Diagnosed with Lymphoma at 23


My advice

Being diagnosed with Cancer is terrifying but you will realise you are a lot stronger than you think. Lymphoma is very treatable, and you can live a normal, long life. They will be the hardest months of your life and at times you may feel like giving up, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

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My story

In July 2019 I noticed two large swellings in my neck. The next day I went to the doctors where I was told that they were swollen lymph nodes and to wait two weeks as they could be swollen due to an infection. 2 weeks passed and the lymph nodes were still swollen. I was then referred to haematology where I had blood tests to check for infections. These came back negative. I then had a core biopsy where they took a number of small tissue samples from a swollen node to test for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The results came back inconclusive. I then had to have an operation to remove a complete lymph node to test further.

On the 20th December 2019, I was told I had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a form of cancer of the blood. My world was turned upside down. Not only was I told I had cancer, but that I may lose my fertility if the treatment did not work. Then I would then have to go on a stronger treatment regime. I was also told that I would lose all of my hair.

I underwent two weeks of fertility treatment, which was very challenging, but for me, it was worth it to have some reassurance. Four days later I had my first chemotherapy session. I had to undergo 12 rounds of chemotherapy which is six cycles. I was told after my 4th round that I was in remission. The best day of my life by far. On the 26th of June 2020, nearly a year later from when it all began, I finished my last chemotherapy session, and I got to ring the bell.

I have a 6-week post-treatment scan to make sure the Lymphoma is still gone, then I have follow up appointments every two months for three years, then I will be discharged.

I have written a blog, which I update regularly which explains my journey with Lymphoma, hoping to provide support to others going through a cancer diagnosis and what to expect throughout your journey.

Don’t let cancer define and destroy you.