A mother initially mistook her bloated stomach for constipation, only to discover she had a rare, incurable cancer. Chelsea Gallimore, 33, was urgently taken to the hospital after waking up in excruciating pain and struggling to move for six hours. Earlier, she had been experiencing abdominal discomfort, night sweats, and fatigue, which she attributed to constipation.
Subsequent scans revealed an eight-centimeter mass on her bowel, and a biopsy confirmed she had a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), a rare cancer affecting around 900 people annually in the UK. Typically seen in individuals aged 55 to 65, Chelsea’s diagnosis at 31 was atypical. Reflecting on her experience, she expressed shock at the diagnosis, initially attributing her symptoms to constipation and feeling like she was living someone else’s life.
Undergoing surgery in March 2024, Chelsea commenced treatment with imatinib to inhibit cancer cell growth. However, after halting the medication in June 2025 and receiving stable scan results in October, a subsequent emergency CT scan on New Year’s Eve revealed the cancer’s return. Further scans displayed significant progression and spread, leading to an incurable and inoperable diagnosis.
Managing constant pain and relying on high doses of pain relief, Chelsea, a mother to an 11-year-old son, Milo, with partner Andrew Mason, is now under palliative care. She undergoes scans every three months to monitor treatment effectiveness, grappling with the reality of living scan to scan. Despite the challenges, she and Andrew plan to marry in November, aiming to celebrate with loved ones while she can.
Documenting her journey on social media to raise awareness about GIST, Chelsea emphasizes the importance of seeking medical advice for unusual symptoms. Early-stage GIST often lacks symptoms, delaying diagnosis until later stages when symptoms like abdominal pain, fullness, nausea, and fatigue emerge. Stressing vigilance, Chelsea urges individuals experiencing persistent constipation to monitor symptoms for potential underlying issues.
Chelsea’s story has gained attention, leading to discussions and the passing of the Rare Cancers Act, underscoring the need for increased awareness about rare cancers and their symptoms.