Mum sacrificed my sister for anti-vax views, says twin of woman who died after refusing chemo for ‘treatable' cancer
The 23-year-old University of Cambridge graduate died at Royal Sussex County Hospital on July 24 last year of a fatal heart attack.
Advertisement
9
Paloma Shemirani was diagnosed with 'treatable' non-Hodgkin lymphoma two years ago
Credit: Facebook
9
Paloma's twin, Gabriel Shemirani, blames his mum for his sister's death
Credit: PA
9
Paloma's mum is a notorious anti-vaxxer and conspiracy theorist
Credit: Alamy
Just months earlier, she had declined treatment for
At the time, doctors told Paloma, who was originally from Uckfield in East Sussex,
she her cancer was "treatable" and that she had an 80 per cent chance of recovery
with chemotherapy. Yet, she refused it.
Her mum, Kay "Kate" Shemirani, who rose to prominence on social media while sharing Covid-19 conspiracy theories, is alleged to have been "abusive" to her children and was involved in her daughter's alternative "treatment programme".
Paloma's twin brother, Gabriel Shemirani, told an inquest into her death at Kent and Medway Coroners Court, in Maidstone: "I blame my mother entirely for my sister's death", by "obstructing" his sister from receiving treatment.
Advertisement
"In short, I believe that she sacrificed Paloma's life for her own principles, I believe that she should be held accountable for Paloma's death," said Gabriel.
Kate was struck off as a nurse in 2021, and a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) committee found she had spread Covid-19 misinformation that "put the public at a significant risk of harm".
Gabriel's parents split in 2014 after a relationship which had involved domestic abuse "both ways", he told the court.
He alleged that he and his siblings "felt unsafe" around their mother and that she had been "emotionally distant" and physically abusive to them as children.
Advertisement
Most read in Health
He further alleged during his evidence that his father, Doctor Faramarz Shemirani, was also physically abusive to him and his brother.
At the time of Paloma's cancer diagnosis in autumn 2023, she was estranged from her mother, who then advised her against conventional medicine, the court heard.
Son of anti-vax nurse being probed by cops for comparing NHS medics to Nazis slams 'arrogant' mum
Gabriel said: "Paloma had a complicated relationship with our mother, maybe it is because she had a complicated relationship that she decided to rekindle that relationship when she became ill.
"In my opinion, Kay Shemirani directed her resentment that she held towards my other siblings and I towards Paloma."
Advertisement
'Pressure' from parents
Gabriel brought a High Court case to assess his sister's ability to exert her capacity to take medical decisions while living with her mother in April 2024.
He claimed that when Paloma was first diagnosed, she was considering chemotherapy, before their parents started to pressure her against it.
Her father sent a message to his daughter saying: "Don't consent to anything from the doctors they try and kill you".
And that Kate had said: "I'm the only one that can help you, don't bite the hand that feeds", the inquest heard.
Advertisement
"There was no disagreement from her that this was cancer, she never expressed that to me and she never expressed it to doctors either," said Gabriel.
His parents asked questions as interested persons which alleged that Gabriel was influenced and funded by others to bring the High Court case and that his actions were a factor in Paloma's death during his evidence.
"My sister didn't die from stress from the court case, my sister died from cancer and I think that's clear," said Gabriel.
9
Paloma's mum advised her against conventional medicine, the court heard
Credit: Facebook
Advertisement
9
The Cambridge grad had refused chemotherapy treatment
9
Her father sent a message to his daughter saying, "don't consent to anything from the doctor's they try and kill you".
Credit: Facebook
Before the High Court case, Gabriel also referred the situation to social services but he felt they were "slow moving", the court heard.
He added that his younger sister had been taken away from their mother when she was 16 and that the case was "only driven by my love and concern for my twin sister".
Advertisement
The father claimed his son was an "irrational" and "unreliable witness", and that his actions had been a "major contributing" factor to her death.
"This is not a public forum to air grievances," Coroner Catherine Wood said.
"I don't have any aggrievances, I don't have any aggrievances," Dr Shemirani said.
"Sounds like it," Gabriel responded.
Advertisement
When his questions concluded, Faramarz said: "Finally may our lord almighty exercise you from the demons that possess you amen."
9
Paloma had been taken away from their mother when she was 16, her brother says
Credit: Facebook
9
Gabriel had try to get social services involved but felt they were 'slow moving'
Credit: Facebook
Previously, Dr Ali Ajaz, a forensic psychiatrist, provided an assessment of Paloma during High Court proceedings which read: "I have no concerns that Ms Shemirani (Paloma) has been coerced or unduly influenced by any individual when making a decision about her own medical treatment."
Advertisement
Gabriel asserted that Dr Ajaz's sessions with his sister were "coloured by my mother's control", which the doctor said was speculation.
On Wednesday afternoon, Gabriel told the court that his sister was terrified of cancer, but used gallows humour as a defence mechanism.
"Are you a psychologist, Gabriel?" his mother asked him.
"Are you a nurse?" he replied.
Advertisement
Alternative treatments
Meanwhile, an osteopath who saw Paloma shortly before her death has told her inquest he had "never seen anything like it.
He said that when he inspected her he could feel lumps in her right shoulder going all the way up into her neck.
Days before, she visited Nick Gosset on the instructions of her mother Kate.
Nick told the hearing that he felt "deeply aggrieved" to have been put in a professional position of trying to treat Paloma by Kate when there was clear advice from her GP to go to A&E.
Advertisement
He said that Paloma had come to him complaining about shortness of breath and that he could only offer her
"It was obvious to me that I was not the right person to be helping her, normally you see a patient like that you would refer her (to a GP)," he said.
"I was left with no good choices and the only choice I felt I had at the time was to offer her the opportunity to return where I might be able to persuade her of the importance of seeking further medical support," he added.
Nick said that any referral to a GP was "refused" and all suggestions of going through "normal medical channels" were "dismissed".
Advertisement
Kate told the court that she did not believe the osteopath had that conversation with her daughter, as they were "very close" and Paloma did not tell her after the session.
Nick then explained he would have offered to treat her again in the vain hope of possibly persuading her to seek help elsewhere, adding he had been "horrified" to learn she had subsequently died.
At the same inquest on a previous day, Paloma's brother revealed she had been having coffee enemas as part of her devised Gerson therapy treatment plan.
9
'I blame my mother entirely for my sister's death", Garbiel says
Credit: Facebook
Advertisement
Gerson therapy involves a strict organic vegetarian diet and enemas and has been used in cancer treatment - but Cancer Research UK says that there is no scientific evidence supporting it.
A coffee enema is a type of colon cleanse in alternative medicine.
It involves injecting a mixture of brewed, caffeinated coffee and water into the colon through the rectum.
Some coffee enema supporters claim the procedure can offer a number of health benefits, including treating cancer.
Advertisement
But scientific evidence for its effectiveness is limited.
Also at the inquest was Linda Scotson who said she was qualified in hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), the
HBOT is a treatment where people breathe pure oxygen in a high-pressure chamber.
Some people claim it can fight cancer, but there's no strong scientific evidence that it can treat or cure the disease.
Advertisement
While oxygen can support healthy tissue, it doesn't specifically target or kill cancer cells.
Major cancer organisations like Cancer Research do not recommend HBOT as a standalone cancer treatment.
She said Paloma had not been sure she had cancer and was aiming to "improve her immediate quality of life", after which she had claimed to feel "better in herself".
Asked by Kate Shemirani if she had seen others in Paloma's situation coming to her centre, Linda replied: "We have people with a whole variety of problems, such as ME, Long Covid, sprains and fractures.
Advertisement
"It's amazing what a little extra oxygen can do for the body. You are lifting stress."
Paloma's twin brother Gabriel also asked her: "Did you explicitly tell her this will not treat her cancer?"
Linda said: "She knew it wasn't treating her cancer in a direct way. I was treating her whole body and her wellbeing."
Read more on the Irish Sun
When asked by Gabriel if she had left it "deliberately vague", she replied: "I never said I was treating her cancer and she wasn't certain that she had cancer."
Advertisement
The inquest continues.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment, as recommended by the NHS
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is usually treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, although some people may not need treatment straight away.
In a few cases, if the initial cancer is very small and can be removed during a biopsy, no further treatment may be needed.
If non-Hodgkin lymphoma is low grade (slow developing) and a person is well, a period of "watch and wait" is often recommended.
This is because some people take many years to develop troublesome symptoms and starting treatment immediately is often felt to be unnecessary.
But in other cases, chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells.
If non-Hodgkin lymphoma doesn't get better with initial treatment (known as refractory lymphoma), you may have a course of chemotherapy at a stronger dose.
But this intensive chemotherapy destroys your bone marrow, and can lead to the following side effects:
nausea and vomiting
diarrhoea
loss of appetite
mouth ulcers
tiredness
skin rashes
hair loss
infertility, which may be temporary or permanent
A stem cell or bone marrow transplant is then needed to replace the damaged bone marrow.
Radiotherapy is most often used to treat early-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma, where the cancer is only in one part of the body.
And for some types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, you may have a type of medicine called a monoclonal antibody.
These medicines attach themselves to both healthy and cancerous cells, and signal to the immune system to attack and kill the cells.
Other potential non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatments include:
Cancer growth blockers
Steroid medicine
Immunotherapy
Source: NHS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I lost three stone in just 10 weeks on Mounjaro, but suffered with an instant side effect that won't budge
A WOMAN has revealed that she has lost three stone in just ten weeks thanks to weight loss jabs. Kayleigh Akister, from Lancaster, took to social media to share her weight loss transformation. 2 Kayleigh Akister revealed her weigh tloss journey using Mounjaro Credit: Facebook 2 Despite being thrilled with her new weight, there was one side effect she couldn't budge Credit: Facebook She wrote: "After 10 weeks I have lost 3 stone." Taking to social media, she shared images of herself before her weight loss wearing a beige floor-length dress. She revealed that she initially weighed 14.5st and had gone down to 11.5st. But now, Kayleigh looked much smaller and happier as she wore a silky, figure-hugging dress that showed off her new body. READ MORE ON MOUNJARO While Kayleigh was thrilled by the She revealed that since being on the weight loss jab, her hair had become thin and was falling out. Kayleigh added: "But (I) started with hair loss, it feels so thin anyone else have this and what will help please?" Unfortunately, hair loss is listed as a common side effect of Mounjaro. Most read in Fabulous This can be heightened with losing weight at a fast pace. Telogen effluvium is a form of alopecia that is temporary and caused by sudden changes in the body (like weight loss). I've lost nearly 6 stone in 9 months on fat jabs - trolls call me 'lazy' & say it's the 'easy way out' but I don't care It causes hair follicles to enter the resting phase and shedding phase of the hair growth cycle. Kayleigh's post was shared to the Facebook group, One person wrote: "Congrats on your success!! Hair loss is common with weight loss, especially a lot of weight loss in a short time. Make sure you're getting your protein, drinking water and taking a multivitamin." Another commented: "My hair is so bad. I don't know how I'm not bald already! I'm doing everything I can to stop the shed but nothing seems to be working!" "You look amazing. I believe losing weight too quickly will cause some hair loss," penned a third. Meanwhile, a fourth said: "I take collagen and biotin and it definitely helps me." "Try taking collagen supplements, they've really strengthened my hair and nails! My skin looks younger too. Been on them 2 months,' claimed a fifth Someone else added: "Bloody hell, well done. 16 weeks and a whopping 1 stone down." What to do if you lose too much weight too quickly whilst on Mounjaro IF you're losing too much weight too quickly while on Mounjaro, it's important to take action to avoid potential health risks like muscle loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and fatigue. Here's what you can do: Evaluate Your Caloric Intake Mounjaro reduces appetite, which can make it easy to eat too little. If you're losing weight too fast (more than two to three lbs per week after the initial adjustment period), try: Tracking your food intake to ensure you're eating enough calories (apps like MyFitnessPal can help). Increasing protein intake to preserve muscle mass (aim for 0.6–1g per pound of body weight). Adding healthy fats and complex carbs (e.g., avocados, nuts, whole grains) for balanced energy. Adjust Your Dosage (With Doctor's Approval) If your weight loss is too rapid or causing side effects, your doctor may: Pause dose increases or lower your dosage. Adjust your treatment plan to stabilise your weight loss. Strength Training & Exercise To prevent muscle loss: Incorporate resistance training at least two to three times per week. Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking or yoga. Hydrate & Manage Electrolytes Drink enough water (Mounjaro can reduce thirst). Electrolytes matter - Consider adding magnesium, sodium, and potassium if you feel weak or fatigued. Monitor for Malnutrition & Deficiencies Rapid weight loss can cause vitamin/mineral deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and electrolytes). If you experience: Fatigue, hair loss, or dizziness, ask your doctor about supplements. Consider Further Medical Guidance If your weight loss is excessive or causing health concerns, speak with your healthcare provider. They might adjust your dosage, diet, or exercise plan to help stabilise your weight loss.
Irish Independent
20 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Radiologist wants to see Kerry cancer bus service ‘replicated across the country'
This is where the Kerry Cancer Support Group (KCSG) and their Healthlink Transport Service comes in. The Kerry group helps provide transport for patients undergoing radiology treatment in both Cork and Limerick, and since these services began they have provided a lifeline to thousands of patients, ensuring they can get to hospital for treatment. Lorraine and her team at the oncology centre have helped support the Limerick Healthlink Transport Service and can see first-hand just how important it is for patients. "It is a lifeline for some patients to be honest, they are coming here from far afield including North Kerry and West Limerick and the bus really helps alleviate the stress of travelling up and down,' said Ms Walsh. "Daily radiation is a huge burden on patients and their families. The delivery of care is often straightforward but getting to it is the challenge,' she said. Having witnessed just how beneficial the service is, Lorraine would love to see it replicated, particularly given the increase in cancer diagnoses especially in younger generations. "Previously you wouldn't have seen bowel, breast or lung cancers in younger people but they are increasing every year,' says Lorraine who adds that, given the need to travel daily for the treatment, it is vital to have support like the bus. "There was a glut of cancer diagnosis after Covid, maybe because patients didn't go hospital or because diagnostic tests were cancelled. It has settled a bit more and more in the younger age category are getting diagnoses 'All radiotherapy centres are in urban areas... It is a huge burden on patients and their families to get to these areas. Treatment can be long, for prostate cancer it can be seven weeks Monday to Friday every single week. It has changed a bit but it can be four weeks every day. 'Services could easily be replicated in other parts of the country especially in Dublin where they reliant on taxes. It would also ease the cost burden to the health service,' she said. "That is my wishlist, to see it everywhere,' she adds. Earlier this week Lorraine and the Kerry Cancer Support Group launched a new vehicle for the Limerick service, replacing the original bus which since 2019 has clocked up nearly 300,000 kilometres helping hundreds of people in the region get to their treatment safely and comfortably. 'The introduction of this new bus is a testament to our shared dedication to compassionate, community-led care, removing barriers to access and easing the physical and emotional burden of travel for patients during an incredibly challenging time.'
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
I've lost 5.5 stone on Mounjaro but still eat chocolate & get takeaways every week – the truth everyone needs to hear
A WOMAN who has lost 5.5 stone on Mounjaro in eight months has shared the advice everyone needs to hear. La Hauser, from the UK, took to social media to share why you shouldn't be losing weight too quickly on the weight loss jab. 2 La Hauser shared a warning for those on weight loss jabs Credit: facebook 2 Over eight months, La has lost 5.5 stone and still enjoys a takeaway Credit: facebook La revealed that she was losing 2.7lbs a week on the But she reckons she has found the key to success on the injection, and it still allows her to eat takeaways. She wrote: "I started in January and have lost an average of 2.7lbs per week. "I've lost 5 and a half stone in total. I still have a few stone to lose to be at the weight of my preference. READ MORE WEIGHT LOSS STORIES "There are so many posts where people are saying they are disappointed they have only lost 3 pounds and their mate lost 3 stone in the first week." Instead, La said those on their weight loss journey should concentrate on being consistent, rather than how much they are losing. She even revealed that by going for a slower approach, she was still able to enjoy sweet treats and takeaways while She continued: "Don't compare to others. Focus on your journey. Focus on what makes you feel joy. Most read in Fabulous "I eat a takeaway/restaurant meal every week. I eat chocolate every day, but I track every calorie so I know I'm still focused even when it's an unhealthy option." The less is more approach is obviously more sustainable than depriving yourself of everything, like a crash diet, so you stay consistent even without the drug. "Don't deprive yourself as you're in it for the long haul, make it sustainable, make it enjoyable," she added. The post was shared on the Facebook group, One person wrote: "I totally agree! Keep up the good work - been on for almost 2 months - lost 16. I'm pleased." Another commented: "Well said and well done." "Great advice," penned a third. What to do if you lose too much weight too quickly whilst on Mounjaro IF you're losing too much weight too quickly while on Mounjaro, it's important to take action to avoid potential health risks like muscle loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and fatigue. Here's what you can do: Evaluate Your Caloric Intake Mounjaro reduces appetite, which can make it easy to eat too little. If you're losing weight too fast (more than two to three lbs per week after the initial adjustment period), try: Tracking your food intake to ensure you're eating enough calories (apps like MyFitnessPal can help). Increasing protein intake to preserve muscle mass (aim for 0.6–1g per pound of body weight). Adding healthy fats and complex carbs (e.g., avocados, nuts, whole grains) for balanced energy. Adjust Your Dosage (With Doctor's Approval) If your weight loss is too rapid or causing side effects, your doctor may: Pause dose increases or lower your dosage. Adjust your treatment plan to stabilise your weight loss. Strength Training & Exercise To prevent muscle loss: Incorporate resistance training at least two to three times per week. Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking or yoga. Hydrate & Manage Electrolytes Drink enough water (Mounjaro can reduce thirst). Electrolytes matter - Consider adding magnesium, sodium, and potassium if you feel weak or fatigued. Monitor for Malnutrition & Deficiencies Rapid weight loss can cause vitamin/mineral deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and electrolytes). If you experience: Fatigue, hair loss, or dizziness, ask your doctor about supplements. Consider Further Medical Guidance If your weight loss is excessive or causing health concerns, speak with your healthcare provider. They might adjust your dosage, diet, or exercise plan to help stabilise your weight loss. Meanwhile a fourth said: "Totally agree." "Well done, looking great,' claimed a fifth Someone else added: "Thank you! I needed to hear this right now!"
