A dad tragically has just two months to live after his deadly cancer was mistaken for back pain.
Darren Mulqueen, 34, from London, was fit and healthy 18 months ago and worked in the army when he woke up in excruciating pain.
With his girlfriend Vicky's support, he decided to go to the doctor and was told his pain was muscular - and to take paracetamol to manage it.
However for months on end and several trips back and forwards to his GP, nothing had improved - if anything it was worse.
MyLondon reported back in March of this year Darren returned home from the army and went on his first holiday abroad to Granada.
The day after he landed back on British soil he ended up in hospital as the pain had gotten so bad.
Doctors finally suggested they do a CT scan and Darren was given the devastating news he had pancreatic cancer.
Darren’s sister Michelle Vassell, 40, said: "We were all in shock, none of us saw it coming. You trust your GP and you think you have no reason to question their diagnosis; they’re the experts.
"So we never thought it would be cancer.”
Soon enough, Darren was unable to lie on his back and was forced to sleep sitting up.
Weight dropped off him, his appetite diminished and scars and burns covered his back due to how often he had to use a hot water bottle to ease the pain.
In terms of treatment, Darren became so ill that chemotherapy was not an option as he was vomiting too much.
Fast forward to July and Darren went for another scan. He and his family had to wait a whole two weeks to find out the result and when they eventually did, they learned Darren’s cancer had spread to his liver.
Doctors said it was terminal and from the time of diagnosis in July, have given him two to three months to live.
“We are heartbroken and devastated,” Michelle continued. “Darren is the most amazing brother, son, dad and uncle, and we can’t imagine life without him.
“The other day Darren called up his army sergeant and the man just broke down in tears.
"Anyone who gets to know Darren, even if they haven’t known him for long, are drawn to him.
"I really wish he can stay with us longer and make it to his 35th Birthday on December 7.”
Since the diagnosis in July, Darren has not left hospital. He is on a morphine pump every two hours, although it only eases the pain for an hour of that time. Darren is also eating even less as the cancer has caused his bowels to stop working. And while he can sleep, he is still unable to lie on his back.
The whole family is struggling financially now.
Darren, who has been unable to work since falling ill, fears he will not have enough money to leave to his two young children.
“Before this happened Darren got a bike on loan, however he’s had to give that up because he can’t pay it off,” Michelle said.
“He now can’t pay his phone bill which is our main way of staying in contact with him when we’re not visiting the hospital.
"And I wish I could help but I am on maternity leave at the moment and don’t have an income.
"Darren’s mum also gave up her job to visit him every day and look after him in hospital.”
Shortly after being diagnosed in July, Darren and his Macmillan nurse applied for Universal Credit.
He is yet to hear an outcome from the Department of Work and Pensions.
Michelle and family are raising money to give Darren the best send-off they can, and to hopefully leave his daughter, 10, and son, 13, some money in his will.
“I spoke to Darren this morning and he said to me the one thing he wants people to know and for people to share with their friends and family is please, please go to the hospital if you have pain in your back or tummy or anywhere that doesn’t feel right,” Michelle said.
“Don’t take no for an answer. Doctors can get it wrong and Darren is proof of that.
"My mum is suffering with pain in her back and has booked in a test. We are all going to get a test.”
To donate to Darren's fundraiser, click here.
