Ellie B's Hodgkin Lymphoma Story

Discovering the lump

In March 2019, I found a lump in my neck. I went to my GP, who initially thought it was due to stress from my upcoming GCSEs. Eventually, further testing was done, and I was referred to paediatric oncology at the hospital. At this point, my family and I sensed that something more serious was going on, especially when I had to have a biopsy.

A shocking diagnosis

After nearly five months of uncertainty, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin Lymphoma. This diagnosis was a massive shock to my family and I, but I definitely felt a sense of relief as I finally knew what was wrong. We immediately began discussing treatment options with my oncologist. Despite this relief, the uncertainty quickly came back. Having a disease that could have killed me at 16 was something that there was just no time to process or deal with.

Facing challenges

Being told I had cancer at 16 came with many challenges. I felt out of place with my friends as I was frequently in and out of the hospital. I didn’t look like myself anymore because I had lost my hair and the steroids had also made me put on weight. It also put a massive strain on my parents as I was a completely different person when taking the steroids. Having such harsh treatment came with a number of side effects, but I was mainly affected by nausea and vomiting, insomnia and fatigue. Being so tired, but not being able to sleep was an awful experience and definitely affected my parents too.

Difficult months of treatment

Those few months were incredibly tough. I couldn’t start my A-level studies with my friends, and I just wanted to feel like a ‘normal’ teenager again. However, after enduring the ups and downs of treatment, I had that final PET scan and was told there was no evidence of disease. It was a feeling that I can’t describe. Ringing the end of treatment bell and knowing that I had actually beat cancer was such a proud moment. to experience with my parents by my side, as they were always there for me throughout my treatment.

Returning to school

In September 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I started my A-levels. It was a huge relief to feel like myself again and make new friends in the year below. This was something that scared me from the moment I knew I had to take time out of education.

Moving forward

In January 2023, I rang the end of treatment bell for the last time and said goodbye to the team of doctors and nurses who saved my life. It was definitely a bittersweet moment. As of May 2024, I completed my second year at university, studying chemistry. Going to university has massively changed my cancer journey as I have made friends that didn’t know me before I had cancer, or as ‘the girl that had cancer’.

Becoming myself again

I’m so grateful to those I have met at university for making me feel welcome and allowing me to play netball again, a sport I’ve played and loved from a young age. I have also been made so welcome at the university’s hockey club where I love watching their weekly matches as a social member.

Gratitude and reflection

Despite my cancer diagnosis dramatically altering my teenage years, I wouldn’t change it. It has led me to meet some amazing people, from staff at the hospitals, to fellow patients and connecting with people on social media. I will always be thankful for the people I met and will never forget the individual things they taught me or made me realise. Being a child with cancer is hard, mentally and physically, but if having cancer has taught me one thing, it is that you are never alone. As much as sometimes it might not feel that way, there are always people rooting for you even if don’t know it.

Ellie, May 2024

Have you or a family member been affected by childhood cancer?

Many of our supporters have been affected by childhood cancer – either through family, friends or their own personal experience. These patient stories can help inspire others to get involved with us, or can support our media work.

If you have a story that you would like to tell, please contact us by email