Mum Who Lost Nose to Cancer Urges Others to Push for Timely Diagnosis

Months of Cancelled Appointments Delay Cancer Diagnosis

A mother from Liverpool is speaking out about her experience with cancer after her symptoms were repeatedly overlooked and her hospital appointments were cancelled multiple times. Lisa Mercer began experiencing symptoms like a painfully stuffy nose, watery eyes, and headaches in January 2021. Despite seeking medical help, she was initially diagnosed with a sinus infection over the phone and given nasal sprays that didn't alleviate her symptoms. It wasn't until months later, after suffering sporadic nosebleeds and numbness on one side of her face, that she was finally diagnosed with paranasal sinus and skull-based cancer in August 2022.

Full Nose Removal and Prosthetic Attachment

Due to the delayed diagnosis, Lisa had to undergo two unsuccessful surgeries to remove the tumor before eventually having her entire nose surgically removed. She now wears a prosthetic attachment in its place. The procedure was traumatic and Lisa had to endure 30 rounds of radiotherapy treatment. While her recent check-up showed no signs of cancer recurrence, Lisa believes that if her appointments hadn't been cancelled, her cancer may have been caught earlier and she may not have lost her nose.

Advocating for better hospital referrals

Lisa is now urging others with similar symptoms to advocate for thorough hospital referrals, emphasizing the importance of pushing for timely diagnosis. She believes that hospitals need more resources to effectively treat people with cancer and hopes that her story will raise awareness about the need for early detection. Despite the challenges she has faced, Lisa remains grateful to be alive and is using her experience to help others by sharing her story on social media.

Pushing for Change and Raising Awareness

Lisa has created a TikTok page to share her journey and educate others about head and neck cancer. She wants to ensure that people are aware of the symptoms and the importance of seeking medical attention promptly. Lisa hopes that by speaking out, she can help others avoid the same delays and challenges she experienced.

A spokesperson for the hospital's trust has expressed regret over Lisa's concerns and has promised to address them directly. They will be contacting Lisa to discuss her experiences and offer support.