Mum thought her stomach pain was just constipation - but doctors told her it was something far worse

A 33-year-old mother from Merseyside, Chelsea Gallimore, believed her persistent stomach pain and swelling were caused by constipation, only to discover she had a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Gallimore, who lives in Prescot, was admitted to the hospital after experiencing severe pain that left her unable to move for nearly six hours. Initially, she attributed her symptoms to constipation, a belief reinforced by the fact that she had been prescribed medication for it by her general practitioner. It was only after seeking urgent medical attention that scans revealed an eight-centimetre mass on her bowel, leading to a diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST). This rare cancer typically affects individuals aged between 55 and 65, making Gallimore’s case at 33 exceptionally uncommon. Gallimore described waking up one morning with a swollen stomach and intense pain unlike anything she had experienced before. After calling an ambulance, she was taken to the hospital for tests and scans. The results came back the following day confirming the presence of a large tumour. “I didn’t know how to process it,” she said. “I felt like I wasn’t living my own life, like it had to be a different person.” Despite having experienced earlier symptoms such as night sweats and fatigue, she had dismissed them as side effects of constipation, a misjudgment she now regrets. Following her diagnosis, Gallimore underwent surgery in March 2024 and started treatment with imatinib, a drug designed to block the growth of cancer cells. She discontinued the medication in June 2025 after scans in October showed the tumour was stable. However, an emergency CT scan conducted on New Year’s Eve 2025 revealed that the cancer had returned and had since spread to other parts of her body. Doctors informed her that the disease was now incurable and inoperable. Gallimore is currently undergoing treatment aimed at extending her life, though there is no guarantee of its effectiveness over time. “I’m in a lot of pain all the time and on a high dose of pain relief,” she said. “I’m sleeping a lot and I’m under the palliative care team.” The diagnosis has profoundly affected her family, particularly her 11-year-old son Milo and her partner Andrew Mason, 29. Gallimore and Mason have decided to marry in November, a decision made during her time in a hospice. They plan to gather family and friends to celebrate while she is still able to participate fully. Gallimore is actively documenting her journey on social media, aiming to raise awareness about GIST and encourage others to seek medical help if they experience unexplained symptoms. According to Cancer Research UK, many people with early-stage GIST do not exhibit symptoms, leading to late diagnoses. Common later symptoms include abdominal pain, a feeling of fullness, nausea, and extreme fatigue. In a separate development, broadcaster Lauren Laverne, 48, announced she had been diagnosed with smouldering myeloma, a blood and bone marrow disorder that can progress into myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Laverne shared the news on Instagram, explaining that the condition is asymptomatic and does not require immediate treatment. However, it carries a risk of evolving into myeloma, although the likelihood is considered low in her case. Laverne noted that the diagnosis was unrelated to her previous cancer battle, which she had overcome in 2024. “My immune system is a bit compromised, so I will need to take good care of myself and be carefully monitored with blood tests, MRIs, and bone marrow biopsies,” she wrote. Laverne praised her doctor for catching the issue early and urged others to advocate for themselves if they suspect something is wrong. “Be like him, not me!” she advised, referring to her physician. She plans to take a break from work for a few weeks before returning to her usual schedule. Smouldering myeloma is characterized by the presence of abnormal cells in the bone marrow and abnormal proteins in the blood or urine. Patients are regularly monitored for signs of progression to active myeloma, according to Myeloma UK. While the transition to active myeloma can occur at varying times, the exact timeline remains unpredictable. Laverne expressed gratitude for the support she has received and encouraged others facing similar challenges to remain hopeful and proactive in their healthcare decisions.