Kelly Heather
Photo by SWNS

38-Year-Old Discovers Shocking Terminal Cancer Diagnosis After Noticing Tiny Change to Her Fingernail

Kelly Heather, 38, from Gravesend, Kent, first noticed something was wrong in 2017 when she observed an unusual change in her fingernail. This seemingly minor sign marked the beginning of an almost eight-year battle with cancer, according to the Daily Mail.

Initially visiting her GP about the discoloration, Kelly was reassured that there were “no cancer cells showing,” but was advised to undergo monitoring every three months. Although rare, skin cancer, including melanoma, can develop under and around fingernails and toenails, often appearing as a brown or black band that can be mistaken for a bruise. Over the next three months, Kelly’s nail line darkened and thickened, leading to a diagnosis of melanoma.

She underwent surgery at Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead to remove her nail bed, with doctors confirming that no cancer remained. However, within six months, a verruca-like growth appeared at the end of her finger, indicating a recurrence. Faced with the possibility of partial amputation, Kelly bravely told her doctor, “Whatever you need just take it. I’d rather that than it spread anywhere else.” In March 2020, her fingertip was removed, and she was given the “all-clear.”

Despite her hopes, in August 2022, Kelly discovered a lump in her armpit, revealing that the cancer had spread to her lymphatic system. She underwent major surgery to remove 20 lymph nodes, with one testing positive for metastatic malignant melanoma. By October 2023, after a year of immunotherapy at Maidstone Hospital, her scans were clear, and she was declared in remission in April 2024—just two weeks before learning she was pregnant.

At 35 weeks, Kelly experienced severe symptoms that led to the diagnosis of a stage 4 melanoma brain tumor. She gave birth to her fourth child, Te-Jay, via C-section on December 9, and less than ten days later, underwent brain surgery to remove most of the tumor. Although a small part remained to prevent paralysis, Kelly began targeted radiotherapy to eliminate the remaining cancer cells. Balancing motherhood and her health, she is now undergoing new treatments with two immunotherapy drugs, understanding there is a “50 percent chance it will work for me.”

Kelly expressed her fears and regrets, saying, “I don’t think I’ve fully accepted that I have terminal cancer.” She recounted the terrifying moment her leg began to shake uncontrollably, leading to a seizure in her kitchen. “I honestly thought I had died. I thought I was dying and all I could think was my kids have lost their mum and my baby is going to die. It’s one of the most traumatic things I’ve ever gone through. I’ll never forget that day.”

Determined to stay positive for her partner, Tom Woodcock, and their four children—Preston, 17; Brendan, 15; Rhea, 7; and Te-Jay—Kelly advocates for more thorough cancer testing. She believes earlier scans could have detected her stage 4 cancer sooner. “I was told so many times I was cancer-free—or that my cancer wasn’t going to spread. I tried to push for more scans but I was told no. I wish I had been that annoying patient who kept going.”

Despite her diagnosis, Kelly remains hopeful and committed to her family. “I am pushing for further testing to be given regardless of what stage you are at,” she said, highlighting the aggressive nature of melanoma and the need for better detection methods.

A spokesperson for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust emphasized their commitment to personalized cancer treatment, encouraging patients to discuss any concerns with their clinical teams.

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