A mother of three from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, is facing an unimaginable battle after what seemed like a routine toothache turned out to be a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer. Keshia Liburd, 38, was first diagnosed with stage 3 ALK-positive lung cancer in September 2023, following weeks of unexplained dental pain and misdiagnoses. Her story is a sobering reminder of how elusive and complex cancer symptoms can be, especially when they mimic more common ailments.

The journey began when Keshia visited two different dentists, both of whom assured her that her teeth were in perfect condition. Despite the persistent pain, there was no indication of a dental issue. It wasn’t until the discomfort became unbearable that she went to the emergency department, where an X-ray and a subsequent hospital stay led to a life-altering diagnosis. After 16 days in the hospital, Keshia was told she had a rare form of lung cancer, one that tends to affect younger, non-smoking individuals and is often difficult to detect in its early stages.

ALK-positive lung cancer is a subtype driven by a genetic mutation in the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene. Though rare, it is known for its aggressive nature and potential to spread rapidly. According to the report, Keshia, a former smoker, was initially told she had pneumonia before further testing uncovered the true cause of her symptoms. This misdiagnosis delayed the start of her cancer treatment and added to the emotional toll of her condition.

Since her diagnosis, Keshia has undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, along with a procedure called hammer knife surgery. In a brief period of hope, she was informed in January 2024 that the cancer had gone. However, just three months later, the disease returned and had progressed to stage 4, spreading to her lungs, liver, and brain. Her cousin, Kirsty Watson, has been speaking on her behalf due to the difficulties Keshia now faces with speech and memory, both of which have been impacted by the cancer’s spread to her brain.

“Physically, she’s struggling to get around the house,” Kirsty shared. “Your breathing impacts everything—whether you can get up and make a cup of tea, what kind of quality time you have with your children.” She also described how Keshia’s memory loss is affecting her children, who are witnessing their mother’s rapid decline firsthand. This part of the story struck me deeply; the emotional weight of a parent’s illness on young children is immeasurable.

With limited options left through the National Health Service (NHS), Keshia and her family are now turning to alternative treatments available abroad. They are hoping to raise $40,000 to fund therapies not currently offered by the NHS, including trans-arterial chemoembolisation (TACE) and dendritic cell therapy. These advanced treatments aim to target the cancer more directly and bolster the body’s immune response.

According to Cancer Research UK, TACE involves delivering chemotherapy directly into the blood vessels feeding a tumor, followed by a substance that blocks the blood flow, thereby enhancing the drug’s effectiveness. Dendritic cell therapy, on the other hand, is a form of immunotherapy that trains the immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells more effectively. While these methods are still considered experimental by some medical standards, they offer a glimmer of hope for patients like Keshia who have exhausted conventional options.

As her condition continues to evolve, Keshia’s story has resonated with many who understand the urgency and desperation that often accompany a late-stage cancer diagnosis. It also highlights the challenges patients face when navigating healthcare systems that may not offer every available treatment option. The family’s fundraising efforts underscore the financial burden that can come with seeking care outside of standard medical pathways.

What began as a seemingly minor health concern has become a life-altering struggle for Keshia and her family. Her resilience and the support of her loved ones are evident, but the path ahead remains uncertain. The hope now lies in raising enough funds to access treatments that could extend her life and improve her quality of living, even in the face of such a daunting prognosis.

This story serves as a powerful reminder to trust one’s instincts when it comes to health. Persistent, unexplained symptoms—even those that seem minor—should not be ignored. Early detection remains one of the most critical factors in effectively treating cancer. For Keshia, the road has been long and painful, but her determination to fight for more time with her children is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

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