In June, what began as a simple toothache led me to the dentist. As the tooth worsened, I noticed a large swelling appear in my neck, a lymph node that grew to the size of a tennis ball. Once the tooth was treated and fixed, the swelling did begin to go down, but it didn’t fully disappear, and that’s what concerned me.
When I went to see my GP, he initially thought the lymph node might still be reacting to the tooth infection, but after a pause and a “let’s just check,” he decided to investigate further. That decision changed everything.
What followed were months of scans, examinations, and ultimately a biopsy – the kind of test no one ever wants to hear mentioned. Then came the day I was told the words that stop your world in its tracks:
“You have Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. You have blood cancer.”
The medical team were incredible. They explained the treatment options clearly: a slower, steady approach, or an aggressive plan that would be difficult but decisive. For me, there was only one choice, to face it head‑on.
Chemotherapy began on 25 September. It was extremely challenging: physically brutal, mentally exhausting, and often overwhelming. I was fortunate to have exceptional medical care, effective supporting medication, and unwavering support from family, friends and colleagues.
Halfway through treatment, I received the best possible news, my body had responded completely, and the cancer was gone.It was caught early enough to take strong action.
There was still more to do, so we completed the second phase of treatment. On 10 December, just in time for Christmas, I finished my final chemotherapy session, rang the bell, and entered remission. Exhausted, battered, but deeply grateful I was still standing.
What stayed with me most was how easily cancers like lymphoma can be overlooked, misinterpreted, or assumed to be something far less serious, and how vital early detection really is. I had lost weight, but I was trying to. I was tired, but I have a demanding job and two young children. I felt hot at night, but it was summer. All of these symptoms were easy to explain away.
It was only thanks to that toothache and a GP who trusted his instincts enough to double‑check that my lymphoma was caught in time.
