Lanarkshire woman left in coma after 'sore finger' was sign of cancer

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A mum was left "speechless" after finding out that a finger infection was actually a warning sign of a far more sinister diagnosis that left her fighting for her life. Peppie Scobbie was struggling with fatigue, a persistent chest infection and bruising as well as a painful finger infection.

The 53-year-old, from South Lanarkshire, Scotland, saw her GP and, after a series of blood tests, was stunned to be diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) – an aggressive form of cancer. "I was speechless when I was diagnosed," Peppie said. "I now know I was experiencing all the trademark symptoms of leukaemia."

Prior to her diagnosis, the mum-of-three had no idea that something like a finger infection could be a typical sign of something as serious as cancer. Peppie immediately started chemotherapy, but contracted sepsis and pneumonia, spending three weeks in intensive care in an induced coma.

Fortunately, after two more successful rounds of chemotherapy, she was finally in remission. She then had two stem cell transplants – the last one leading to another long hospital stay as she got 'Graft vs Host' disease when white blood cells attack the person's own body.

Several years on from her original diagnosis back in August 2017, Peppie still struggles with the repercussions of her treatment including permanent damage to her mouth and gut, bone deterioration which led to knee replacements, and regular ongoing pain. She now has regular blood tests to monitor her condition and is due to have a hip replacement in the near future.

Peppie said of her experience: "It's been a difficult few years having – and continuing to have – treatment. It's also very hard mentally and I do have days when I cry and ask, 'Why me?'. But I try to snap out of it and keep a positive mindset."

Now, Peppie has partnered with Leukaemia UK to push for further funding into new research which could uncover better therapies for people affected by this type of blood cancer. The charity awards the John Goldman fellowships to a select number of early career researchers, with each fellow receiving £150,000 in funding and mentorship.

This year, two fellows will be studying AML – Dr Cecile Lopez and Dr Eliza Yankova, both of the University of Cambridge. Peppie added: "No one should have to go through what I have experienced. I hope this important new funding from Leukaemia UK helps to find the treatment options which are so urgently needed to give people diagnosed with leukaemia the chance to live well."

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