When Charlotte Briggs first experienced nagging discomfort in her shoulder, doctors assured her it was simple tendonitis. The 34-year-old mother from Kent accepted the diagnosis and tried to manage the pain, but something didn't feel right.
For seven long months, Charlotte returned to medical professionals, each time being told the same thing - it was just inflammation. She was prescribed painkillers and advised to rest, but the ache persisted and gradually intensified.
The Devastating Discovery
"I knew deep down something was seriously wrong," Charlotte recalls. "The pain was different from any muscular issue I'd experienced before. It was a deep, persistent ache that didn't respond to treatment."
After pushing for further investigation, Charlotte received the shocking news: the "tendonitis" was actually osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer that had been growing undetected for months.
Fighting for Survival
The diagnosis began an immediate and aggressive treatment plan. Charlotte underwent:
- Multiple rounds of intensive chemotherapy
- Major surgery to remove the tumor and affected bone
- Reconstructive surgery using bone from her leg
- Lengthy rehabilitation and physiotherapy
"The cancer was so advanced that doctors had to act immediately," she explains. "I went from thinking I had a simple inflammation to fighting for my life within days."
A Vital Message for Others
Now in recovery, Charlotte shares her story to warn others about trusting their instincts when it comes to persistent symptoms.
"If your pain doesn't feel right or doesn't improve with treatment, push for further investigation," she urges. "Don't be afraid to seek second opinions. My delayed diagnosis meant the cancer had more time to develop, making treatment much more difficult."
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Medical experts emphasize that while most shoulder pain is indeed muscular, certain symptoms warrant further investigation:
- Pain that persists beyond several weeks despite treatment
- Deep, boring pain that feels different from muscle aches
- Pain that worsens at night or disrupts sleep
- Unexpected weight loss accompanying the pain
- Swelling or lumps in the affected area
Charlotte's story serves as a powerful reminder that while most aches are benign, persistent symptoms deserve thorough investigation. Her experience has left her with a permanent metal plate in her shoulder but also with a determination to help others avoid similar delays in diagnosis.
"I'm sharing my story because if it helps one person get diagnosed earlier, something positive will have come from this nightmare," she says. "Trust your body - you know when something isn't right."
