My Story

I guess I will start with my story. Almost 2 years ago I woke up one morning with a huge lump on my neck just below my jaw bone. I made an appointment with my primary care and he told me that it was probably an infection. I told him I had a tooth that was infected 2 months prior, but that I had taken all the antibiotics. So he put me on more antibiotics and sent me for an ultrasound, and then a CAT Scan. I was then referred out to an ENT Specialist who again insisted it was infection from the tooth. Again I was put on more antibiotics and told that it may take 6 months for my body to completely get rid of the lump.

After 6 months and the lump getting larger than ever, I decided that it was time for a second opinion. The new ENT Specialist started asking me lots of questions about other symptoms I was having and didn't realize was due to the lump. I had been battling extreme fatigue, night sweats, headaches, insomnia, really itchy skin, and a huge weight gain. She immediately scheduled me for an updated CAT Scan, which showed hundreds of swollen lymph nodes in my neck and shoulders. I had a needle biopsy that came back inconclusive and then a surgical biopsy that came back positive for Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Since then I have started 6 rounds of ABVD, I am on my second round. Still in the beginning of the chemo, but starting to get used to it as much as I can. My Dr. is hoping that the chemo will get it and says hopefully I will not need any radiation.