Georgie Swallow, a content producer from London, UK, is raising awareness about Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. By speaking out about her experience, Georgie hopes to highlight symptoms that are often ignored.
Diagnosed at just 28 years old, Georgie faced not only the challenges of the illness but also the impact of early menopause caused by her treatment, which affected her ability to conceive children.
Initially, Georgie dismissed her symptoms, believing they were due to stress. She felt that seeking medical advice would be “wasting everyone’s time,” even after noticing a lump on the side of her neck. “I was naive to think nothing serious could happen to me,” she shared.
Three symptoms Georgie experienced before her stage 4 cancer diagnosis included itchy legs, night sweats, and chronic fatigue.
“I would itch until I broke the skin, which kept me up all night,” Georgie explained. “Doctors initially attributed it to stress, allergies, or urticaria, but no cream or lifestyle change helped.” She also experienced significant weight loss, recurrent colds and flus, and constant exhaustion, which she initially attributed to being overly busy.
These symptoms are often mild and can be mistaken for less severe issues, leading to late-stage diagnoses. Georgie now emphasizes the importance of taking such signs seriously and seeking timely medical advice.
In addition to the physical toll, Georgie opened up about the emotional impact of early menopause, describing it as “being hit by a bus.”
“Cancer can take quite a lot away from you, but losing my fertility before I had the chance to have children was particularly tough,” she said. “Menopause at 28 is isolating, as none of my peers understood what I was going through.”
Georgie now dedicates herself to raising awareness about the importance of recognizing subtle symptoms and prioritizing regular doctor’s visits. She also aims to shed light on the mental health challenges associated with early menopause.
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