The devastated stepdaughter of a seemingly healthy and fit man who succumbed to deadly cancer has made a heartfelt plea to general practitioners (GPs) to be more vigilant regarding subtle symptoms. Ronnie Haston, a 68-year-old man, passed away unexpectedly in April 2024, just two weeks after receiving a diagnosis of blood cancer known as myeloma. His rapid decline from health to diagnosis has raised concerns about early detection and treatment.
Ronnie began feeling unwell a mere fortnight before his diagnosis, experiencing issues such as constipation, muscle weakness, and extreme fatigue. His daughter, Beth Hunt, a 42-year-old nurse hailing from East Calder, noted that "he just didn't look right." Despite his clear symptoms, Ronnie was initially dismissed by his GP, who prescribed laxatives for his constipation and informed him that he would have to wait two weeks for a blood test.
Unfortunately, Ronnie's health deteriorated rapidly. His wife, Anne, was forced to rush him to Accident & Emergency (A&E) for immediate care. Upon admission, tests revealed alarming results: his kidney function had dropped to just 14 percent, alongside dangerously high calcium levels—both critical indicators of serious blood issues. Eventually, he was diagnosed with myeloma, a deadly type of blood cancer that develops in the bone marrow where blood cells are formed. Early-stage diagnosis can significantly improve survival rates, with approximately 80 percent of patients living for at least five years if detected early.
Ms. Hunt expressed her disbelief at the diagnosis, stating, “He was fit and healthy; he had no underlying health conditions. It was a complete shock to us all.” After being assured by doctors that there was a comprehensive treatment plan in place, including chemotherapy and a potential stem cell transplant, hope was restored. Unfortunately, during his treatment, Ronnie developed life-threatening pneumonia, which led to multiple organ failure, and he passed away just two days after falling ill.
Reflecting on her family's loss, Ms. Hunt lamented, “He didn't get to enjoy one day of retirement with my mum or do any of the future they had planned together.” She emphasized that if her stepfather had been diagnosed earlier, he might have been in a better position to fight the disease. Symptoms of myeloma, which can include back pain, broken bones, fatigue, and recurring infections, are often misattributed to aging or minor ailments, causing delays in diagnosis.
In her quest for change, Ms. Hunt stated, “It’s not people’s fault; it’s the system’s fault.” She criticized the delays in obtaining crucial blood tests, questioning how such inefficiencies are acceptable in today's healthcare environment. In honor of her stepfather, she has initiated a JustGiving page and plans to run the Edinburgh Marathon to raise funds for Myeloma UK.
In the UK, there are approximately 6,000 new cases of myeloma diagnosed each year, with over 35,000 cases reported in the United States. The disease arises from changes in immune system cells called plasma cells, leading to a variety of health complications. Although chemotherapy can reduce the number of myeloma cells, complete eradication remains a challenge for medical professionals.
Speaking about her upcoming marathon challenge, Ms. Hunt shared, “I know I can do at least half, but I’ll probably have to push through the last six miles.” She typically trains at night while her husband watches their children, using her father’s memory as motivation. “If she can wake up without him and can put one foot in front of the other, then I can take it one step at a time too,” she stated, highlighting the emotional toll the past year has taken on her family.
