I was told stabbing chest pains were all in my head – doctors sent me podcasts to cope when I needed scans

A WOMAN claims it took doctors 18 months to diagnose her rare cancer – alleging that they said the pain was “just in her head”.

When Paige Nunu was told she had stage four Hodgkin lymphoma, her world fell apart.

Jam Press/Paige NunuPaige Nunu in hospital during cancer treatment[/caption]

It took 18 months for the 30-year-old to be diagnosedJam Press/Paige Nunu

The 30-year-old had been suffering from strange symptoms for months, such as chest pains, back ache, a lump in her neck, night sweats and extreme fatigue – but claims medical professionals dismissed her concerns.

Fed up, Paige spent £1,500 on private treatments to ease her discomfort.

She visited a private physiotherapist, chiropractor, gynaecologist, and acupuncturist, but nothing worked.

“I was constantly unwell with new symptoms arising every week,” she said.

“I started getting horrendous, sharp, stabbing pains in my chest and eventually, went into A&E, with doctors telling me it was costochondritis, likely linked to long Covid.

“Meanwhile, my back pain was becoming increasingly worse, eventually spreading to my shoulders, glutes, groin and hips, and my doctors all convinced me that I wasn’t following their advice correctly.

“I was prescribed a lot of pain medication, too.

“My amazing partner, Dean, 29, tried everything to calm me down and lessen the pain in the middle of the night, from ice to heat, to massage to acupressure tools, but nothing helped.

“I went back to my doctors and asked for another scan but they said no, told me that the ‘pain was in my head’ and sent podcasts and YouTube videos on ‘understanding the complexity of pain.

“I was distraught.”

Once a lump developed in her neck, Paige went back to the doctor but claims to, once again, have been dismissed.

She also suffered from stomach issues and was reportedly misdiagnosed with IBS, stress and food sensitivities, leading her to change her diet – with no results.

Finally, in October 2022, Paige saw a doctor who took her symptoms seriously.

She had blood tests before being told to go to A&E immediately, where she was diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin lymphoma on 21 October, 2022.

The brand and strategy director, from Manchester, said: “My initial reaction to my diagnosis was utter shock.

“I didn’t know what lymphoma was and I had been caring for my mum – who is living with cancer – and I was all consumed by her health.

“I soon started to feel frustrated at the system for not taking my symptoms seriously.

“I was also frustrated with myself for not seeing the signs.”

Paige added: “Due to the severity of my cancer, I had to start treatment instantly, which meant I was not able to undergo IVF treatment to freeze my eggs.

“I still haven’t quite processed this.

“Even though I knew I wanted and needed them frozen because I want children deeply, the thought of going through the intense process of chemotherapy scared me.

“It was one less trauma to deal with at the time.”

The cancer had spread to Paige’s spleen and bones, and she had to undergo chemotherapy, with seven different drugs pumped into her body in the hopes of attacking the cancer.

She said: “I don’t think you can ever prepare yourself for how you will feel going through cancer.

“The months that followed the end of my chemotherapy treatment were the saddest and loneliest I’ve had.”

Thankfully, the gruelling treatment was successful and Paige is now in remission.

She is sharing her story (@paigusnunu) in the hopes of urging others to push for answers and has realised her dream of launching her own business – a brand transformation consultancy and marketing agency.

Paige added: “I finished chemotherapy in March and I’m now focused on recovering and living life to the fullest.

“I am committed to raising awareness of what it’s like living with cancer by sharing my story across my social media.

“I am back to doing what I love and I am overjoyed to say that.

“I feel fearless in comparison to my previous self.”

Jam Press/Paige NunuPaige before being diagnosed with cancer[/caption]

Jam Press/Paige NunuDoctors allegedly told Paige her symptoms were all in her head[/caption]

Jam Press/Paige NunuPaige receiving treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma[/caption]

Jam Press/Paige NunuPaige, from Manchester, said: ‘I was distraught’[/caption]

Jam Press/Paige NunuPaige and her ‘amazing’ partner Dean[/caption]

Jam Press/Paige NunuPaige with loved ones in hospital[/caption]

Jam Press/Paige NunuIt allegedly took 18 months for Paige to get a diagnosis[/caption]