My name is Natalie, and I was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) at 21 years old, just before starting my senior year at the University of Delaware.
In the months leading up to my diagnosis, I experienced strange symptoms, a swollen lymph node in my neck, night sweats so intense I’d wake up drenched, extreme fatigue, and even the unsettling sensation of bugs crawling on my skin. After countless doctors’ appointments, I finally got an answer, though not at all what I was expecting. At what should have been the prime of my life, everything changed with three words, “You have cancer.”
Treatment was grueling. I lost my hair and all of my muscle. As someone who had been active and an athlete my whole life, I felt like I had lost both my body and my self-confidence. On top of that, it was the peak of COVID, so I couldn’t see anyone outside my immediate family. The isolation made me feel even more alone.
After months of treatment, I finally rang the bell, a moment of triumph and relief. But finishing treatment didn’t mean the journey was over. Sometimes the hardest part is returning to normal. Being in constant fight-or-flight mode, I didn’t know where to even start. Slowly but surely, I rebuilt my life, regaining strength, confidence, and routine. I still have days when I think about it, but I carry those experiences as a reminder of my resilience.
Now, as I approach five years cancer-free, I feel deeply grateful. My journey has given me perspective, strength, and a desire to support others. I want to share my story and be an advocate for young adults facing blood cancer. No one should feel alone in this fight, and I hope my story can offer hope, connection, and courage to those who need it most.
Natalie
Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)
