Ann Wraith, a 48-year-old mother from Glasgow, was diagnosed with myeloma—a type of blood cancer—in January after initially believing she had a bad cold. The diagnosis came as a shock, as she had no obvious symptoms and had never heard of the condition before.
Symptoms Mistaken for Cold or Perimenopause
Wraith experienced exhaustion, night sweats, broken sleep, and leg pain, which she attributed to a cold or perimenopause. However, blood tests at her GP revealed myeloma, a cancer that develops in plasma cells within the bone marrow.
She underwent a stem cell transplant and spent three weeks in hospital, separated from her young daughter Georgia due to age restrictions on visits. "When I was first diagnosed, I felt scared and overwhelmed. My daughter couldn't visit me on the ward because of her age. I was isolated and alone," Wraith said.
Myeloma: Treatable but Not Curable
Myeloma is currently treatable but not curable. Symptoms can include persistent pain, fatigue, recurrent infections, and unexplained bone problems, making diagnosis challenging. Wraith noted that the cancer does not have one obvious symptom.
"I had what I thought was a bad cold that I couldn't shake off. I was getting up frequently during the night, and I was so exhausted that I was falling asleep during the day, which was completely unlike me. I also had a painful leg for months that seemed to come out of nowhere. I knew something wasn't right, so I asked my GP for blood tests. At no point did I think I could have cancer. I was diagnosed two weeks later," she explained.
Psychological Impact and Support
Wraith emphasized the psychological toll of living with myeloma. "Alongside the physical challenges, there is a lot of uncertainty and fear. It can be easy to dismiss what your body is trying to tell you and put symptoms down to stress, ageing or being busy, but don't ignore symptoms that don't feel normal for you. There is hope. You don't have to face it alone," she said.
She received support from the Beatson Cancer Charity, which provided community and practical help. "The charity created a sense of community... whether it was a chat over tea and cake or the support available both in hospital and in the community, they made the experience more manageable," Wraith said. "I don't take ordinary moments for granted now. Walking outside, going for a coffee, or spending time with the people I love feels incredibly precious. Recovery is teaching me to celebrate even the smallest victories."
Charity Urges Awareness
A spokesperson from Beatson Cancer Charity stressed the importance of raising awareness: "Raising awareness of myeloma and its symptoms is vital, as earlier diagnosis can make a significant difference to treatment options and outcomes."
