The Unrelenting Itch: A Young Woman’s Battle with Stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma
For a harrowing year, a relentless itch plagued my skin, driving me to scratch until I drew blood. Yet, even this painful relief never truly satisfied the urge, often leaving me awake and miserable through the night. It never occurred to me that this torment could be a precursor to a life-threatening illness. Concurrently, I was experiencing profound fatigue, unintended weight loss, persistent night sweats, and a susceptibility to colds and flu. It was only when I discovered a palpable lump on my neck that the gravity of my situation truly began to sink in.
Breathing became a struggle; I couldn’t take a full, satisfying breath. This was due to a tumour in my chest, approximately 30 centimetres in size. My initial assumption was something far less sinister, perhaps glandular fever. Consultants typically deliver such profound news in person, so when my doctor called in September 2018, the words “You’ve got cancer” delivered over the phone were a stark, terrifying reality. “It’s stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma affecting your neck, lungs, chest, and under your diaphragm,” he explained. “If you’d come to us even a week later, we wouldn’t have been able to do anything for you.”
The diagnosis hit me like a freight train, leaving me utterly speechless. How could this be happening? I was only 26 years old.
After hanging up the phone, I turned to my parents and, with a tremor in my voice, asked them to take me to the hospital, informing them, “I’ve got cancer.” The news was completely unexpected and devastating for them. There was no time for prolonged shock; treatment had to commence immediately.
Just 24 hours later, I began chemotherapy. Despite the grim circumstances, I managed to maintain a surprisingly positive outlook throughout the six months of treatment. I actively sought to inject fun into the experience, organising fundraising events, hosting “chemo parties,” and even making light of my baldness when I ventured out.
When I finally received the all-clear a few months later, my overwhelming desire was to reclaim my life and savour every moment.
Understanding the Link: Itchy Skin and Hodgkin Lymphoma
The Lymphoma Action charity sheds light on why itchy skin can be a symptom of lymphoma. They explain that skin irritations, including dryness, soreness, and itchiness, can indeed be indicative of lymphoma. The prevailing scientific theory suggests that these symptoms may arise due to cytokines. These are proteins released by the immune system as it combats an infection or illness, such as lymphoma. It is believed that these cytokines irritate the nerves in the skin, leading to the sensation of itching. Encouragingly, skin problems often begin to subside once lymphoma treatment is underway.
It’s crucial to remember that itchy skin isn’t always a sign of a serious underlying condition. Often, it can be managed with self-care and resolves within a few weeks. However, it’s always advisable to consult a GP if you have concerns or if the itching persists.
A Devastating Setback
My parents and I were brimming with confidence as I attended a routine check-up scan in June 2019, even dressing up for a celebratory lunch afterwards. The doctor’s words shattered our optimism: “I’m afraid it’s back.”
The news was a profound shock, yet we proceeded with our restaurant reservation. I had already learned the invaluable lesson of seizing joy whenever possible, knowing that my health might soon prevent me from going out. I enjoyed a few drinks and even spotted Jude Law, which was a small, unexpected delight.
The recurrence of my cancer was more aggressive, necessitating a stem cell transplant. This procedure involves replacing damaged or diseased blood-forming cells with healthy ones. The transplant, which took place in October 2019, meant I was confined to the hospital for nearly five weeks, unable to even step outside. This time, I felt significantly more unwell and lacked the energy to make the experience enjoyable, unlike my previous treatment.
I recall the heartbreaking scene of my mum’s tearful face in the corner of the bathroom as I prepared to shave my head again. I snapped at her, unable to bear witness to her pain or my own emotions. In many respects, my illness was even more challenging for my parents. There were days filled with excruciating pain, feeling as though shards of glass were coursing through my body, and all they could do was watch helplessly. Their lives were placed on indefinite hold, their days consumed by the uncertainty of their daughter’s survival.
Navigating Early Menopause and Its Aftermath
Three months after my stem cell transplant, a scan confirmed that the cancer was gone. However, the treatment had a significant consequence: my chances of having children were reduced to approximately 0.1%. While I understood the necessity – what point is fertility if you’re not alive to experience it? – the reality of this loss began to surface as I recovered. My lifelong dream of motherhood was now seemingly unattainable, and I began a process of grieving for the children I would never have.
The transplant also triggered an early menopause at the age of 29. This was a difficult and disorienting experience, as the medical team hadn’t fully explained its implications, and I was unaware of what was happening to my body. Initially, I believed I was having a mental breakdown. My emotions were volatile, my anxiety was overwhelming, and I felt profoundly low. I also suffered from night sweats, joint pain, and brain fog. In a moment of extreme confusion, I once put my iron in the fridge.
Fortunately, I had a compassionate therapist who guided me through these life-altering changes and eventually helped me understand the connection to menopause. I was prescribed oestrogen therapy, but this was later discontinued due to concerns about strokes, as hormone replacement therapy can increase the risk of blood clots and further strokes. Consequently, at 32, I was once again grappling with menopausal symptoms. This is particularly challenging as my friends are not at this stage of life. While they are wonderfully supportive, they cannot fully comprehend the complexities of my experience.
A New Chapter: Social Media, Business, and Embracing Life
A few months after my stem cell transplant, I returned to my role as an executive assistant at a recruitment company. My employers had been incredibly supportive throughout my illness. However, I eventually decided to leave to focus on my social media presence.
I had initially used social media to keep loved ones updated on my diagnosis and treatment journey. However, it evolved into a platform for sharing my experiences, hoping to help others feel less alone. Having never known anyone my age who had faced such a serious illness, I lacked a peer to ask about practicalities, such as tying a headscarf or protecting my nails during chemotherapy, or to discuss deeper fears. I was determined to change that, and now, with nearly 100,000 followers, I’ve cultivated a remarkable community of kind, empowering, encouraging, and understanding individuals.
This online success has also inspired me to launch my own business, “Life’s for Living.” This is a travel company that organises adventure trips for women. Each participant arrives with their own unique reason for seeking connection and escape, whether they’ve faced a health crisis, are going through a divorce, are struggling with mental health, or feel insecure about their bodies. It’s incredibly rewarding to bring these women together, fostering bonds that lead to beautiful, transformative experiences.
Experiencing cancer has profoundly altered my perception of time, making it feel incredibly precious. Now, I strive to make the most of every opportunity. My mother often reminds me that it’s okay to say “no” sometimes. For a period, I found myself saying “yes” to everything out of a sense of urgency, which inevitably led to burnout.
It might sound cliché, but I’ve realised that the power of “yes” extends beyond grand gestures. I used to reserve lighting candles for special occasions, but now I light them whenever the mood strikes. It’s not always feasible to embark on a bucket-list trip every day, so I try to remind people that the beauty of life is often found in the small, everyday moments.
To mark my five-year cancer-free anniversary, I hosted a party to raise funds for The Royal Marsden Hospital. What many people didn’t know was that I was still awaiting definitive results from an inconclusive scan. I felt a sense of guilt, as if I were celebrating under false pretences. The relief I felt when I finally received the all-clear was immeasurable.
I never credit cancer for any positive changes in my life, as I believe it doesn’t deserve such recognition. However, I acknowledge that without this harrowing experience, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
You can follow Georgie Swallow’s journey on Instagram [here].
As told to Josie Copson.
What is Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Hodgkin lymphoma is a relatively uncommon type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, a crucial network of vessels and glands distributed throughout the body. While it can affect individuals of any age, it most frequently impacts those between 20 and 40 years old, as well as people over 75.
Each year, approximately 2,100 individuals in the UK are diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. The most prominent symptom is typically a painless swelling of a lymph node, commonly found in the neck, armpit, or groin.
Encouragingly, around 80% of individuals diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma survive for at least five years, with the majority achieving a complete cure. Nevertheless, it’s important to be aware of potential long-term complications following treatment, which can include infertility and an increased risk of developing other types of cancer in the future.
Information sourced from the NHS website.
