A Maidstone woman has warned others after years of unexplained symptoms were initially put down to ageing and the menopause before doctors diagnosed a blood disorder that later developed into leukaemia.
Slow diagnosis at the start of a long fight
The patient, Sarah Chapman, began feeling unusually tired in 2011. Despite being a regular blood donor, her haemoglobin level became persistently too low for donation and did not respond to iron supplements. Over the following months she experienced a range of problems including diminished endurance, repeated illnesses and chest infections, slow-healing wounds, night sweats and skin problems.
Various specialists reviewed her condition but, Ms Chapman said, many of her symptoms were attributed to her age and the menopause. It was only after a new GP re-examined her blood results in 2013 that she was referred to Maidstone Hospital and diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a disorder of the bone marrow.
"I was referred to many different specialists and told that it was probably due to my age as I was around menopause, but I knew what I was capable of, and how active I was, and I felt deep down something was wrong."
Progression to leukaemia and treatment
Doctors told Ms Chapman that her MDS was likely to progress to leukaemia within three to five years. In line with that prognosis, three years later she developed acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), an aggressive form of blood cancer.
Her treatment included chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant. The transplant was performed in 2016 using stem cells from her brother, Colin. Ms Chapman later returned to playing and umpiring hockey, resuming activity about 10 months after the transplant.
Why the case matters locally
Ms Chapman, now 67 and a retired audiologist and hockey umpire, shared her story in support of Blood Cancer Awareness Month and the charity Leukaemia UK. The charity highlights how symptoms of blood cancer can vary widely and be overlooked or misdiagnosed. It notes that around 28 people in the UK are diagnosed with leukaemia each day.
- Initial symptoms began in 2011 but diagnosis of MDS only came in 2013.
- MDS was expected to progress to leukaemia within three to five years; AML developed three years after diagnosis.
- Treatment included chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant from a sibling in 2016; recovery allowed return to sport and umpiring within a year.
Local takeaways for patients and clinicians
The account raises questions about how non-specific symptoms are assessed in primary care, particularly in middle-aged and older women. Symptoms such as persistent fatigue, frequent infections, unexplained bruising or poor wound healing can be mistaken for menopause or normal ageing, delaying investigation of blood counts and referral for specialist assessment.
Ms Chapman’s experience underlines a few practical points for Maidstone residents and local health professionals:
| Issue | Practical implication |
|---|---|
| Persistent low haemoglobin despite supplements | Escalate blood tests and consider haematology referral |
| Recurrent infections or poor wound healing | Look beyond common causes and review full blood count |
| Symptoms overlapping with menopause | Maintain clinical suspicion and reassess if symptoms persist or worsen |
Local clinicians at Maidstone Hospital and GPs in the area play a key role in recognising patterns in symptoms and ensuring timely investigation. Early diagnosis can change treatment options and outcomes for blood cancers.
Message from a survivor
Ms Chapman has returned to an active life, continuing to umpire and coach hockey. She chose to share her story to encourage others not to accept persistent, unexplained symptoms as inevitable.
Leukaemia UK offers information for patients and families and is promoting awareness during Blood Cancer Awareness Month. For Maidstone residents concerned about persistent symptoms, the message is clear: ask your GP for blood tests and a review if your symptoms do not fit expected patterns or do not improve.
