‘My grapefruit-sized cyst was caught in time thanks to charity set up in memory of cousin’

A Glasgow woman, Laura Lynn, found herself in excruciating pain in her back, abdomen, and side, initially thought to be caused by kidney stones. However, thanks to a charity set up in memory of her cousin, Laura discovered it was actually a grapefruit-sized cyst in her ovaries. The 46-year-old decided to get a private scan after her 18-year-old cousin, Kaya-Imaani Chambers, passed away the year before. Kaya had battled cancer and initially been misdiagnosed with kidney stones.

Kaya’s symptoms included stomach pain, rib pains, lumps in her neck, and coughing fits. Despite initially being treated for kidney stones, Kaya was later found to have cancer. This tragic experience led Laura’s family to push her to get checked thoroughly when she started experiencing similar symptoms.

After discovering the cyst, Laura underwent a major abdominal hysterectomy to remove it. The surgery was successful, and Laura was relieved to have a clean bill of health post-operation. She acknowledged that the cyst could have caused more serious complications if left unchecked.

Laura now encourages others to listen to their bodies and seek medical attention if they experience unusual pain or symptoms. She expressed gratitude towards her family, friends, and the charity founded in her cousin’s memory for their support during her health scare. Laura emphasises the importance of not ignoring potential health issues and speaking up for necessary medical intervention.

The charity, KAYA Kinship Awareness for Young Adults, offers support and assistance for those seeking MRI or CT scans. Founder Donna Sinclair urges anyone facing health challenges to reach out for help and support. Laura’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive health monitoring and seeking medical attention when needed.