Ann Wraith, 48, from Glasgow, initially mistook her myeloma blood cancer symptoms for a common cold – here are the warning signs she says everyone should know
Fionnuala Boyle and Emma O’Neill Content Editor
08:11, 24 Jun 2026Updated 08:15, 24 Jun 2026
(Image: Beatson Cancer Charity)
A mum who believed she was battling a nasty cold was left horror-struck after discovering she actually had blood cancer.
Ann Wraith from Glasgow, who is mum to young daughter Georgia, had never heard of myeloma before receiving her diagnosis in January this year.
The 48 year old experienced extreme tiredness, night sweats, and disturbed sleep, along with leg pain. She initially put her symptoms down to a cold – or possibly perimenopause.
Ann with her partner Allan and her daughter Georgia(Image: Beatson Cancer Charity)
However, blood tests at the GP uncovered myeloma, a form of blood cancer that originates in plasma cells within the bone marrow, resulting in Ann requiring a stem cell transplant and spending three weeks in hospital separated from family.
She said: “When I was first diagnosed, I felt scared and overwhelmed.”, reports the Daily Record.
“My daughter couldn’t visit me on the ward because of her age. I was isolated and alone.
“Myeloma is currently treatable but not curable, and I’m still learning how to navigate life as a parent, wife and friend while adapting to this diagnosis. It has been an incredibly challenging time.”
Myeloma symptoms can differ significantly and may include ongoing pain, exhaustion, repeated infections and unexplained bone issues, making diagnosis difficult. Ann emphasises how the cancer lacks one clear symptom.
She said: “I had what I thought was a bad cold that I couldn’t shake off.
Ann is using her experience to raise awareness of a condition that remains largely unknown to the public(Image: Beatson Cancer Charity)
“I was getting up frequently during the night, and I was so exhausted that I was falling asleep during the day, which was completely unlike me. I also had a painful leg for months that seemed to come out of nowhere.
“I knew something wasn’t right, so I asked my GP for blood tests. At no point did I think I could have cancer.
“I was diagnosed two weeks later.”
The treatment itself brings with it a cocktail of frequently brutal physical and mental side-effects.
“I wish more people understood the psychological impact of living with myeloma,” Ann said.
“Alongside the physical challenges, there is a lot of uncertainty and fear.
Ann receiving treatment after which she spent three weeks in hospital(Image: Beatson Cancer Charity)
“It can be easy to dismiss what your body is trying to tell you and put symptoms down to stress, ageing or being busy, but don’t ignore symptoms that don’t feel normal for you. There is hope. You don’t have to face it alone.”
Throughout her treatment journey, Ann has been supported by the Beatson Cancer Charity.
“The charity created a sense of community… whether it was a chat over tea and cake or the support available both in hospital and in the community, they made the experience more manageable,” Ann said.
“I don’t take ordinary moments for granted now. Walking outside, going for a coffee, or spending time with the people I love feels incredibly precious. Recovery is teaching me to celebrate even the smallest victories.”
A spokesperson from Beatson Cancer Charity said: “Raising awareness of myeloma and its symptoms is vital, as earlier diagnosis can make a significant difference to treatment options and outcomes.”