When 29-year-old Jemma Lunson began experiencing mild reflux and heartburn earlier this year, she dismissed it as a minor inconvenience. Like many young mothers, she attributed it to stress or diet. However, within weeks, her life took a devastating turn. Jemma, mother to three-year-old Sunni, was diagnosed with stage four oesophagus junction cancer, a rare and aggressive form of cancer seldom seen in women of her age.
Her sister, Maddyson Solano, expressed the shock of the diagnosis, emphasizing how ordinary Jemma’s initial symptoms appeared.
‘She just thought it was maybe her diet or something to that effect, but it didn’t get better,’ Maddyson shared. ‘She was taking the standard reflux and indigestion medicine and didn’t really think too much of it.’
The Unexpected Diagnosis
Initially, Jemma experienced nothing more than heartburn. By April, she noticed difficulties swallowing food, which would get stuck in her throat.
‘She was starting to choke,’ Maddyson explained. ‘That’s when she went to her doctor and said something’s not right.’
An endoscopy revealed a 4cm tumor at the junction where her oesophagus meets her stomach. Biopsies confirmed it was cancer.
The surgeon informed Jemma that such a tumor was rare for someone her age.
‘If it was a woman of 70 to 90 who had smoked her whole life, then yes, common. But Jemma was only 29,’ Maddyson recounted.
Scans showed the cancer had spread to her liver, hip bones, and lymph nodes.
Raising Awareness and Seeking Support
Doctors believe that by the time swallowing issues manifest, it is often too late. Maddyson urges others to be vigilant.
‘Everyone has heartburn at some point, so you don’t think to get it checked. But if it’s ongoing, you must,’ she advised.
Jemma’s primary concern is her daughter.
‘Her initial thought was, I have a three-year-old child. That was her biggest thing – what about my child and what about her future?’ Maddyson said.
Jemma’s partner, Ethan Murdoch, has been a steadfast support.
The family has been overwhelmed by the news, describing Jemma as ‘the most selfless person’ in the world.
‘We just felt broken, really. It’s not fair that someone this age, with their whole life and her daughter’s life ahead of them, has to deal with it,’ Maddyson expressed.
Community and Medical Response
Jemma is preparing to start chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Friends and family have rallied to support her, cooking meals and helping with daily needs. A GoFundMe has been established to assist with medical bills and provide financial stability for Sunni’s future.
Oesophageal junction cancer, while rare in young people, often goes undiagnosed due to its common symptoms. Doctors stress the importance of seeking medical advice for persistent reflux or swallowing issues.
The Broader Implications
Jemma’s story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of listening to one’s body.
‘If sharing what’s happened to Jem can save just one other family from going through this, then it’s worth raising awareness,’ Maddyson said.
The family hopes to encourage others to seek medical attention for ongoing digestive issues.
Understanding Oesophagus Junction Cancer
The oesophagus junction is where the food pipe meets the stomach. Cancers in this area are aggressive and often diagnosed late. Symptoms include persistent reflux, difficulty swallowing, and unexplained weight loss. The condition is more common in older men with a history of smoking or heavy drinking, making Jemma’s case particularly unusual.
As Jemma embarks on her treatment journey, her story is a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of life and the strength found in community and family support.
