A persistent lump on her hand that doctors repeatedly dismissed as a harmless cyst turned out to be an extremely rare form of cancer for Molly Gilmore, requiring surgery to remove her middle finger and part of her hand at just 12 years old.
Molly, now 19 and from Twickenham, was told for more than a year that a lump on her hand was just a cyst.
Molly was a schoolgirl when she first realised something was wrong with her health. ‘I played a lot of netball, so I was used to lumps and bumps on my hands. But this lump was a lot bigger and uncomfortable, and I couldn’t hold a pen, so I went to see a GP. I was told it was ganglion, and it would be fine.’
Six months later, the lump was still there. She returned to her GP but again was told it was ganglion. More time passed and, after another GP visit, Molly was sent for an ultrasound scan. Five months later, she was booked for an operation during which the lump, which was filled with liquid, was drained.
A biopsy was also taken. Then, after further tests, medics told Molly they still didn’t know what it was.
It was in 2017, after yet more months had passed, that Molly, aged 12, was contacted by University College Hospital in London and told to attend an appointment the next day – it was then she received the bombshell information that she had clear cell sarcoma cancer.
Clear cell sarcoma is a very rare cancer that can occur anywhere in the body. There are an average of just 12 cases diagnosed every year in England.
Molly had an operation to remove her middle finger and part of her hand. She said: ‘I got really angry about the delay in diagnosis. I felt like that I had been fobbed off. I am still slightly angry about it. If it had been diagnosed earlier maybe I would not have had to lose my finger, knuckle and bone in my hand.’
Years later, Molly’s health is fine, though she still has annual scans to ensure her cancer has not returned.
Molly, who works for IBM, will run the London Marathon on 27 April for charity Sarcoma UK. Her mother Katie, a paediatric nurse, has taken part in the 26-mile race in the past for the charity, which provided support and information to the family during Molly’s time of need.
She said: ‘Throughout my battle and for countless others, Sarcoma UK has been a pillar of support, providing essential resources, advocacy and a community of understanding. This marathon is not just about physical endurance; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the organisation and the incredible heroes who supported me through my toughest times and continue to aid those facing sarcoma. It’s for all those I have met along this journey and for those who are no longer with us; their memory, courage, and spirit will be driving me forward with every step.’
Kerry Reeves-Kneip, Sarcoma UK’s Director of Fundraising and Communications, said: ‘We are incredibly moved by Molly’s commitment to run the London Marathon for Sarcoma UK. Her story highlights the devastating impact of delayed diagnosis, which is unfortunately all too common with rare cancers like clear cell sarcoma. With only about 12 cases diagnosed annually in England, these cancers present significant diagnostic challenges for medical professionals. The journey Molly endured before receiving her correct diagnosis underscores the urgent need for improved awareness and diagnostic tools. Every pound raised through remarkable efforts like Molly’s helps us invest in vital research to ensure these rare cancers are identified quickly and correctly, potentially sparing future patients from losing limbs or worse. Molly’s courage in turning her personal tragedy into positive action will help save lives.’
To donate to Molly, go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/molly-alexandra1720862014023
