SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES to STAGE 4 Cancer - Alexandra | Hodgkin's Lymphoma | The Patient Story
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- Опубликовано: 9 июн 2024
- At just 29 years old, Alexandra was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma after noticing swollen lymph nodes. But her symptoms first started after going through a break up. She experienced unexplained weight loss, night sweats, and thinning hair. After googling her symptoms, she noticed they were in line with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. But after an ultrasound and blood tests, doctors couldn't find anything. It wasn't until she got biopsy that revealed she had Hodgkin's lymphoma, that had spread to her neck, lungs, and around the spleen.
In this cancer vlog, Alexandra unwraps the hardship of life taking an unexpected turn. She describes her chemotherapy side effects and how art kept her going every day.
#cancerstories #cancerpatient #cancersurvivor #patientstories #thepatientstory #hodgkinslymphoma #lymsm #hodgkinslymphomasymptoms #chemotherapy #hairloss #chemotherapysideeffects #fertility
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[Video Chapters]
00:00 Introduction
00:30 My first symptoms
01:23 I had swollen lymph nodes on my collarbone
3:30 My blood tests didn’t show signs of cancer
05:10 Being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma
06:45 Starting chemotherapy and my side effects
08:20 The emotions of losing my hair
10:15 Taking naps and home hydration
11:30 Being active on my off weeks from chemotherapy
12:45 What got me up in the morning
13:30 Talking about infertility because of chemotherapy
15:10 Ask questions and get advice
15:28 Find your support system
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The interview has only been edited for clarity. The interview has only been edited for clarity.
Swollen Lymph Nodes to Stage 4 Cancer - Alexandra | Hodgkin's Lymphoma | The Patient Story
• SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES to...
She's just a little ray of sunshine, and I love that her dog is by her side in most of the pictures. So glad she's doing well.
I too am a Hodgekin’s survivor. Diagnosed at 17 with stage 3b, 12 tumours, spleen involved.
Unlike you, mine took several treatments. 9 months MOPP/ABVD Chemo, it came back, 6 weeks frontal radiation therapy to the left collar bone, it came back, I then was the 9th person to have a bone marrow transplant using my own bone marrow. I was the 9th person to have a BMT in Vancouver in 1986. It came back… so last ditch effort was 6 week’s radiation front & back, as much as they could dose me with out killing me! My last treatment was Nov 18,1986. I have been cancer free from the Hodgekin’s since. Idk how I am still here but I am. I did end up having 2 daughters. So it’s possible to have a lot of treatment & still have children. 💯
I love your positivity even during the storms! I know it’s hard. 😢 Breast cancer fighter here! Sending hugs and prayers up! 🙏🏽❤️
Wishing you all the best!!! Just had a friend go into remission from stage 3 breast cancer. You’re gonna see the other side of this! Keep battling, keep pushing forward. There will be better days.
Yes we are warriors. I'm fighting Grade 4 Mestatic breast cancer. Received excellent news this week. Cancer markers are well within normal ranges after chamo🎉🎉
@@user-eq5bl9ri3x That's great news! Wishing you the best and praying for you!❤️🙏
This wonderful woman is just brimming with positivity. Best wishes for her health!
Wow you are so resilient and could really start a lucrative side gig supporting or cheering on other cancer patients lol.
You would be a blessing in a classroom
She’s the most positive person I’ve ever seen. God bless.
I never saw anyone be so upbeat about a cancer diagnosis and look forward to a doctor cutting on them. Your voice and constant giggle remind me of a Disney cartoon. You must never get depressed and smile constantly. I hope your cancer doesn't return.
You are one of the lucky ones, as I have so many of my friends who died of cancer.
@@LbhacksawI’m a very negative and pessimistic person and a former breast cancer patient, and I love her demeanor. She’s making a video, so she probably didn’t want it to be sad. And I assume she’s a cheerful woman anyway. And she’s done with treatment, so has reason to be cheerful. And Hodgkin’s is curable, unlike so many other types of cancer. There’s never a guarantee that it’ll be cured, of course, but she had a good prognosis from the start. All reasons to be very cheery!
@@Ceerads Hodgkin's still kills people, it is just the 5 year survival rate is better than many cancers. The treatment does leave permanent damage, as I know from personal experience. That said I am still here 19 years later. There is little point in not being cheery, why ruin today worrying about what may happen tomorrow. Today is beautiful.
@@petef1273 Thank you. I know it can kill, but I appreciate what you said. I’m so glad you’re here. Once one has a cancer dx, the fear never goes away entirely. I’m 25 years out of my breast cancer dx but still fear a metastasis happening. However, as you said, why worry about what can happen? Here’s to survival!
@@Lbhacksaw I know four other breast cancer survivors who, same as I, have survived twenty-five years so far post-dx (we met at a post-treatment group given by our hospital). We’re all now in our seventies. We all had stage I. Yes, we may still get metastatic breast cancer eventually, or a new primary cancer (breast or otherwise), but so far, we’re all okay. And there are many others like us. I’m not gloating, only stating what my experience has been. And I’m still scared that cancer will return, but it hasn’t so far.
@@Lbhacksaw Thank you! I wish you and yours everything good!
Alexandra, You are absolutely amazing! I love your positivity. I am so glad that things are going well for you. Please keep up with the follow up. As I am watching you I am sitting here weeping! My wife was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in Dec 23. She had never smoked and had doctors telling her that she had allergies for the previous three years. Unfortunately, after a short fight she passed in Feb 24.
Your painting is beautiful and so are you. I too have a lump in my neck and also under my left arm
Both were scanned and came back negative. BTW I am much older than you. Don't have any unusual symptoms. I hope you are now cancer free. You are a breath of fresh air.
Did they do a biopsy of the swollen lymph nodes?
My question also!!@@Christina-xu3yb
Your paintings are amazing. I’m always in awe of people who can draw or paint.
Your smile and upbeat personality is amazing! I'm so happy that you beat cancer!! :)
She's in remission.
@@bobs1356 I have a cure for her. What is the best way to contact her?
Your parents must be awesome people, Alexandra. Great story; great person. Best wishes going forward from Illinois, USA.
You are a beam of sunshine!,❤
I was also 29 when I was diagnosed with Hodgkins stage 2, in remission by 30.
I know woman hate it when there called adorable but im going to say it anyway because your adorable !!! Wishing you all the best !!
That dog is awesome 🎉. Just as sweet as your personality. 🎉❤️
What a lovely lady
HEY !Teacher! kids need your positivity in the classroom! bless ypou and good luck with your fight.
They suck the energy out of you so no she doesn’t
Blessings to this lovely young woman...what a sweetheart 💛
You are not only gorgeous but also inspirational. Wonderful. I am also a cancer survivor but in no way was as brave as you. Marvellous lady.
How did you stay alert through all of this to also progress in life? Wow truly an inspiration.
What a darling girl ! Bless you sweetheart. ❤
I’m amazed at your positivity, I have to go through chemo and I’m terrified.
She just radiates light ❤❤ Thank you for sharing your story and your art. Your art is beautiful 💞
You so right! Knowledge is power. I have found that second opinions can change everything! Best wishes for fertility and a long healthy life.
Wow! What incredible talent! Gorgeous use of color. Sending this adorable gal healing and a happy fertile life with babies and family. 👶😊
I love the way you use color!!! No matter what happens, everything will be OK!!! Remember, no matter what happens, everything is going to be OK!!!
Alexandra, you have the most incredible personality I find your positive outlook very inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story 💜
You are so wonderful and positive and beautiful . You’re so strong and admirable… and your art work is soooo amazing !! Wow. I love the vibrancy of the colors. So much talent !!
You are such a lovely person. I wish you all the best and a long, healthy and joyous life.
You are amazing! Wishing you healing and a future as beautiful as you.... Love your art too 🖼️🖌️
You are not only wonderful, beautiful, strong, but amazingly talented. I too live in Canada, Ontario. I'm so glad you are doing great, sad that you had to go thru cancer, I've had at least a couple of friends had that type of cancer too. Keep painting and selling that artwork girl.
I think it should have shown up in the blood work. I was diagnosed with NHL WADENSTRUM TYPE on DEC. 2018. My is not curable but can go into remission. It sounds like you are dealing with it well. Stay well. You have the right attitude which helps more than one thinks. Your dog is beautiful.
Love your art -- So vibrant! 🎨
You have a wonderful gift!
What a positive lovely young lady
Love your attitude. Blessings to you.
You are so positive-keep going strong.
Awesome individual!! You are helping others, thank you. Keep fighting! Also, great artist...that doggie is awesome.
You are absolutely stunning!! And positive!!!❤❤😊😊😊
I'm sorry this happened to you. But I'm glad you fought it and now are in a remission. My brother passed after a short course of AML. You can treat this as a chronic illness.
Your positive energy through the pain is amazing. Your paintings are beautiful. So is the dog. Prayers for complete healing.
Beautiful adorable gal; cute puppy; sending best wishes and prayers for a long healthy life with remission/healing and start of family with babies 👶 😊
I wish you the very best outcome, Alexandra. You have such a beautiful smile. May God be with you.
Beautiful ❤
Thank you and “The Patient Story”! Beautiful family and such a cute dog! And you looked great even bald.
I’m so glad you’re doing well now. I know that Stage IV Hodgkin’s (or other blood cancers) isn’t the same as are solid-tumor cancers, and it’s very possible to cure even Stage IV Hodgkin’s. A friend much older than you was dx with Stage IV Hodgkin’s ten years ago and is healthy now.
I had breast cancer twenty-four years ago and am fine so far. I remember the metallic taste of food.
I hope that if you want kids, you’ll be able to have them.
I envy you Canada. Wishing you all the best.
Alexandra those are some beautiful paintings love them prayers and blessings for you ❤❤❤🙏
You are such a beautiful and lovely person !
What a great encouragement and inspiration to others you are !
God bless you
My daughter’s dog is Hippo! What a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing!
You have a beautiful voice!
Great advice! I agree with you: googling is good! Take care and best wishes to you 🙏
I love your sweet personality!
Well her ex loss someone wonderful!!!! Beautiful ❤you go girl!!!!
Your paintings are so nice.
She's so darling!!!!! Petite, and speaks as if she's only six years old. How cute. Little princess
Right? I was thinking one of the kind little munchkins...definitely cuter and happier. Best wishes and keep spreading your joy@
A light being .
I think just being around her would make one happy. God bless here with long and happy life
That was the cutest mohawk ever!!
Wow your art reminds me of Group of Seven paintings. I wish you health and happiness
Please post your gofundme page. You are so positive!
🙏 ❤️ 🙏
For You
Always & Forever
How did you stay alert through all of this to also progress in life? Wow truly an inspiration. Maybe a baby by adoption who needs love but not cancer treatment would help you heal as well.
Beautiful young happy girl.
You are adorable with or without hair!
U look great without hair!
I was the same, my blood work kept coming back normal…wasn’t until I had a CT scan and biopsy that it was confirmed Hodgkins Lymphoma. Still in active chemo and it’s horrible and do not wish this on anyone but I’m almost at the end!
Man... what a pretty girl! Good luck!
Did you try fenbedazole in your treatment?
She is such a cutie patootie, glad she is doing better.
I would love to know where we can purchase her art work!
How do we get to purchase your beautiful artwork
Did the biopseys hurt?
I have been fighting thymoma stage four . For 5 years , lost my left lung completely .
I went through my 6 years girlfriend leaving me at the same time of all these surgeries .
I had blood clots Jan 23 they put it down to 3 Covid jab - mar 23 got the all clear - aug 23 got diagnosed follecular lymphoma stage 3b - swollen lymph nodes in neck lung abdomen spleen but not in bone marrow- lost all my hair - 6 grounds of chemo - 72 tablets a week for 18 weeks- 5 stomach injections ever three weeks - cancer was confirmed by biopsy… main side effect put three stones on - am on maint injections every two months for two years- I have met kids that have died from cancer- how can I complain- mine can’t be cured classed as chronic illness - back at work biggest problem is anxiety so take one day at time
I wonder if the chemical exposure from the paint caused it
She said she didn't start painting until after she had to quit her job as a teacher.
🙏🏼❤️🙌🏼❤️😇
❤You are so darling...I hope you find a really nice guy and have some babies❤hey everybody please ask Jesus into your heart today while you still have time ❤
I have had lymph nodes enlarged in the neck but seems it's because of ______. ? Non known reason, nothing has been done to know the cause. Seems it's not cancer but it feels strange that nothing has been done to know the reason. 😢
Same! I have swollen/prominent lymph nodes in my abdomen that have been there and getting a little bigger every time I do a mri every 9 months yet my doctor never seems concerned by it and never wants to address it!
@@Christina-xu3yb Hi, have you asked for a second opinion? It's supposed if the lymph nodes lose a center or so or the shape is different then it should be checked carefully. Do they hurt? Do they feel hard?
I think mine are probably due to infection or I don't know. 🤔😔
Have you had your dental health looked at? Sometimes it's due to dental issues. Also look into yeast growth in your airway. That can cause it too.
@@breezeh1127 I have, it's all ok.
Seems like infections my face is also swollen in one side with edema, celulitis I don't know exactly what is it but there's something and in the same side that hurts in my neck with the bigger lymph nodes enlarged.
I'm in Mexico city Mexico, here doctors don't investigate anything. They just say maybe id because you have a rheumatological condition.
I haven't known a person with these same symptoms.
I hope someday to know but it's already unbearable.
Thanks for asking! :-)
@@lillyrocks2011 Im really sorry 😔I hope one day you get answers and relief💜
Super cute ❤ who would brake up with you ? 😵💫😫
Oh girl. I am so happy you are healthy. But I was told the same re: fertility. I am 37 about to hit menopause at 38. 2 miscarriages. My only dream in life is for a baby. I have spent $22k for only one good embryo. Had to leave my job as a doctor in residency to even start IVF. Have a go fund me to pay for that and start round 2. But my numbers are awful. My treatment was at 29 and I have attempted suici*e 3 x wishing I had frozen my eggs. It is so expensive. My dog saved me w my first natural miscarriage at 34. My FSH and AMH are horrors that don’t compare to my cancer. I just want a baby.
You truly Must deal with your depression before you consider bringing a baby into your life. Your baby deserves a 'sound' mother.💜
@@gloriamaryhaywood2217 yes thank you I’ve been in 14 years of therapy and do mandatory therapy for IVF. I have been “ready” as verified by my therapists and psychiatrists to my RE for 2 years. Please don’t speak on what you don’t know. Have you gone through IVF? The depression is FROM NOT HAVING A BABY. 6 professionals have agreed. Thank you for your concern. I am a doctor and not sure if you got the idea I was trying to send that I am out of time w an AMH of 0.2 and FSH of 24.3. If you don’t understand what this means I’m not sure why you are commenting this. I considered it for 11 years and that was the problem (waiting). Thanks again.
@@gloriamaryhaywood2217 IVF literally requires therapy whereas my crackhead cousin brought 2 babies in she refused to take hep C meds for and now they are developmentally deformed etc. but she was allowed for free living in a trap house… …
Actually this comment is rather enraging. I spent 27 years post secondary school to get 3 master’s degrees and a doctorate in- guess what- medicine and I practice in psychiatry!!!! Sacrificed my fertile years prior to cancer just to be advised by people like you who seem to have no background…??? Just privilege of carrying easy free babies. I can assure you I spent 38 years becoming stable enough to provide. How have you dealt with miscarriages, multiple? That didn’t cause any pain that led to a downfall in psych sx?? Literally spent my fertile years making sure I could provide a “stable” mother. This baby will have so much more.
She was just a little too happy, her giggling over the top personality was a little annoying but that’s just her. I enjoyed seeing her artwork, hopefully she will be cured, her positive attitude has got to help!
Strange comment 🤔
if she had a bitter, ugly attitude like yours, she probably wouldn’t be here today. glad that’s not the case!
you remind me of tinkerbell