It was in my senior year of high school back in 2013 when, Kyle, my best friend noted there was swelling on my neck.  The swelling was painless, so it did not bother me that much, but I decided I would inform my parents about it.  Little did I know that it would be the beginning of my longest year ever.  On informing my parents about it, they took me to my aunt, a doctor, who examined me and informed me that my lymph nodes were swollen.  She then gave me antibiotics, presuming it was an infection.

However, the antibiotics did nothing to reduce the lump.  Therefore after several days, my parents decided to take me to Saint Joseph’s Hospital for further examination. Initially, they took me to an ENT doctor who examined me, and he was concerned.  He decided to refer me to an oncologist within the same hospital.  The oncologist ordered several tests, including chest X-rays and a biopsy of my swollen lymph nodes.  The biopsy would require surgery, as one of the possible diagnosis was Hodgkin’s lymphoma, whose definitive diagnosis is a biopsy.

I went through the surgery.  The biopsy was done, and the samples were sent for examination.  It was on the 1^st of April 2013 when the results came out. and I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.  I remember the initial shock and not believing it could possibly be happening.  I always heard stories about people with cancer, but it had never crossed my mind that I could be a victim.  I am sure my parents were confused about it all, but they tried their best to remain strong and positive for me.

They kept reassuring me that they would do everything they could to help me get through it, and I think that really helped since I began to be hopeful.  I began my chemotherapy, which lasted over a course of five months.  My studies were affected a bit, but despite the fact that I missed some classes, I kept on studying to ensure I was not left far behind.  Throughout my treatment, I am happy to say that I received a lot of love and support from friends, family, and the medical team.  I will be eternally grateful to them for that.

Currently, I am living as a survivor of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and I count myself lucky for this. One thing I have learned as I struggled with cancer is that you should never lose hope.

ABOUT David

Bio

• Denver
• Adult

Diagnosis

• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Primary Treatment

• Chemotherapy

Primary Cancer Center

• Other

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