Georgie Swallow, a content producer based in London, recounts her experience in raising awareness about Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer that affects the lymphatic system. By sharing the symptoms she initially dismissed, Georgie aims to inform others about the critical nature of early detection.
Symptoms Overlooked and Misconceptions
Upon the onset of her symptoms, Georgie attributed them to stress and was reluctant to consult a physician, believing it would be “a waste of time.” Even after discovering a lump on her neck, she dismissed it as inconsequential.
Symptoms That Were Neglected
The disease took a toll on both her mental and physical well-being. Prior to her diagnosis, Georgie experienced three primary symptoms:
Itchy Legs: She frequently scratched her legs to the point of breaking the skin, which disrupted her sleep.
Night Sweats: Intense sweating caused her discomfort during the night.
Persistent Fatigue: She often felt exhausted and struggled with recurrent colds and flu-like symptoms.
“I assumed I was simply overworking myself,” she stated. Although she consulted a doctor, the initial assessments, which suggested stress or allergies, did not alleviate her concerns.