Sharni Marks waited 18 months for surgery, only to be diagnosed with breast cancer after her procedure. The NHS has apologized for the delays.
Dudley: Sharni Marks, a 31-year-old mum of two, has been through a lot. She found out she had the BRCA2 gene back in 2018, which puts her at a higher risk for breast cancer. Doctors recommended a double mastectomy to lower that risk, but she ended up waiting 18 months for the surgery.
She was told she was at the top of the list for the operation, but time dragged on without any updates. Finally, in March 2024, she had the surgery. But just weeks later, during a routine check-up, doctors found a mass in the tissue they had removed. Sadly, she was diagnosed with grade-three breast cancer, a type often linked to BRCA mutations.
The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust has apologized for the long wait. Sharni, who’s now undergoing chemotherapy, expressed her frustration. She thought being under the care of specialists would mean timely treatment, but that wasn’t the case.
She shared how relieved she felt to finally have the mastectomy, only to be devastated by the cancer diagnosis. It’s been a tough journey, and she’s dealing with the physical and emotional toll of her treatment. Losing her hair and feeling weak has made it hard for her to be the active mom she wants to be.
Sharni and her partner, Jack, always dreamed of having a big family. Now, the thought of not being able to have more kids naturally is a heavy burden. She’s also worried about others who might be in similar situations, waiting for surgeries that could change their lives.
In a letter to her GP, the hospital trust acknowledged that Sharni likely suffered harm due to the long wait for her surgery. They expressed sincere apologies for the incident and are investigating to prevent this from happening again.
Sharni has now reached out to medical negligence lawyers to look into her care and get the support she needs. Her lawyer highlighted how difficult this time has been for Sharni and her family, emphasizing that every patient’s story matters. The NHS is under pressure, but delays can lead to serious consequences.
As Sharni continues her fight, she’s determined to focus on her recovery and be there for her kids. It’s a tough road ahead, but she’s not giving up.
