A mother from Cornwall described how her "heart sank" when she learned that she has the same type of terminal cancer as her father.
Three years after her father Neil Pearce, 77, received the same diagnosis, Hannah Pearce, 48, of Liskeard, was given the diagnosis of myeloma in 2020.
A one in 10,000 chance of being diagnosed, even if a relative already has the disease, according to the charity Myeloma UK.
However, through their shared journey through treatment, the two discovered hope and support.
Hannah told the BBC about the moment she learned her symptoms, which included fatigue, were caused by myeloma: "My heart sank. I understood after researching into dad what that meant and what it meant for me and my family specifically. I knew what was ahead of me.
Because my father and I are receiving the same treatment, we can relate to one another and understand what it means, which has been really lovely in a strange way.
Additionally, we talk about it quite a bit and compare notes, which is helpful. ".
According to Ms. Pearce, it is cathartic to be able to speak with someone without having to elaborate too much because they simply understand because they are in a similar situation. " .
A blood cancer that affects the bone marrow is called myeloma.
A family history of this type of cancer has been linked to a higher risk, according to Alice Baron, head of patient and carer information and support at Myeloma UK.
But she continued, "In actuality, that is very small.
It still poses a very, very small risk. " .
Former builder and avid football player Mr. Pearce, who played midfield for Polperro and Looe, is undergoing his final round of chemo after the cancer returned for the third time in five years.
"You can only think of months ahead," he said, making planning for the long term difficult. ".
But the two are determined to maintain a positive attitude, and they are now on a mission to spread awareness of myeloma in the hopes of finding a cure and increasing the likelihood that others will receive an early diagnosis.
The Edinburgh Marathon participant for Myeloma UK, Ms. Pearce, continued, "We don't want other people to go through what we've been through and if we can help somebody else it's all worth it.
. "
