A young woman’s life took a dramatic turn when she discovered a lump on her collarbone, leading to a diagnosis of stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma. At just 22 years old, she navigated the challenges of her profession while managing increasingly alarming health symptoms that began in September 2024.
Initially, fatigue was the first sign that something was amiss. Working full-time on the operations team for a company that managed boat shows, she dismissed her exhaustion as a natural consequence of her demanding job. Alongside this fatigue, she experienced severe itching on her shoulders, which she attributed to sensitive skin. Despite trying various remedies, including changing skincare products and adjusting her diet, the symptoms persisted.
The situation escalated during the Thanksgiving holiday when the woman noticed a lump on the left side of her collarbone while at her family’s home in Tampa, Florida. Although she sought reassurance from her boyfriend and mother, they collectively decided it was not a pressing concern. An appointment with a dermatologist was scheduled for January 2025, but her condition deteriorated before she could attend it.
On December 19, 2024, she called her mother in distress, overwhelmed by pain in her neck and upper back. The following day, she felt an urgent need to visit the emergency room, prompted by an instinctual awareness that something was seriously wrong.
Doctors initially considered muscle spasms or arthritis as potential causes but soon conducted X-rays, revealing distorted tissue in her neck and collarbone region. A subsequent CT scan prompted two oncologists to admit her for overnight observation. The timing was particularly difficult, as her birthday was the next day, leaving her anxious about what lay ahead.
After a biopsy of the affected area, the results confirmed the presence of cancerous cells. On New Year’s Eve, she received the diagnosis of stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma, propelling her into a whirlwind of medical treatments. The urgency of her situation required immediate action, leading her to freeze her eggs before starting chemotherapy later in January.
Throughout her treatment, she worked remotely, an experience she described as isolating. Being the youngest patient in the infusion room heightened her sense of fear, yet she remained determined to maintain a sense of hope. After completing chemotherapy in May 2025, she received the life-changing news of her remission on June 2, 2025.
The emotional impact of her diagnosis extended beyond the physical realm. The woman faced the difficult decision to shave her long brown hair, which had been an integral part of her identity. Even after attempting cold capping to preserve her hair during treatment, she ultimately chose to cut it short before opting to shave it completely. This impulsive act provided a sense of liberation, prompting her to seek connection with others sharing similar experiences.
Turning to social media, she began documenting her cancer journey on TikTok, believing that her story could resonate with others facing similar challenges. Through this platform, she connected with numerous young women who had also battled cancer, fostering a supportive community.
While she is now in remission, the aftermath of her illness remains a complex journey. She faces ongoing challenges, including cognitive difficulties often referred to as “chemo brain.” This condition has affected her performance at work and her social interactions, prompting her to take a short-term disability leave to focus on her recovery.
Despite her struggles with anxiety, she emphasizes the importance of authenticity in her healing process. She encourages others to advocate for their health, stressing the necessity of trusting one’s instincts when faced with unusual symptoms.
As she reflects on her journey nearly a year post-diagnosis, she hopes to inspire young women to prioritize their health and seek answers when something feels off. Her experience underscores the significance of self-advocacy in navigating the complexities of medical challenges.
