A 27-year-old mother to an aspirant model died from cervical cancer after her symptoms were misinterpreted by a doctor. Today, the doctor said that they had “robbed us” of the chance to say good riddance.
Porsche “Pops” McGregor-Sims suffered from an aggressive form of the disease that had been undiagnosed for several months, despite constant complaints of bleeding and abdominal pain.
She was examined by Dr Peter Schlesinger three months prior to her death. He failed to perform a physical examination during pandemic lockdown because of her numerous symptoms.
After being admitted to hospital for Covid (which she did not contract), the doctor discovered that she had cancer. The graduate died in hospital.
Today was the second day in the hearing regarding her death. Miss McGregor Sims’ family attacked the locum physician for not examining her.
Fiona Hawke, Fiona’s mother, told Hants that he was responsible and suggested that he have examined the girl.
Ms Hawke (52 years old) said that she had been robbed of the chance to grieve her and prepare for her funeral.
Although Dr Schlesinger is a locum doctor for agency who specialises in gynaecology, he said her symptoms, which included bleeding after sex, didn’t lead him to believe she was suffering from a severe illness.
Porsche Pops McGregor-Sims was suffering from an aggressive form of the disease that had been undiagnosed for many months
Porsche’s fiancé Mark Chappel kisses Porsche in this touching picture of the engaged couple
The inquest revealed that Miss McGregor Sims was an aspirant model. It lasted two days.
Fiona Hawke (mother of Porsche McGregor Sims) and Porsche’s twin brother Deucalion today at the inquest
Dr Peter Schlesinger maintained that her symptoms, which included bleeding after having sex, were not indicative of a serious condition.
According to the 71-year old, who previously apologised for not being able to detect the disease, the letter he received from his GP didn’t mention ‘urgency or fears’.
From Frome in Somerset, the father of four said that it was more probable her symptoms were caused by other causes. She didn’t get cancer, based on the probability. [with the symptoms she described].
“The overwhelming majority of those with symptoms similar to hers do not have any cancer.
The new story was about “Post-coital bleeding, or bleeding after an intercourse.” The patient spoke to me and told me all about her symptoms.
‘Given her abrupt cessation in hormonal contraception it was likely that she suffered from bleeding.
“Married to this, she underwent a regular smear and an ultrasound. This has a 92% chance of discovering cancer. I thought she might have dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
“No Porsche’s GP correspondence mentioned the words “cancer”, or “urgent”.
Ms Hawke also asked Dr Schlesinger whether the daughter had said that her GP had been concerned about cancer. To which Dr Schlesinger responded: “No. Her GP had not.” It was the first time I’d ever seen it. [on her record]About cancer.
Deucalion, Miss McGregor-Sims’ twin brother, also quizzed him about why he didn’t examine his sister.
He stated, “You’ve repeatedly said that she did not have any cancerous symptoms. Therefore, no examination was necessary.”
Porsche and Mark Chappel, her fiancee. This is a sad photo taken before she was diagnosed with cancer.
Porsche and Deucalion her twin brother, three years before Porsche died.
“You said that you did not have a chaperone.” [in the room]You would likely have had an exam if there was a chaperone.
“Did your ever give her an exam?” She spoke to me [Porsche]And she stated that even the idea of an examination had been completely rejected.
Dr Schlesinger replied: “It might have been more probable to examine her together with a chaperone as it would be easier than going looking for one. I don’t think it’s useful or would delay the clinic.
Deucalion said, “That was unfortunate in that situation.
“Because her cancer was fatal, she passed away.”
According to the inquest, Miss McGregor Sims was engaged and had her first smear performed in 2017.
The test did not reveal any cancerous cells. However, she was informed that some were abnormal. The inquest heard that no additional action had been taken.
Her symptoms worsened over the next two years, and she began experiencing abdominal pain and excessive bleeding. She was referred to a consultant in December 2019.
Ende of January 2020 she met Dr. Schlesinger.
The inquest was told that McGregor-Sims died just weeks after Britain went into the coronavirus lockdown. She received antibiotics by phone only weeks prior to her death.
After her GP believed she was suffering from Covid, the doctor saw her in person.
After graduating in events management, the graduate was quickly rushed to the QA and diagnosed with aggressive cervical cancer.
One day later, she died on April 14. 2020.
Miss McGregor Sims had been involved in modeling shoots and studied drama at South Downs College, Hampshire. She then went on to Plymouth University to study Event Management.
She met fiancé Mark Chappel whilst at university, and the pair moved back to Portsmouth after finishing their studies.
Dirk Brinkmann was a Queen Alexandra Hospital consultant who saw Miss McGregorSims briefly before her death. He said that she could have lived as long as ’24-months’ if the colposcopy had been performed sooner.
Clinical lead for gynaecology-oncology Dr Brinkmann also stated that it was not a reason why Dr Schlesinger delayed performing a physical examination on her.
He said that a chaperone was always available for him during such situations, having worked at the hospital for 17 years.
According to Mr Brinkmannn, the hearing heard that Porsche had the possibility of having a colposcopy and biopsy in the same month.
She could possibly have received treatment within the following week. Chemotherapy would be the next stage.
“There was a reasonable expectation that she would respond to chemotherapy.
The survival rate of stage four cervical carcinoma is 80%. [which Porsche had]Is less than 10%
“But, they should respond to chemotherapy well, their median survival time is about 24 months.”
Rosamund Rhodes, Area Coroner, added that she had been given a colposcopy by Porsche and put on the speed track.
“She would have probably survived at 70%, possibly even longer depending on how she responds to chemotherapy.”
Inquest witness Mr. Brinkmann said Miss McGregor Sims had probably died of cancer around 15 months ago.
We know cervical cancer is in its pre-malignant stage, which means that it can’t invade and spread. This phase is known as the “pre-malignant” phase. Sometimes it can be treated by removing it.
“Once cancer is established, it spreads rapidly. You notice it quickly.
‘Porsche had her symptoms for about 15 months [before she died]This is when the cancer became serious.
Regarding chaperones Mr Brinkmann explained that patients can be examined alone if consented to by the patient. The absence of a chaperone shouldn’t be considered a reason to not have a physical exam.
He said, “We have dedicated chaperones within our clinic. Although they may not be available immediately, we might have to wait for a few minutes. However, I have never had to examine someone without a chaperone in my 17-year career.
I have not done an examination in my life without a companion, but it is possible to do one with consent.
“The Guidance states that patients should either be given a chaperone (or the opportunity to choose not to have one), because not all people want one.
Continue the inquest.