A mother whose terminal cancer was initially misdiagnosed as kidney stones is now fighting to witness her daughter's wedding. Sharon Irvine, 57, first sought medical help for severe lower back pain but was told the symptoms would resolve on their own.
Two weeks later, she was rushed to A&E in agony, where scans revealed stage four lung cancer that had spread to her bones, liver, and adrenal gland. As her condition worsens, the family from Drumoyne is urgently planning daughter Natasha's wedding to fulfill Sharon's last wishes.
Natasha, 38, and her partner Stephen McGrath are racing against time. Stephen described the devastating impact of the diagnosis: "Apart from some back pain, Sharon had no symptoms. She was told it was kidney stones. It wasn't until she went to A&E that a scan found a tumor."
After a nine-week hospital stay, the family learned the cancer was aggressive and advanced. "We never expected this. It's unbelievably cruel. Now our focus is making every second count," Stephen said.
The family is urgently arranging the wedding, unsure if it will be in hospital or at home. "The only thing that matters is that Sharon is there, surrounded by family," he added.
A planned retreat to Luss with grandchildren Reagan, Stephen, and Remi was cancelled when Sharon lost mobility. Further scans showed the cancer had spread to her brain. Doctors say the disease is too advanced for treatment.
"Every scan brings more bad news. But Sharon is incredibly brave, fighting every day," Stephen said. An online fundraiser has raised over £5,000 to help fulfill Sharon's wishes. "Family has always been everything to her. We're creating memories that will last forever," he said.
