My name is Haley, I'm 31 years old and I'm from Long Island, New York. I was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin Lymphoma in March 2022.
I noticed a lump while going through treatment for an eating disorder. I was persistent and saw 3 different doctors that told me not to worry, I'm "too young for cancer", or dismissed my symptoms due to previously having COVID. I finally found a doctor that was suspicious but didn't think anything was emergent. One night a few weeks later, I fainted, luckily my boyfriend was there to help bring me to the hospital.
The hospital did an xray and told me all my lymph nodes were swollen and told me to see my regular doctor. I immediately went the next day and she referred me to an oncologist. Oncologist? My stomach dropped. Deep down I felt I had already knew.
I was officially diagnosed, started chemo in May 2022 and was in remission by July 2022 and continued chemo until Oct 2022. Although I did well during chemo, it wasn't easy. I lost a dangerous amount of weight which was scary and triggering to my eating disorder. I had terrible anticipatory nausea and bone pain. I stayed positive throughout and leaned on my support system when I was down. I looked towards faith and spirituality to get me through. I meditated a lot. As soon as my hair started falling out, I cut it all off with the help of my boyfriend and donated 25in of hair to kids with cancer or other illness where they've lost their hair.
When I was told I was in remission my family and friends were celebrating yet I didn't feel good about it. I recall my boyfriend asking me, "Aren't you happy to be in remission?" and I responded that I felt not right in my body, I told him I didn't feel happy.
Only 3 months later, in Feb 2023, I was diagnosed with a reoccurance of Hodgkin Lymphoma. My Oncologist referred me to a Cancer Specalist in NYC and a Fertility Doctor. I had went through the egg retrieval process then started chemo right after that. While consulting with NYC doctors, I was told I would need a life saving Autologous Stem Cell Transplant. During this preparation time I recieved another 5 weeks of chemo.
I had my own stem cells collected then one week later in June 2023 I was admitted to the NYC hospital, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Program. I endured 7 days straight of very intense chemo to ensure all the cancer was gone. I had pins and needles, felt drunk, totally out of it. I couldn't eat so I had to be on IV nutrition. My insides were wrecked. My hair was falling out quickly and in clumps. Ill admit, inpatient was the scariest part. Nurses coming in every 2 hours making sure I was still alive, taking vitals, being hooked up to an IV pole 24/7, Fainting anytime I tried to stand up. I fought hard with the help of the wonderful staff, my family, boyfriend and friends back home. They gave me my stem cells back on June 7th and gave me a brand new immune system, this is how they cure my type of cancer! I spent 19 days inpatient and it was brutal.
It's Dec 2023 and I'm in remission, this time I feel so much better in my soul. This time I feel happy, content, ready to get back to my life and navigate having the immune system of an infant.
My advice is to advocate for yourself. If something doesn't feel right, keep going to different doctors until someone shows concern and investigates further. Stay positive. The days you feel good, do fun hobbies with your loved ones, get outside and be with the nature. It helps. I found faith in God and the Universe. I felt a level of peace, I accepted it and was ready to fight. Coming out of it, I would say have a continued support system, reach out to others who have had cancer and use our resources for mind, body and soul care.
