'I was told over the phone by a stranger that I have months to live'
A Welsh health board has apologised over the way they told a 54-year-old woman she had terminal cancer and months to live. Samantha Robinson-Byrne says she was left bereft and confused after a nurse informed her she had an inoperable tumour in haphazard fashion over the phone last year.
Ms Robinson-Byrne, from Barry, says she could not believe what she was hearing when she answered the phone at home in July to a nurse practitioner from University Hospital of Wales' (UHW) neurology department telling her: 'I wanted to talk to you about your tumour.' Unable to speak, Samantha asked the nurse to phone her husband Glyn who was then told his wife had a stage four glioblastoma and potentially eight months to live and would be passed on to Velindre.
Despite having scans and a biopsy in the previous weeks, the couple say they had been told by doctors at UHW that the lesion found on Samantha's brain was unlikely to be cancerous, which was the last thing they'd heard before the sudden phone call. In a statement the health board apologised to the couple and said the way they were told of Samantha's prognosis wasn't right.
READ MORE: M4 and M48 closed after 'human remains' discovered
READ MORE: Man suffers 'multiple stab wounds' after incident in Merthyr Tydfil
Last June Samantha, a civil servant, suddenly fell ill and had to stop work. Glyn, 51, called an ambulance to the house and Samantha then had two seizures within minutes of each other and then went into cardiac arrest. She was then put into an induced coma and rushed to UHW where she spent four days in intensive care and another four weeks on a ward.
Despite regular tests and scans doctors weren't sure what had caused Samantha's condition but felt she might have epilepsy and they discharged her with medication, Glyn explained. But three days later she had a third seizure and was rushed into A&E back at UHW.
'This time was different because she didn't recognise anyone and she couldn't remember a lot,' Glyn recalled. 'On that occasion they decided they'd do a lumbar puncture because they'd found a small lesion on Sam's brain after conducting a second round of tests. It came back clear and so the doctor said they'd discharge Sam again and if Sam wanted to she could have a biopsy. We were never told there was even a chance of cancer. They told us the scans and tests and the lumbar puncture had all come back clear.
'Sam decided she wanted to cover all bases and so she asked for a biopsy to be done. We waited a couple of days and we'd heard nothing. We weren't worried about cancer then after what we'd been told. But then we had a phone call from a clerical nurse from UHW who said: 'Hi there, I wanted to talk to you about your tumour.' Sam said: 'Sorry? No-one has mentioned anything to me about a tumour.' Sam said she couldn't have the conversation so then the nurse called me and told me Sam had stage four cancer and it was terminal and she had months to live, all really matter of fact.
'We were both in bits, inconsolable. Our world came crashing down. We got on with it and Velindre oncologist team have been fantastic with us but what happened has really stuck with Sam and she's got PTSD. She's also now having increased panic attacks which she's on heavy medication for. We have complained to the health board about how they told us of the news. Sam has told them she felt at the least she deserved to be sat down and told in person.
'On reflection we think we could have been told prior: 'Unfortunately there is a chance this could be cancer.' None of that happened. It was completely out of the blue and told in a throwaway manner. How do you tell someone over the phone they're going to die? We understand it's hard and not a nice thing to have to do. We're not saying the phone call would have ended all our issues. But we feel it could and should have been handled with more care."
Samantha said she felt she was told the most devastating news of her life "without any thought". "To me it's just been torture to be given that diagnosis through my mobile phone in such a way," she said. "I'd had the scans, tests and biopsy with no elusion that it was even a possibility. It puzzles me that we didn't have any preparation as to the worst case scenario. What I want to do now is to reach out and say: 'This shouldn't have happened and this shouldn't happen going forward. It destroys you. You shouldn't be told you're dying in such a way.'"
Samantha said her mother received news of her own lung cancer diagnosis by being sat down by a doctor who had a discussion with her, which she had expected for herself if she was to receive similar news. 'My mother had lung cancer and she was told appropriately at Llandough Hospital and the doctor sat with us and did it with care and thought and emotion," she said. "So I'd seen it done properly. In my case it was done in a blasé way and with no empathy."
Glyn added: "Sam knows she is going to die. Before that happens she wants to make sure the news she received isn't delivered to others in the way she received the news. It has really upset her and caused her a great deal of added stress. She wants others to be treated with more compassion. I would like the health to outline steps they have taken to ensure this doesn't happen again."
A spokesperson for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: 'We wish to offer our sincere apologies to Mrs Robinson-Byrne for the distress caused when receiving the difficult diagnosis. We acknowledge that, on this occasion, the news was not delivered in the most appropriate manner and a member of the clinical team has since spoken directly with Mr Robinson-Byrne to address the situation and offer an apology for their experience. As a health board we would welcome the opportunity to discuss any further concerns with Mr and Mrs Robinson-Byrne and our dedicated concerns team is available for contact both on email or over the phone.'

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
The Top Food Safety Mistake You're Making With Produce
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." For some, the act of chopping, peeling and coring vegetables for half an hour after a long day can be meditative. For the rest of us, however, it's a total drag — and truly, nothing makes us crave takeout like the thought of prepping mirepoix vegetables on a work night. Our solution? Do it ahead of time. As any cook or recipe developer will tell you, tackling all (or most) of your produce prep in advance is one of the best ways to streamline the cooking process, so you can make a fresh, flavorful meal — or enjoy an easy, healthy snack — on the fly. There is, however, one small catch when it comes to pre-peeling or chopping your fresh fruit and vegetables: The moment you cut into them, they become much more vulnerable to nutrient loss, oxidation and harmful pathogens — and this only worsens if your produce sits out on the counter. So the next time you think about chopping up that beautiful lettuce for your salad be sure to avoid these food safety mistakes. Instead, learn how to properly store your prepped fruit and vegetables so they stay flavorful, fresh and ready to incorporate into your huge fans of leaving the skin on fresh produce like carrots, cucumbers, and potatoes. Not only is it a rich source of fiber and antioxidants, but the skin can also add extra flavor and texture to meals. Of course, that skin plays another vital role — it protects what's inside. 'Once fruits and vegetables are cut, peeled or processed, their protective outer layers are compromised,' says food safety expert Dr. Darin Detwiler. This leaves them vulnerable to pathogens like salmonella, listeria, and E. coli. Produce like apples and avocados will also quickly begin to oxidize, which — while harmless — is still less than appetizing. Before you even pick up a knife or peeler, make sure to give your produce a thorough scrub. Otherwise, you may contaminate your fruits and vegetables before they even get to the fridge. 'Bacteria on the outer surface can transfer inside during cutting,' says Dr. Detwiler. Waiting until after the produce is cut or peeled to wash it can be worse than not washing it all, as 'water can actually spread bacteria inward' once the skin is broken, he explains. To wash your produce, rinse under cold running water, using a designated brush to remove dirt or wax. Never use soap or bleach! Fruits and vegetables are porous, meaning they'll absorb anything you put on them, even after rinsing. If your produce is especially dirty, or you're worried about pesticides, you can also try a cold-water soak by adding 1 tsp of baking soda to every 2 cups of water (use enough water to fully submerge your produce), then soaking for 12 to 15 minutes. However you choose to wash your produce, make sure to dry it thoroughly before storing — and remember that all produce spoils faster after it's been washed, so it's best to wash it right before you're ready to use it.$5.60 at When you finally get to chopping, make sure your work station is thoroughly clean and sanitized. Good Housekeeping Recipe Editor Susan Choung recommends using a different cutting board for produce than the one you use for raw meat or seafood, which is important for preventing cross-contamination (especially if you're planning on serving produce raw). Alternatively, you can wash your cutting board with hot water and soap before using it to cut fruits and vegetables. Once you've done the hard work of selecting, cleaning, and prepping your fresh farmers' market finds, it's time to pop it straight in the produce Well, not exactly. While Dr. Detwiler recommends promptly refrigerating most produce after peeling or cutting — making sure the temperature stays at 40°F or below — not all fruits and vegetables get stored the same way, nor do they have the same shelf life. Cantaloupes, for example, are at higher risk for contamination than other fruits, says Dr. Detwiler. And as such, they should be eaten immediately once cut. Cut fruits and vegetables should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours — or one hour if the room is hotter than 90 degrees Fahrenheit, he says. Clearly labeling and dating containers is another way to ensure that fruits and vegetables get used up. Below, you can find Dr. Detwiler's recommendations for storing common fruits and vegetables after prepping, as well as an estimation of their typical shelf life. Apples: 3–5 days; use lemon juice to prevent browning Bananas: 1-2 days once peeled, though best eaten fresh; may be frozen Berries (e.g. strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries) 1–3 days; should be stored loosely covered and unwashed until ready to eat Citrus fruits: 3–4 days when sealed Melons (e.g. watermelon): 3–4 days; should be refrigerated immediately. Cantaloupe: should be consumed immediately Mangoes, papayas, and pineapples: 3–5 days; should be sealed in airtight containers Avocados: 1–2 days if covered tightly with the pit left in place Leafy greens (e.g. lettuce and spinach): 3–5 days when dried and stored with a paper towel Carrots: 1–2 weeks when submerged in water (which should be changed every 2–3 days) Bell peppers: 3–5 days in a resealable bag or airtight container Cucumbers: 1–3 days when wrapped in paper towels Tomatoes: 2–3 days if stored cut-side down Onions: 7–10 days when tightly wrapped Garlic (peeled): one week in a sealed container Mushrooms: 1–2 days; should be kept in a paper or ventilated container Broccoli and cauliflower: 3–5 days in sealed bags Celery: 1–2 weeks when wrapped in foil or submerged in water (with regular water changes) No matter how hard you try, you'll inevitably encounter a moldy or rotten piece of produce; it's simply a fact of life. The important thing is to quickly identify and toss the offending fruit or vegetable. 'If produce looks slimy, smells sour, or shows signs of mold, throw it out.' Finally, if you don't think you'll be able to use up fresh produce right away, try freezing it: Frozen berries, bananas, and leafy greens are great for adding to smoothies and soups and are often cheaper than the store-bought versions. Note it's better to freeze produce closer to the date you bought it from the store. If you waited a few days, instead, try cooking to extend its shelf life — throw it into a stir-fry, fold into a frittata or make a jam. You Might Also Like 67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Yahoo
OS Therapies Partners with EVERSANA for the U.S. Commercialization of OST-HER2 in Recurrent, Fully Resected, Pediatric Lung Metastatic Osteosarcoma
NEW YORK and CHICAGO, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- OS Therapies Inc. (NYSE-A: OSTX) ("OS Therapies" or "the Company"), a clinical-stage cancer immunotherapy and antibody drug conjugate biotechnology company, has selected EVERSANA®, a leading provider of global commercial services to the life sciences industry, to support the U.S. commercialization of OST-HER2, a novel immunotherapy for recurrent, fully resected, pediatric lung metastatic osteosarcoma. OST-HER2, a Listeria monocytogenes-based immunotherapy, is the first potential new treatment in over 40 years for pediatric osteosarcoma, a rare, aggressive bone cancer that often metastasizes to the lungs, primarily affecting children and adolescents. The therapy has received Orphan, Fast Track and Rare Pediatric Disease Designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with a Biologics License Application (BLA) rolling submission targeted to begin in the third quarter of 2025, with potential approval coming as early as year end 2025. "Working with EVERSANA ensures we have the infrastructure, expertise and agility to bring OST-HER2 to patients and families who have long awaited new options without the need to spend significant capital building our own commercial infrastructure," said Paul Romness, CEO of OS Therapies. "By leveraging EVERSANA's flexible integrated commercialization operations and deep oncology experience, we will be able to rapidly and cost-effectively fulfill our mission of transforming the treatment landscape for pediatric metastatic osteosarcoma while judiciously managing pre-BLA costs." EVERSANA will activate its dedicated end-to-end EVERSANA ONCOLOGY Commercialization model, including market access, medical affairs, field deployment, patient services and stakeholder engagement. The fully integrated platform accelerates awareness and access to OST-HER2 among healthcare providers treating osteosarcoma, as well as the potential to treat additional HER2-positive cancers. "We share OS Therapies' relentless commitment to helping patients facing the devastating diagnosis of cancer," said Jim Lang, CEO at EVERSANA. "We've activated the full scale of our commercialization operation and global team of oncology experts to bring this much-needed innovation to market. This product is just the beginning of OS Therapies' impact for patients around the world." The announcement follows OS Therapies' recent issuance of U.S. Patent #12,239,738, securing commercial manufacturing exclusivity for OST-HER2 and its broader Listeria-based immunotherapy platform through 2040. About EVERSANA EVERSANA® is a leading independent provider of global services to the life sciences industry. The company's integrated solutions are rooted in the patient experience and span all stages of the product life cycle to deliver long-term, sustainable value for patients, prescribers, channel partners and payers. The company serves more than 650 organizations, including innovative start-ups and established pharmaceutical companies, to advance life sciences solutions for a healthier world. To learn more about EVERSANA, visit or connect through LinkedIn and X. About OS TherapiesOS Therapies is a clinical stage oncology company focused on the identification, development, and commercialization of treatments for osteosarcoma and other solid tumors. OST-HER2, the Company's lead asset, is an immunotherapy leveraging the immune-stimulatory effects of Listeria bacteria to initiate a strong immune response targeting the HER2 protein. OST-HER2 has received Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPDD) from the US Food & Drug Administration and Fast-Track and Orphan Drug designations from the US FDA and European Medicines Agency. The Company has demonstrated positive data in its Phase 2b clinical trial of OST-HER2 in recurrent, fully resected, lung metastatic osteosarcoma demonstrating statistically significant benefit in the 12-month event free survival (EFS) primary endpoint of the study. The Company anticipates submitting a BLA to the US FDA for OST-HER2 in osteosarcoma in 2025 and, if approved, would become eligible to receive a Priority Review Voucher that it could then sell. OST-HER2 has completed a Phase 1 clinical study primarily in breast cancer patients, in addition to showing preclinical efficacy data in various models of breast cancer. OST-HER2 has been conditionally approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the treatment of canines with osteosarcoma. In addition, OS Therapies is advancing its next-generation Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) and Drug Conjugates (DC), known as tunable ADC (tADC), which features tunable, tailored antibody-linker-payload candidates. This platform leverages the Company's proprietary silicone Si-Linker and Conditionally Active Payload (CAP) technology, enabling the delivery of multiple payloads per linker. For more information, please visit Forward-Looking StatementsStatements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements and terms such as "anticipate," "expect," "intend," "may," "will," "should" or other comparable terms involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of OS Therapies and members of its management, as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. OS Therapies cautions readers that forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and assumptions as of the date of this news release and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited to the approval of OST-HER2 by the US FDA and other risks and uncertainties described in "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other subsequent documents the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by the federal securities laws, OS Therapies specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Media Contacts For EVERSANAMatt BraunVice President, Corporate For OS TherapiesJack Doll+1-410-297-7793Irpr@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE EVERSANA Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data


Medscape
a day ago
- Medscape
Puffs, Pods, Pouches: Which Nicotine Trend Worries Experts?
On World No Tobacco Day, CHC Mont Legia hosted the clinical nurse tobacco specialist Adrien Meunier to discuss the role of next-generation nicotine products in smoking cessation. The central question is: Do these alternatives genuinely help smokers quit, or are they simply a new gateway to combustible tobacco use? Before presenting these next-generation nicotine products, Meunier dispelled the common myth that nicotine itself is not the cause of fatal diseases. The actual harm comes from thousands of toxic substances released during combustion, which are inhaled through cigarette smoke. These include tar, which is linked to lung, bladder, and pancreatic cancers, and carbon monoxide, which is associated with cardiovascular disease. In contrast, nicotine triggers the release of endorphins and dopamine in the brain, producing a sense of well-being that smokers seek. 'This clarification is essential because 79% of smokers believe nicotine is carcinogenic. Therefore, they are unlikely to use nicotine-replacement therapy when they try to quit, which heightens anxiety and potentially causes them to fail in their attempt,' Meunier said. For many years, the tobacco industry has marketed products that deliver nicotine safely. However, several of these products remain problematic. Device Debate The most well-known of these are e-cigarettes. Invented in 2010 by a Chinese pharmacist independent of major tobacco companies, the first was a box mod. The earliest model, the box mod, heated liquid to a high temperature to transform it into vapor and inhale. Because there was no combustion, the highly toxic compounds found in cigarette smoke were avoided. The liquid consisted of vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, water, alcohol, and nicotine. 'The problem is that the nicotine is very pungent and only present in small quantities,' Meunier explained. This pungency will displease some: They will quickly return to 'classic' cigarettes. Those who are not bothered by the taste still do not get enough nicotine, so they vape constantly and consume massive amounts of liquid. However, there are hundreds of flavoring additives to give flavor, such as strawberries and watermelon, to this box mod. When heated, they release toxic furans, which are carcinogenic. Therefore, it is better to turn to neutral flavors, such as tobacco and mint. The box mod should be avoided for smoking cessation. First, because of the potentially toxic substances generated when the liquid is heated, such as furans and carbonyl compounds, and on the other hand, because of the significant differences, for instance, much less nicotine and not the same type of inhalation compared to combustible cigarettes. In addition, box mods are quite expensive, costing 80-160 euros. 'The problem is that 67% of Belgian smokers who buy e-cigarettes to quit smoking turn to this form,' Meunier said. A few years later, e-cigarettes evolved into pod form. 'Pods have smaller batteries, and you cannot adjust the power output. The liquid heats at lower temperatures, which limits the release of toxic compounds,' Meunier said. Another advantage of pod systems is that nicotine strength can be modulated. In addition, frequent coil replacement prevents heavy metal accumulation, which is a disadvantage of box mods. Among other advantages, e-cigarettes with pods contain nicotine salts at the same pH as the nicotine present in combustible cigarettes. Thus, the smoker will be able to find peaks similar to those he has known. 'For nicotine-dependent users, this is revolutionary: You get a large dose of smooth nicotine with much less vapor,' he said. Currently, there are refillable pods. 'They are cheaper, so they can be interesting for patients with fewer resources. However, the longer you keep the same coil, the greater the risk of heavy metal accumulation,' said Meunier. As with box mods, it is best to choose the most neutral flavors available. On price, pods represent a big price difference compared to e-cigarettes, with pods costing around 10 euros, while individual pods sell for only a few euros each. How to Use a Pod-Based e-Cigarette in Smoking Cessation Meunier strongly recommended the use of pod e-cigarettes to help patients quit smoking. The question remains as to how to proceed. Each cigarette delivered approximately 1 mg of nicotine. Therefore, they will need to take patches equivalent to the amount of nicotine they usually consume. A smoker of 21 cigarettes per day should use a 21 mg nicotine patch to prevent withdrawal symptoms. However, patches provide a steady dose, while smokers require nicotine 'hits.' That is where low-dose (1 mg) gum or lozenges fulfill minor cravings for smoking. A pod-based e-cigarette using the highest nicotine salts, such as 10 mg for those smoking 10-20 cigarettes daily and 20 mg for heavier smokers, addresses the major urges. 'We are offering the full menu. The patch helps calm the patient, the tablets are used for small cravings, and the e-cigarette is used for large cravings. Since the patient will already have a good dose of nicotine, they will draw less on each cigarette and can stretch one pod over 5 or 6 days,' Meunier said. Subsequently, the patches, lozenges, and pods should be tapered gradually so that the withdrawal process remains comfortable. Since nicotine is highly addictive — more so than cocaine or heroin — abrupt cessation can cause irritability and compensatory behaviors, such as excessive sugar intake. Meunier recommended two patches for each dosage: 42 days at 21 mg, 42 days at 14 mg, and 42 days at 7 mg. Youth Trend Another product that has emerged among adolescents is puffs. According to a study conducted in Belgium in 2024, 92% of young people aged 11-24 years were aware of puffs, and 39% reported using them — 81% with nicotine, often at 20 mg. 'Puffs are inexpensive, colorful, flavored, and disposable, leaving no trace for parents that can be detected,' Meunier said. Similar to e-cigarettes, puffs contain vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol; however, their nicotine salts are synthetic. Being tasteless, young consumers go unnoticed. However, they are also more addictive. 'It makes them dependent for life and causes developmental problems, such as hyperactivity or learning disorders. Moreover, puffs are a steppingstone to smoking,' Meunier warned. Slick social media marketing and a wide range of appealing flavors, such as cola, red berries, cookies, and popcorn, can give young people the impression that they are inhaling something as harmless as candy. Meanwhile, major tobacco companies are taking it a step further with new tactics such as smart vapes. This device combines nicotine addiction with elements of gambling: The more a person vapes, the more virtual currency they earn, allowing them to climb the leaderboard of other users. Recently, a new device called a puff has emerged. One version, nicknamed 'Tamagotchi,' requires users to vape to keep a virtual pet alive. Although their sales have been banned in Belgium since the beginning of the year, young people still manage to hold them. In a recent survey, many high school students said that they could easily obtain these products. They are readily available on social media and are often disguised in makeup boxes or candy bags to avoid detection by parents. 'These products are often manufactured in China under poor conditions, using low-quality components. In addition to the elevated levels of nicotine and carcinogenic substances in the liquid, the devices themselves contain harmful materials such as lead and arsenic,' added Meunier. Study Findings e-Cigarettes are less risky than combustible cigarettes but should be avoided by nonsmokers. Precise assessment of their harm is complex because studies rarely differentiate them by device type or flavor. Long-term health effects remain unknown, as e-cigarettes have existed for only 15 years, and most users are former cigarette smokers. 'We know the risks associated with ingesting propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and especially flavorings, but we do not know what happens when they are inhaled. We also know that we must be careful of the carbonyl compounds produced when heating to too high a temperature,' Meunier said. Recent studies show that 28% of patients who use e-cigarettes quit smoking within 6 months compared with 16% who rely on patches and lozenges alone. However, many then struggle to give up e-cigarettes because of their habitual use and nicotine dependence. 'First-line therapy, it is best to try patches and lozenges alone. If that fails, add pod-based e-cigarettes with neutral flavors,' Meunier advised. Avoided Products Meunier concluded his lecture by presenting new-generation products other than the various variants of e-cigarettes. It began with heated tobacco devices that are now entering Belgium. These devices heat real tobacco without burning it and therefore produce no smoke. However, some patients mistake e-cigarettes for containing tobacco. 'In reality, these arguments are false. This system emits smoke, which contains all the toxic and carcinogenic constituents present in combustible cigarettes. The Superior Health Council of Belgium is clear that heated tobacco cannot be used as part of a smoking cessation program. Is clear: Heated tobacco cannot be used for cessation,' he said. Another product more popular among young people than puffs is nicotine pouches, placed between the gum and lip, delivering up to 10 mg of nicotine per pouch, with some containing 50 mg, which is lethal to young children. Attractive packaging targets the youth. 'Nicotine pouches are common in football and hockey clubs for their stimulant effect. They are banned in Belgium; however, young people manage to get their hands on them through a parallel market. And it is even worse since they contain arsenic and lead,' Meunier said. He also raised concerns about a new molecule that arrived recently in Belgium, 6-methyl-nicotine. 'It is a synthetic version of nicotine and is believed to be even more addictive,' he said. It is sold under various names, such as NoNic and metatine, and can be found in disposable vapes and sachets aimed at young people. 'As you can see, it is the Wild West. Manufacturers deliberately create confusion to slip through the legal net and continue to distribute nicotine in the most attractive way possible,' concluded Meunier.