I thought my cancer symptoms were eczema for three years – I’m now stage 4 and beyond broken
Taylor Deanne Roy wrote off her skin irritation and dyspnea as symptoms of “getting older” for years.
Her “whole world stopped” when scans showed that the 32-year-old had stage four cancer.
Taylor, a native of Alberta, Canada, said, “I thought it was nothing to worry about, but I had severe fatigue, shortness of breath, itchy skin, and random pains for years.”
At first, Taylor would hold herself responsible for all of her problems.
She had been diagnosed with follicular eczema three years prior, and she had attributed her itchy skin to it.
I felt like it was a natural part of growing older, but I was exhausted and out of shape,” she continued.
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But she went to the doctor after finding a tumor on her neck.
Following a sample following an ultrasound, doctors determined she had stage four Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a blood cancer that attacks lymphocytes.
Physicians found that the cancer had also spread to her spine’s bones and lungs.
She remembered, “It felt like everything stopped when I was told I had cancer.”
For several minutes, it seemed as though nothing was real. Being the best version of myself and starting a family were my only goals.
“I’m in the battle of my life at the age of 32.
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These days, Taylor battles daily fatigue, nausea, and excruciating pain.
She claimed that her body was a stranger and had betrayed her in ways she never imagined.
I used to do simple things without thinking twice, but now they are sometimes very impossible.
“Losing the independence I’ve worked so hard to achieve is the hardest part.
Her home and all she owned were lost in an electrical fire a few months prior to her diagnosis.
Taylor has received support from her friends and family in spite of the turmoil.
“They have demonstrated themselves in every manner possible,” she remarked.
They have done everything, including providing food, donating money, sending me onesies to replace the ones I lost, and assisting with everyday chores. I’m completely broken—financially, emotionally, and physically.
Sometimes, no matter how strong we try to be, we can’t do it alone, therefore I’ve come to the point where I need to beg for help.
‘Advocate for yourself’
In an effort to help others and spread awareness, Taylor now tells her experience on TikTok.
She remarked, “I wish I had mentioned them to my doctor sooner,” after considering the signs she had disregarded.
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“I wouldn’t be in stage 4 right now if I had been more assertive with the physicians.
Taylor’s message is unmistakable: Stand up for yourself and don’t give up when medical professionals don’t listen.
What is Hodgkin lymphoma?
One kind of blood cancer that begins in white blood cells called lymphocytes is termed HODGKIN lymphoma.
In the UK, about 2,100 persons are diagnosed with it annually, making it uncommon.
The symptoms might be ambiguous and fluctuate, much like any other malignancy. Patients typically observe enlargement in one or more lymph nodes, though.
Although this can occur anywhere on the body, it frequently occurs in the groin, armpit, or neck.
Though some people experience pain, the swelling is typically harmless.
Other, more general symptoms are also present in some Hodgkin lymphoma patients. These may consist of:
- Night sweats
- Unintentional weight loss
- A high temperature (fever)
- A persistent cough or feeling of breathlessness
- Persistent itching of the skin all over the body
Source: NHS and Cancer Research UK
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