A young woman from the United States is issuing a powerful warning about trusting your own instincts after doctors repeatedly dismissed her persistent hip pain, which later turned out to be a rare and aggressive cancer.
From Tendonitis to a Terrifying Diagnosis
Brooke Bailey, a 23-year-old nail technician from Northampton, Pennsylvania, first began experiencing an aching, throbbing pain in her left hip. When she sought medical help, clinicians allegedly suggested her symptoms were linked to her profession, citing long hours sitting in a salon chair and even her height. She was diagnosed with tendonitis and prescribed physiotherapy.
"In the beginning it was more of an aching, throbbing, on-and-off type of pain," Brooke explained. "Then as time went on, it was radiating and getting worse. It went through my whole leg even down to my ankle." Despite multiple visits to different doctors over several months, her condition deteriorated to the point where she could no longer perform the prescribed physio exercises.
The Devastating Discovery of Stage Four Cancer
After her pain intensified, doctors finally ordered an MRI scan. On October 13, the results revealed two tumours: one in her femur and another in her groin. Brooke received a diagnosis of stage four Ewing sarcoma, a type of bone and soft tissue cancer.
"When they finally did an MRI and told me [that it was cancer] I was scared and I was nervous," Brooke said. "I never thought in my mind that it was cancer... but I kind of felt relieved too because I was like 'I'm not crazy, there is something wrong and I knew it the whole time'." She had been struggling with the unexplained pain for six to seven months prior to the diagnosis.
A Vital Message on Advocacy and Listening to Your Body
Brooke is now undergoing an intensive course of chemotherapy, with her progress set to be reviewed in January to determine if surgery is needed. From her ordeal, she has drawn a crucial lesson for others. She is urging people to persistently seek second opinions if they feel their health concerns are being minimised.
"I've learned that you really are your biggest advocate for yourself," Brooke stated. "If you don't like what somebody says, go see somebody else. I wish that's what I had done... You might have to really push and request certain tests."
Her mother, Marissa Koons, 43, set up a GoFundMe page to help cover costs, notably for an egg retrieval procedure to preserve Brooke's fertility before chemotherapy began. The fundraiser, which exceeded its initial target and has raised over $7,000, is also assisting with travel and accommodation expenses during treatment.
Brooke's resounding advice is simple yet profound: "Listen to your body." Her story stands as a stark reminder of the importance of personal persistence in the face of medical uncertainty.
