A mum has revealed the unexplained symptom she experienced for months before receiving a devastating stage-4 cancer diagnosis. The mother of one, then 37 years old, was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic bowel cancer in May 2023.

But for about three months, Krystal Maeyke thought the unexplained stabbing pains in her stomach were linked to food intolerances and didn’t associate them with anything sinister. However, one day, the pain got so much that she had to be airlifted from the Australian town of Yulara, in the Northern Territory, to the nearest hospital 280 miles (450km) away, where she was given the devastating diagnosis.

Krystal said: “The stabbing pains started off lightly and by the end of it, it was enough pain to drop me on my knees. At first I thought I would get checked for food intolerances as I was fit and healthy, exercising daily and eating a wholesome balanced diet.

“Tests came back negative to gluten intolerance. But the pain continued. Some days I would be in agony and have to keep a heat pack on it.

“Until one day, I couldn’t bare the stabbing pains and I was airlifted out to the nearest hospital which was 45kms away. I was living remote in the desert of Australia where there was no hospital. That is why I didn’t go sooner.”

She was given morphine in the air which “did nothing”, until the nurse gave her Fentanyl, which began to calm the severe pain.

She urged: “If you have any of these symptoms please, please go to your doctor immediately. I didn’t go straight away from living remote and I thought it wasn’t anything sinister.”

Now sharing her journey to 50,000 followers on TikTok, the mother of one wrote: “The videos I share were not intended to be shared on TikTok, but now that I am sharing my raw, real, vulnerable moments I hope it brings a light to what people don’t see.

“Cancer Hurts. It’s not just about shaving your head and going through chemo sitting in a chair.

“I fight to stay here for my son and partner. It’s a battle but I am strong and I stay positive and not become a victim to this godawful disease.”