennis Elbow” after she noticing pain last year.
The 37-year-old was then alarmed to hear she was making a “crackle” noise when breathing out.
The mum-of-two claims medics said this was probably due to wearing masks a lot, telling her it
In October, Jules noticed a “pea size” lump on her neck and says she was told it was likely to be a cyst or raise lymph node.
But she pushed for more tests, with a biopsy tragically revealing she had incurable lung cancer in November.
She said: “I used my voice and requested further investigation – the biopsy of my presumed cyst showed double lung cancer.
‘It has now spread to my spine and pelvis. I am frustrated about the misdiagnosis.
“It is horrible to know that diagnosis are being missed because of the pandemic.
“It’s sad that I had to fight for a face to face appointment and insist on further testing when the lump in my neck was being examined. “
Despite having a sore shoulder, 3cm lump and a “crackle” noise, Jules is still feeling in good health.
She said: “The crackle noise happens only when I exhale but other than that, I have been absolutely fine.
“I feel fit enough to run half a marathon. People assume lung cancer only happens to smokers over 50 but it doesn’t discriminate.
“I don’t smoke and I have no other symptoms. Lung cancer has many signs and it isn’t just coughing up blood.
“I don’t have breathing difficulties or any pain. I can’t stress enough how important it is to get checked.
“We need to check our bodies, anything abnormal or something that wasn’t there before.
“Don’t listen to your neighbour, go and see a doctor!”
Jules now takes a drug called Osimertinib daily – it is used if tests show the cancer cells have a mutation in a gene called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).
She said: “I am not eligible for surgery so I rely on a therapy drug which was released in 2015. It will give me years to live.
“All they can do is buy me time but I choose not to wallow in sadness.
