Woman Who Died After Refusing Chemo Had Coffee Enemas

A Tragic Case of Refusing Medical Treatment

A 23-year-old woman who died after refusing chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma was reportedly undergoing a unique "treatment program" under the care of her mother, according to her brother. The inquest into her death revealed that Paloma Shemirani had been receiving five coffee enemas per day, as well as following a strict diet and consuming large amounts of green juices.

Paloma passed away on July 24 of last year at the Royal Sussex County Hospital due to a heart attack caused by her tumor. Her brother, Gabriel Shemirani, along with his other sibling, Sebastian, has blamed their mother’s anti-medical conspiracy theories for her death. During the inquest held in Maidstone, Kent, Gabriel cross-examined Ali Ajaz, a forensic psychiatrist who had met with Paloma on the recommendation of her mother.

Gabriel argued that these meetings were influenced by their mother's control over Paloma’s treatment choices. Dr. Ajaz, however, stated that this was speculation. He also mentioned that it wasn’t his role to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment program that Paloma was following.

During the hearing, Gabriel asked Dr. Ajaz if he would be concerned about Paloma having coffee enemas daily. Dr. Ajaz responded that he knew nothing about coffee enemas. The inquest also heard that Paloma’s treatment primarily involved a strict diet and an abundance of green juices.

Gabriel questioned whether their mother might have been scaring Paloma and making her believe she was the only one who could save her. Dr. Ajaz replied that this was just speculation.

Previously, Dr. Ajaz had given an assessment during High Court proceedings where he stated, “I have no concerns that Ms. Shemirani has been coerced or unduly influenced by any individual when making a decision about her own medical treatment.” However, an email exchange between Dr. Ajaz and Paloma showed that he described her concerns about being treated against her will in the hospital as “utterly shocking and sickening revelations.”

Gabriel questioned how the email had gotten there, and Dr. Ajaz responded that it certainly didn’t come from himself. Dr. Ajaz has also appeared on Kate Shemirani’s controversial podcast three times and referred multiple patients to her.

Kate Shemirani, who was struck off as a nurse in 2021, faced criticism from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for spreading messages during the pandemic that put the public at significant risk of harm. She attended the inquest via video link but was warned for a second consecutive day that her conduct was “unacceptable.” She was seen raising signs in front of the camera while on mute and attempting to introduce new allegations during her questioning of Dr. Ajaz.

Coroner Catherine Wood told her she was “bordering on contempt of court.” The inquest is ongoing, and the case continues to draw attention due to the complex interplay of personal beliefs, medical decisions, and family dynamics.