A young woman suffering from intense back pain was initially misdiagnosed by paramedics, who attributed her symptoms to excessive meat consumption, but later discovered a tumor growing in her spine.
Leah Kalka, 23, struggled to alleviate the excruciating lower back pain that radiated down her legs despite trying painkillers. Initially believed to be sciatica by her GP, the discomfort escalated during a family trip to Turkey, making sitting and walking unbearable.
“I was confined to my hotel room due to the intense pain,” Leah recalled of her holiday with her father. “The throbbing pain from my lower back to my foot made it impossible to sit, lie down, or walk. Neither paracetamol nor heat patches provided relief.”
Back in the UK, extensive tests, including MRI scans, were inconclusive, suggesting a potential herniated disc. Following unsuccessful treatments, an osteopath diagnosed Leah with a damaged tailbone.
As the pain intensified while working at a restaurant, Leah sought emergency medical attention, only to be dismissed by paramedics who attributed her symptoms to “meat sweats.”
Subsequently, a sizable lump appeared, accompanied by significant weight loss due to decreased appetite and fatigue, forcing Leah to halt her studies and employment.
Despite multiple visits to healthcare providers and emergency departments, Leah’s pain persisted, prompting her boyfriend to arrange scans abroad. Further examinations revealed abnormalities, leading to a biopsy in the UK, where Leah was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Enduring 14 rounds of chemotherapy and 33 proton beam therapy sessions, Leah completed her treatment in July 2024 with support from the Teenage Cancer Trust. Grateful for the care received, Leah emphasized the importance of trusting one’s body and advocating for proper medical attention.
Leah’s resilience has inspired her to share her journey to raise awareness and funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust, which supports thousands of young cancer patients annually.
