I was first diagnosed with nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) in 2018. I was totally shocked as, like many people in their 20s, I thought I was invincible! I had six cycles of chemotherapy over a six-month period, finishing in March 2019 before receiving a scan which came back clear. After that, life pretty much returned to normal for me.

But in the Summer of 2023, I noticed I had a bit of a cold and was experiencing sinus pressure and dizziness. I had been checking myself every two weeks since my lymphoma diagnosis and noticed a lump above my collarbone which started to get bigger. I was referred back to haematology, where a PET scan and biopsy confirmed the return of NLPHL. I was told that from September 2023 I would be put onto active monitoring.

The symptoms themselves were not as bad as when I first received my diagnosis, and since being told I have had a relapse things have remained pretty much the same as they were beforehand. It hasn’t stopped me from doing anything – I have continued to work, travel and stay active. I have three monthly checkups and am currently well and stable.

When I was first diagnosed, I wanted to keep it to myself, but now I think it is important to learn as much as I can about lymphoma and to raise awareness of it. I am a volunteer with Lymphoma Action and have spoken to a Lymphoma Action Buddy myself who is on active monitoring, which was really helpful. I am also a member of the Closed Facebook Support Group and offer support to others in the group by sharing my thoughts and experiences.