Kirsty, a single mother of two from East Yorkshire, England, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer. Reflecting on her journey, she realized that she had been experiencing symptoms for years. During a 2021 check-up for endometriosis, fluid was discovered in her left kidney, but no further investigation was done. For two years, traces of blood in her urine were dismissed as part of her endometriosis.

In May 2023, Kirsty experienced constant flank pain on her left side after a bicycle fall. She also suffered from backache, fatigue, and significant weight loss. Persistent pain led to repeated visits to her general practitioner. In October, an ultrasound showed significantly more fluid in her kidney and a CT scan with contrast revealed the spread of cancer.

On December 1, 2023, Kirsty was diagnosed with stage 4 squamous cell kidney cancer that had spread to some lymph nodes. Though surgery was not a possibility, she began chemotherapy, which significantly reduced the tumor but came with severe side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and nerve pain. Despite the initial plan to do six cycles, she stopped after five due to the intensity of the treatment.

Kirsty was open with her children about her diagnosis, providing emotional support and encouraging them to express their feelings. Inspired by her mother’s battle with cancer, she focused on creating lasting memories with her children. Her approach to life shifted to prioritize meaningful experiences.

She advises others to listen to their bodies and seek medical attention when symptoms persist. She stressed not taking loved ones for granted and valuing time spent with family over work. Through her journey, Kirsty aims to inspire others to cherish every moment and prioritize what truly matters.