A mother from the West Midlands has shared how a routine visit to her GP for a persistent sore throat led to a life-changing diagnosis of incurable blood cancer.
A Fateful GP Visit
In July 2009, Deb Gascoyne, then a 34-year-old HR professional and active mother-of-two from Hagley, went to see her doctor about a sore throat that felt like "a golf ball" and left her exhausted. A nurse's spontaneous decision to run blood tests that day proved to be pivotal. Further scans and a bone marrow biopsy confirmed smouldering myeloma, an early stage of the blood cancer.
"I was totally shellshocked," Deb recalled, explaining that medics initially told her she was too young for such a diagnosis. Her own research revealed a typical life expectancy of just two to five years, sparking fears she would never see her children, then aged two and four, grow up or grow old with her husband, Nick.
A Lifesaving Early Diagnosis and Relentless Fundraising
Crediting that early detection with saving her life, Deb channelled her energy into fundraising for Myeloma UK to take control of her situation. Her cancer became active a year later, and she underwent chemotherapy as part of the Myeloma XI trial in 2010, followed by her first stem cell transplant in July 2011.
Despite the fear of relapse, Deb dedicated herself to raising money and awareness. Her creative efforts included completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks, organising a glitz and glamour ball, and undertaking 40 challenges before turning 40. To date, she has generated an incredible £248,100 for the charity, with her actual total likely higher.
Living with Hope and Looking Ahead
Myeloma is a relapsing-remitting condition. Deb faced a relapse in 2019, receiving a second stem cell transplant in September 2020, and another in November 2024. She began a new maintenance treatment in December 2024 and continues to live actively with the disease.
Now 50, and approaching 17 years since her diagnosis, Deb reflects on the milestones she feared she'd miss. "I've seen my kids hit their major birthdays," she said. "I've watched my son with his girlfriend and my daughter becoming a paramedic... I am really lucky and really blessed."
To hit her ambitious £250,000 fundraising target, Deb is preparing for her final major challenge: a London to Paris cycling event in May. She is also taking time off with her family to "make some memories". Her story stands as a powerful testament to the importance of early diagnosis, community support, and never losing hope.
