Nicole’s Blood Cancer Story

22nd September 2023

Nicole’s Blood Cancer Story

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more common than you might think, and early detection can make a significant difference in your treatment plan and overall prognosis.

Hi, I’m Nicole, one of the managers at Moira Cosmetic Dental – I have been part of the team for 9 years now so am a familiar face to many. At Moira Cosmetic Dental one of the charities, we support is Leukaemia and Lymphoma NI.

It is owing to my personal experience in 2015 that caused us to choose this charity as one to champion. I want to take this opportunity to educate all our readers on the signs and symptoms of Lymphoma and talk about my own experience leading to my initial diagnosis.

In December 2015 aged 27, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. Since then, it’s been a roller-coaster of emotions, treatments, and life lessons.

About Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more common than you might think, and early detection can make a significant difference in your treatment plan and overall prognosis. It is a very treatable cancer; according to Cancer Research UK, the survival statistics for Hodgkin’s lymphoma have improved significantly over the past few decades. As of the most recent data available up to 2021, approximately 86% of people diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in England survive for 1 year or more after their diagnosis. Around 80% survive for 5 years or more, and about 75% survive for 10 years or more.

While Hodgkin’s lymphoma can affect anyone, certain groups are at higher risk than others. The disease often targets those between the ages of 15 and 40, and those in their late teens and early 20’s. Men are slightly more likely to develop this type of cancer compared to women.

Family history also plays a role; having a sibling with Hodgkin’s lymphoma increases your risk, although the overall familial risk is considered low. Additionally, individuals with compromised immune systems—whether from conditions like HIV/AIDS or medications like immune-suppressing drugs—are more susceptible.

Lastly, Epstein-Barr virus, the virus that causes mononucleosis, has been linked to a higher risk of developing Hodgkin’s lymphoma, although the reason for this is not yet fully understood. If you fall into any of these categories, it’s especially important to be aware of the symptoms.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin (usually painless) that don’t go away
• Persistent itchy skin
• Persistent cough or shortness of breath
• Unintentional/unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue and constant tiredness
• Night Sweats
• Pain in lymph glands when drinking alcohol
• Excessive bleeding such as nosebleeds, heavy periods and spots of blood under the skin

My experience with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Unfortunately, by the time I was diagnosed in December 2015, I was stage 4. Looking back the first symptoms that I can recall began as early as May 2015. What started as what can be perceived as a normal itch, developed at the time of my diagnosis to: red, raw blotchy skin that bled and the need to try and wear loose non-restrictive clothing to limit irritation. In June 2015 I noticed enlarged lymph nodes on both sides of my neck. By July, the enlarged lymph nodes on one side had disappeared but the other side now had more prominent, larger nodes than before.

Bloods showed a high white cell count meaning I had an unexplained infection. I explained the itching was still there and was advised that my blood had been checked for serious illnesses such as cancer, which were clear (baffling considering Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a blood cancer.) It was at this point I felt like I was wasting everyone’s time and honestly convinced myself that the itching was in my head. I was given creams for dermatology skin conditions and a treatment for scabies when the creams didn’t work. I was never sure if I was relieved, I didn’t have scabies or just so frustrated the itch was still there.

Roll on to October 2015 I developed a very winter-typical chest infection that my 2-year-old daughter had presented with the week previous, she even had had a wheeze. So, when my symptoms progressed to hustle in my chest, breathlessness, and night sweats, along with the odd random nosebleed, I perhaps naively assumed I was run down.

By November 2015 I’d had multiple antibiotics, steroids, and inhalers, all of which improved the symptoms marginally for short periods but never eliminated them. A chest x-ray showed a collapsed lung and a next-day referral to an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, first mentioned the possibility of Hodgkin’s lymphoma alongside a list of multiple other potential illnesses with the need for a neck biopsy of the swollen lymph nodes to determine which one. As someone who was 27, had previously always been healthy and truly thought it wasn’t anything serious, my first question was to ask what the chances were that the biopsy would show it to be nothing serious.

I think this emphasises the importance of how crucial it is to consult your doctor if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. While they can be caused by many different issues, and a lot occur in common everyday illnesses it is better to be safe and get them checked out. It’s important to listen to your own body if something doesn’t feel quite right and listen to those around you who know you well. It is fair to say the team here at Moira Cosmetic Dental knew I was ill before I did and were the pushing force that kept me going back to my G.P.

Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI

Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI carries out vital research to ensure that the best and most up-to-date treatments are offered for Leukaemia and Lymphoma illnesses of which there are several types. All money donated to Leukaemia and Lymphoma NI stays within Northern Ireland and helps continue their work of research trials into the causes and treatments of these blood disorders as well as providing education. Your donation can go a long way in funding vital research and joining the fight against blood cancers.

The Gift of Life: The Anthony Nolan Foundation

When I relapsed after my initial treatment in December 2016, I had to undergo a stem cell transplant as part of the treatment plan in June 2017. Fortunately, I didn’t require a donor on this occasion but many out there do. The Anthony Nolan Foundation appeals to recruit more stem cell donors and to raise lifesaving funds. The work they do is nothing short of miraculous. By maintaining a registry of potential stem cell donors, they provide many people suffering from blood cancers and disorders a future.

If you’re between 16-30 and in good health, I highly encourage you to sign up as a donor with the Anthony Nolan Foundation. When someone has a blood cancer or disorder their blood cells have stopped working in the normal way. A transplant of blood stem cells from a healthy person can replace and repair the damaged cells and hopefully cure the disease. It’s a relatively simple procedure for the donor, but it could save someone’s life.

The Road Ahead

I’m grateful to say that I’ve been in remission for the last 6 years. However, the journey doesn’t end here. Regular check-ups and an ongoing commitment to my health are my new normal and as much as I have pushed myself to ensure I lead a normal life where I don’t dwell on my history certain triggers can bring the memories and the health worries to the surface.

I want to leave you with this thought: cancer doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to anyone at any time. Being aware of the signs and symptoms and seeking medical advice promptly could save your life or the life of someone you love. I am living proof that early detection and treatment, coupled with the invaluable work of organisations like Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI and the Anthony Nolan Foundation, can lead to positive outcomes.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If it educates even one person or encourages one donation, then sharing this will have been worth it.

Moira Cosmetic Dental has an article for anyone needing advice regarding their oral health during chemotherapy- that can be found here

I wish you all good health and happiness.