My Cancer Diagnosis
Everyone knows it’s dangerous to Google your symptoms, so when I searched “swollen lymph nodes” and saw “cancer” as a possible diagnosis, I dismissed it and reminded myself that self-diagnosis on the Internet is not a good idea!
I had noticed a large swollen lymph node in my neck in late September that seemed unusual, so I went to see my primary care doctor. She prescribed antibiotics and steroids. I remember her saying “We’ll probably never know exactly what is causing this, but I don’t think this is anything serious — for example, this isn’t what lymph nodes with cancer feel like.”
The swollen lymph node went down but quickly returned, so I went back to the doctor. That prompted a neck ultrasound and then a CT scan. My doctor called the next day to suggest that I make an appointment with a ENT/neck specialist and a hematology oncologist (just in case). I asked her to confirm that she just said “oncologist”. She did. My hand was shaking so much I could barely write down the information.
The ENT examined my neck and thought it might be Cat Scratch Fever. Other than the song, I had never heard of it. I immediately started envisioning the endless jokes that would come from my friends if that was the diagnosis. After he reviewed my CT scan results, I felt a total shift in his demeanor. “You have numerous layers of swollen lymph nodes. It could be Cat Scratch Fever, or it could be something more serious — like lymphoma. We need answers pretty immediately.” Needless to say, I left his office with my fingers crossed for Cat Scratch Fever.
We scheduled a biopsy for the next week. Two days later, I was sitting in my office when the ENT called. “Hi Kelsey, I just got your biopsy results. It’s Hodgkin Lymphoma”. That was such a surreal moment. I quickly called Keely and my parents, then I made a work call and sent a few work emails before realizing, “Wait, why am I still at the office? I just found out that I have cancer!”
My friend Katie picked me up and we had a good cry in her car. I started working on getting into MD Anderson the next morning.
Since then, I’ve learned that my diagnosis is Stage IIA Hodgkin Lymphoma. I’m working with a fantastic team at MD Anderson and I know that I’m in excellent hands. I likely have a rough few months ahead as I go through chemo and radiation, but my doctors say my prognosis is excellent and I will kick the cancer within a few months.
I’ll post updates on here throughout my journey.
Let this be a good reminder to all of us: you know your body, and when you think something is wrong, go to the doctor! So many things are so treatable if you just catch them early.
Thank you to everyone who has has reached out with love and encouragement and to everyone who is part of my fleet of prayer warriors! Your support is exactly what I need.