It took Me YEARS to get a Cancer Diagnosis | Leanne's Lymphoma Story | The Patient Story

The Patient Story・2 minutes read

An individual with lymphoma faced challenges in diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the importance of holistic care and self-advocacy in healthcare. Despite emotional struggles, they ultimately accepted treatment and emphasized the significance of coping strategies and support from healthcare providers.

Insights

  • The diagnosis of lymphoma, initially missed due to a lack of holistic assessment, was eventually identified through a CT scan after persistent symptoms and multiple medical consultations.
  • The individual, facing the emotional turmoil of cancer treatment, found solace and coping mechanisms through the support of a trainee GP, highlighting the importance of mental health care alongside medical treatment in managing the stress and anxiety associated with the disease.

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Recent questions

  • What health condition did the individual discover they had?

    Lymphoma

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Summary

00:00

"Trainee GP Discovers Lymphoma in Patient"

  • The individual discovered they had cancer, specifically lymphoma, which was a significant shock.
  • Despite undergoing numerous tests, their case was not viewed holistically until a trainee GP took notice.
  • The person is an extrovert who values connections with others, identifying primarily as a mother with adult children and a new grandchild.
  • In early 2019, while working in a demanding role, they experienced extreme fatigue and sought medical advice.
  • Following a trip to the UK and Italy in 2019, where they caught the flu, they developed a persistent cough.
  • Due to environmental factors like bushfires affecting air quality, the cough was initially attributed to external conditions.
  • Medical investigations in 2020, including lung X-rays and specialist visits, failed to pinpoint the cause of the ongoing cough.
  • In May 2021, a gastroenterologist recommended a CT scan of the abdomen, leading to the discovery of enlarged spleen and lymph nodes.
  • Subsequent tests and consultations culminated in a diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, later revised to follicular lymphoma.
  • The individual experienced severe anxiety and sought support from a trainee GP, who provided coping strategies and medication to manage stress and symptoms.

15:30

"Transitioning to Treatment: Battling Lymphoma"

  • Started treatment for lymphoma on December 23rd, diagnosed with follicular lymphoma transformed to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
  • Urgently admitted to public hospital for treatment due to clinic closure, placed in palliative geriatric oncology room.
  • Refused gated pool test due to emotional distress, had PICC line inserted for treatment.
  • Emotionally struggled in hospital, decided to surrender and accept the treatment process.
  • Treatment involved rituximab infusion (R-CHOP) lasting all morning, followed by other drugs in the afternoon; emphasized importance of self-advocacy in healthcare.
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