A Story of Triumph: From Misdiagnosis to Remission – A Journey of Hope and Advocacy
Sharon Ann-Phillips, author, advocate, and survivor, shares her incredible journey of battling multiple misdiagnoses, two life-threatening cancers, and the power of perseverance in her
memoir, Why Me: My Fight for Life from Heartbreak to Hope.
In July 2014, Sharon began experiencing unexplained breathlessness that escalated over the following months. Despite numerous hospital visits and tests, her symptoms were dismissed as stress and anxiety.
It wasn’t until a year later, following a referral to St George’s Hospital in Tooting, London, that her life changed. An MRI revealed the rare condition of Amyloidosis, linked to multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer. Her diagnosis in 2015 came with the gut-wrenching prognosis of six months to live. Yet, nearly nine years later, she continues to defy the odds.
“The misdiagnosis nearly cost me my life,” Sharon shares. “If the MRI had been performed
earlier, the damage to my heart might have been prevented. My experience underscores the
importance of advocating for oneself and being heard by medical professionals.”
Sharons turmoil didn’t end there; In October 2020, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she discovered a lump in her breast during a self-examination. Diagnosed with aggressive grade-three breast cancer, she faced surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy during the
global pandemic. Remarkably, she is now in remission from both multiple myeloma and
breast cancer.
Through her memoir, Sharon address’s themes of misdiagnosis, loss, resilience, and hope. “My experiences bring insight and inspiration to anyone facing devastation through loss and cancer, topics often shrouded in silence,” she says.
Sharon continues to use her platform to advocate for early diagnosis, increased awareness of rare diseases, and the importance of breast self examinations. Her social media channels are filled with messages urging others to take charge of their health. “Every day is a gift,” she reflects. “I’m grateful to have surpassed the predictions, and I want to ensure others don’t face unnecessary delays in their diagnoses.”
Last year, while Sharon was in remission, the doctors recommended a stem cell harvest while her blood cells were still in good condition, a procedure they referred to as a rainy day harvest. Initially hesitant, she became confident after learning about the work the ACLT has done around stem cell harvesting and transplants and by speaking with a patient they support. The procedure successfully took place in February this year.
Since being in remission, Sharon has been taking time out to focus on her quality of life and cherishes time spent with family and friends. Her strong faith, trust in God and unwavering spirit are a testament to the strength of the human will and highlights the importance of questioning and engaging in one’s medical journey.
This inspiring story is a call to action for patients and healthcare providers alike, emphasizing the need for vigilance, empathy, and proactive care.
If you’re between the ages of 16 – 55 and in good health, registering as a stem cell donor can be a lifesaving act.
The process is straightforward, beginning with a simple cheek swab to determine tissue type.
Register to become a Stem Cell donor with Anthony Nolan if you are aged between 16- 30 years old or with DKMS if you are aged between 17-55 years old.
