Debra MacCuaig, a 38-year-old teacher and mother from Glasgow, Scotland, never imagined that a persistent itch and yellowing skin could signal something as serious as cancer. Initially blaming her symptoms on a reaction to a new detergent or moisturiser, Debra also noticed a bronzed complexion which she attributed to frequent fake tanning for social events.
Her symptoms escalated when her eyes started turning yellow, prompting playful jabs at work about resembling a character from The Simpsons. However, behind the jokes lay a serious medical concern. Hospital blood tests revealed elevated bilirubin levels, pointing to a liver or bile duct problem.
Further scans uncovered a blockage in her bile duct, prompting a major surgery on December 11, 2018. During the operation, doctors found and removed a tumor at the head of her pancreas—a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. After six months of chemotherapy, Debra was declared cancer-free by December 21, 2019.
READ MORE: Man, 23, Named After Fatal Late-Night Crash on Cotswolds Road
READ MORE: Gloucester Celebrate Seb Atkinson’s Triumphant Return in Vital Win
The victory was bittersweet, as tragedy struck her family years later. Debra’s mother, Pam Grindall, was diagnosed with the same cancer four years after Debra and bravely fought through chemotherapy. Sadly, the disease returned aggressively, spreading to her spine and lungs, and she passed away in May 2023.
Reflecting on her journey, Debra urges others to trust their instincts and seek medical advice if something feels wrong. “I was annoyed we knew the symptoms but still ended up in this situation. If you don’t feel right, get it checked out,” she advises.
Debra’s story is a poignant reminder that subtle symptoms like itchy skin and discoloration should never be ignored, and early detection can make all the difference.