Sharon - Given 6 months to live
Doctors gave Sharon just six months to live...
Sharon was brought up in Southeast London, where her family was regarded as prominent
members of the local community. She served in various corporate positions with increasing
managerial responsibilities and was appointed Business Office Manager of a leading
psychiatric hospital. In 2010 she co-founded and became the proprietor of a restaurant and
catering business.
When Sharon embraced Christianity at the age of 33, she had no inkling of the significant
impact that it would have on her life. Her newfound faith provided her with the fortitude to
cope with the loss of her beloved sister only a few months after her conversion and endure
the losses of her parents and the father of her children in subsequent years. Amidst this
period of bereavement, she sought solace in the Word of God, drawing inspiration from
1 Thessalonians 5:18 and embracing the imperative to give thanks in all circumstances as it
reflects God's will in Christ Jesus. The scripture served to redirect her attention from her
personal anguish towards an attitude of gratitude towards God.
In 2014, whilst simultaneously managing her restaurant and working in accounts for a
construction company, Sharon began to experience shortness of breath. Her condition
compounded whenever she walked. She sought medical attention from her local hospital and
primary care team, but her symptoms were attributed to stress and anxiety - a misdiagnosis
which continued for over a year, during which time her condition sadly deteriorated. She was
eventually directed to the 'Choose and Book' system by Dr Jacky, to be referred to a
different hospital for a full assessment.
On examining Sharon, the consulting physician immediately identified both the gravity and
urgency of her condition. Sharon had previously been a healthy 51-year-old who exercised
regularly, playing squash and visiting the gym, yet now she had difficulty climbing a flight of
stairs. After a series of tests, the consultant diagnosed Sharon with a rare, life-threatening
disease called Amyloidosis, which stemmed from Multiple Myeloma, an incurable bone
marrow cancer. Numerous protein particles had attached themselves to the lining of Sharon's
heart and weakened it. She was immediately admitted to the hospital, attached to a 24-hour
heart monitor and chemotherapy treatment started right away. The consultant advised that
after the first dose, she would not be able to get her head off the pillow, however, Sharon sat
up and even walked around her room.
This was a miracle, and she felt that God was with her every step of the way.
The consultants were amazed by Sharon's progress and decided to increase the
chemotherapy doses. They hoped that this would quickly stop the abnormal particles
from further damaging her heart. Sharon acknowledged that prayer played a significant
role in her recovery. She had set up a WhatsApp group with more than 50 friends and
relatives worldwide who were praying for her.
After five weeks of receiving treatment, Sharon received devastating news, that the
chemotherapy's side effects were further damaging her heart heart and it was failing -
she had a life expectancy of only six months. Sharon and her family refused to accept
this prognosis and turned to God for help. God gave her this scripture to hold on to:
"Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples
asked Him, saying, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?'
Jesus answered, 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God
should be revealed in him." (John 9:1-3) Sharon had faith that God would heal her, and
she would testify to the great work that He had done.
After undergoing nine months of treatment, in 2016 Sharon's cancer went into remission.
Two years later, she wrote her memoir, "Why Me? My Fight for Life from Heartbreak to Hope"
Her book was published in 2019 and became an inspiration for many. However, in 2020,
during the lockdown, Sharon was diagnosed with breast cancer, which was completely
unrelated to her previous illness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sharon took all necessary
precautions to avoid contracting the virus. She isolated herself and checked her breasts out
of curiosity after reading Instagram messages advising her to "get to know her normal."
To her shock she found a lump, which was later confirmed to be a rapidly growing
grade-three breast cancer that had already spread to a lymph node under her arm, requiring
an emergency lumpectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Her body tolerated the
lumpectomy and radiotherapy reasonably well, but the chemotherapy resulted in side effects:
sores all over her body, deep bone pain, nerve-end damage, insomnia, fatigue, and hair loss.
Despite these challenges, the breast cancer went into remission. Unfortunately, the myeloma
relapsed soon after, but by God's grace, Sharon has come through chemotherapy a third time.
Sharon is dedicated to raising awareness about the issues surrounding misdiagnosis and
shares her personal story to highlight the goodness of God. She firmly believes that the
obstacles she encountered in life have given her a unique perspective and she is confident
that by sharing her experiences, she can help others overcome their struggles and witness
the power of God for themselves.
She is now a core team member of a leading hospital's focus group and supports the
education of Primary Care Nurses by sharing her story at their training sessions.
She encourages people to check their breasts, as early detection saves lives. She is frequently
invited to speak at various events where she provides valuable insights, inspiration, and hope
to those who are struggling with life's challenges. Sharon's contributions to these platforms
are a testament to God’s faithfulness.
Sharon firmly believes that God has had a significant impact on her life, especially her
recovery and treatment. She is overjoyed to have proudly watched all three of her children
successfully graduate, with her daughter recently becoming a qualified doctor.
Sharon's story has garnered recognition from a number of newspapers and radio stations.
Her work has been profiled in the Voice Newspaper, Woman's Own, Chat, Keep the Faith,
Croydon Advertiser, and other publications.
Sharon currently volunteers as a Trustee, Treasurer, and Book-keeper at Living Word
Christian Fellowship. She is an active member of various groups and organizations and an
advocate for Macmillan Cancer - in 2020 she was instrumental in their Christmas campaign
which raised almost £800,000!
In 2023 she was appointed a place on the Pfizer UK Myeloma Insights Panel.
Don't miss out on her inspiring story! Head over to her website at
https://www.sagayle.com/ or check it out on Amazon and major bookstores.
Follow her on Instagram @authorsharonannphillips.
