32-Year-Old’s Itchy Legs led too Rare Cancer Diagnosis After Doctors Dismissed Symptoms
For months, Emma Simms, 32, experienced crippling exhaustion and maddeningly itchy legs, symptoms initially dismissed by her doctors.Unable to gain weight, she also began suffering from night sweats and chest pain. Despite these alarming signs,medical professionals did not initially find anything wrong.
The Dismissal
Ms. Simms recounted her frustrating experience with healthcare providers:
I was turned away three times by my GP. each time I was told it was nothing serious. They did blood tests and categorically told me I didn’t have lymphoma. One GP actually said, ‘You don’t have leukaemia, you don’t have lymphoma. Everything’s come back great.’ And that was it. I was sent on my way,
Emma Simms
Despite blood tests, one doctor assured her she did not have cancer.
The Turning Point
As her symptoms worsened, Ms. Simms was eventually referred to the haematology department at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford. A CT scan revealed an 8 cm tumor in her chest, spreading to her right lung.
Diagnosis: Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Ms. Simms was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a rare form of blood cancer. Her reaction to the diagnosis was one of disbelief:
I was told over the phone a couple of weeks before the biopsy confirmed it, so I had a bit of time to get my head around it. I just remember thinking,‘How did this happen? How was it missed for so long?
Emma Simms
Did You know?
Hodgkin’s lymphoma,once known as Hodgkin’s disease,is one of two main types of lymphoma,the other being non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Advances in diagnosis and treatment have significantly improved recovery rates for those affected [2].
Coping Through Community
Amid chemotherapy, Ms. Simms has turned to TikTok to share updates on her cancer journey and mental health.
Talking about my journey has connected me with so many amazing people. It realy helps me feel less alone. Honestly, people who go through chemo alone are superheroes. my family and friends have also been so supportive – I feel very lucky,
Emma Simms
Her openness has fostered a supportive community,highlighting the importance of connection during challenging times.
Understanding Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer that begins in white blood cells called lymphocytes. Approximately 2,100 people in the U.K. are affected annually.While it can occur at any age,it is most common in people aged 20–40 and over 75.
The most noticeable symptom is swollen lymph nodes, typically in the neck, armpit, or groin. This swelling is usually painless, though it may ache. Other common symptoms include night sweats, unexplained weight loss, fever, persistent cough or breathlessness, and itchy skin across the body.
Pro Tip: Recognizing Symptoms
Pay attention to persistent symptoms like unexplained weight loss, night sweats, and fatigue. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
