Georgie Swallow, London, UK-based content producer, is raising awareness about Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, a part of the immune system, by speaking of the symptoms she experienced but tried to ignore.

Georgie received the diagnosis at the age of just 28, and sadly, due to the treatment, she experienced early menopause before being able to get pregnant.

When she started experiencing the symptoms, which she believed were a result of stress, Georgie thought that visiting a doctor was “wasting everyone’s time.”

“I would itch until I broke the skin which would keep me up all night. I went to the doctor and they thought it could be stress, allergies or urticaria but no cream or lifestyle change would make it go,” she explained. Read more below

Despite her doctor’s initial thoughts, Georgie’s symptoms persisted and even worsened over time. In addition to the intense itching, she also experienced unexplained weight loss and constant fatigue. It wasn’t until she developed a persistent cough and noticed a lump in her neck that she finally sought further medical attention.

After undergoing a series of tests, Georgie was shocked to receive the devastating news that she had stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma. The cancer had spread throughout her body, explaining the various symptoms she had been experiencing. Georgie was faced with the harsh reality of undergoing aggressive treatment to fight the cancer and hopefully save her life.

Through her journey, Georgie realized the importance of listening to your body and advocating for yourself when something doesn’t feel right. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can encourage others to pay attention to any unusual symptoms they may be experiencing and seek medical help sooner rather than later.

In addition to raising awareness about Hodgkin lymphoma, Georgie also wants to shed light on the impact that cancer and its treatment can have on fertility. Due to the aggressive nature of her treatment, Georgie was forced into early menopause, robbing her of the chance to conceive naturally. She now faces the difficult decision of pursuing fertility treatments or potentially exploring other options to start a family.

Georgie’s story serves as a reminder that cancer can strike at any age and that early detection is key to improving outcomes. By sharing her experience and speaking openly about the difficulties she has faced, Georgie is helping to break the stigma surrounding cancer and inspiring others to take charge of their health.

As Georgie continues her journey to recovery, she remains hopeful and determined to live her life to the fullest. She is grateful for the support of her loved ones and the medical professionals who have helped her along the way. Georgie’s resilience and courage serve as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges, reminding them that they are not alone in their fight against cancer.