Cancer in my 30’s? Never did I imagine. This season is the least I expected to be in but knowing that God has gone before me is most comforting. It is an unexpected turn of events, yet beautifully orchestrated by the One who loves me the most.
As I sat in the GP clinic, anxiously awaiting the results of my CT scan, the Lord spoke these verses to me,
In July of 2023, I received a diagnosis of Hodgkin Lymphoma, Nodular Sclerosis, a type of blood cancer characterized by the abnormal growth of certain cells in the lymph nodes. These abnormal growths can lead to swelling and the development of cancerous cells. Typically, this swelling is painless and may manifest as lumps beneath the skin. In my case, it appeared in the center of my chest and was initially detected through an X-ray.
How this cancer season unfolded.
This year, I made sure that both Macky and I underwent our annual health check-up. Now that we are parents, it is important to look after our health more than ever. We completed the screening in May 2023, and the results were available by mid-June. Due to my breastfeeding, I skipped certain tests like mammograms. Fortunately, both of our results were within the normal range, except for one concerning detail: an elevated tumor marker (CA125) in my health report.
Our GP provided reassurance that the elevated tumour marker wasn’t a cause for immediate concern, as it is a common occurrence, particularly when approaching one’s menstrual cycle. This proved accurate, as I was indeed close to my period during the time of the blood tests. To err on the side of caution, our GP recommended that I consult with my OB-GYN for further evaluation.
Since we were hoping to get pregnant with baby number 2 this year, I promptly scheduled an appointment with my OB-GYN. The visit included ultrasounds and various tests, all of which yielded normal results.
During that very same week, we were elated to learn that my application for my Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) application was approved (in principle). Hooray! After my visit to the OB-GYN, I had expected my medical journey for the year to conclude. However, in light of the PR approval, I had to undergo a medical examination to fulfill the PR requirements.”
I proceeded with the medical examination, anticipating it to be a brief and straightforward check-up. Little did I know, this would become the pivotal moment in this journey and life.
After going through an X-Ray test, I was informed by the medical staff that my results seemed abnormal, showing a widening in my chest area. He inquired whether I had any prior heart or lung conditions, or if I had experienced any breathing difficulties.
I felt utterly perplexed since, on the whole, I experienced no health issues. Both my OB-GYN and GP had also recently cleared me during my health screening.
Due to the result, I was referred to a hospital for further checking. It was from this point that the situation rapidly evolved. They discovered that the chest enlargement was, in fact, a substantial tumour mass. It measured approximately 5.2 x 8.1 x 4.2 cm, located at the top of my heart.
Timeline of my medical adventure leading to my diagnosis.
13 June – X-Ray result came abnormal
17 June – I had a morning GP consultation, and they promptly arranged a CT scan for me in the afternoon.
20 June – CT Scan result came out, and the only word that caught my attention in the prognosis was “malignant.” We received the result by email while Macky and I were commuting to work – we both fell into a somber silence, struggling to contain our tears, and holding onto hope for a positive outcome.
21 June – We met up with a thoracic specialist to go over the findings from the CT scan and discuss the treatment plan. The doctor needed to determine the nature of the mass. We decided on a biopsy surgery as the swiftest and most accurate method to obtain the necessary information.
28 June – It was my biopsy surgery day. I was inside the operating room from around 2 p.m. until 3.30 p.m.
to the operating room.
The doctor’s initial findings revealed that the tumor in my chest was not cancerous. It appeared to be an Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor (IMT), but they still needed to send the biopsy sample to the Histology department for further examination. I felt a brief sense of relief but it did not last very long.
11 July – My histology report came out and it turned out the mass has strong cancer properties.
12 July – I underwent a PET CT Scan to assess the potential spread of cancer to the rest of my body. I am grateful that it was confined to the chest area.
13 July – Diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma, Nodular Sclerosis.
Within just one month, I went from believing I was in good health to suddenly getting ready for cancer treatment.
Pre-cancer diagnosis symptoms.
“Do you have any family history of Lymphoma or cancer? Do you have any difficulty breathing? Have you lost significant weight or any loss of appetite recently? Any fever? Night sweats? Fatigue?”
These are the questions my GP, Thoracic and Oncologist doctors asked before my diagnosis, to which my answer to all were “No”.
I felt normal and we did not have a family history of cancer.
In retrospect, I only had itchy skin on my arms. However, weeks before this ordeal happened, I started itching around my chest area too. I didn’t pay much attention to it, assuming it was just my eczema flaring up. I also recall one occasion after work when I felt exceptionally fatigued, and that was the extent of my symptoms.
Any known causes for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
According to my doctors, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma has no identified cause, but it is frequently diagnosed in young adults within the age range of 15 to 35 years.
In my 30 years of life, I have never had a hospital stay, not even when I gave birth to our son, as we opted for an unmedicated water birth at home. I do not consume alcohol, I have never smoked, I mostly enjoy homemade meals, and I rarely indulge in soda and junk foods. Additionally, I engage in activities like cycling, running, walking, and swimming from time to time.
I have been taking care of my body, how come? Well, life happens. At the end of the day, life is designed to be uncertain. Though we can control some parts of it, there are still a lot we can’t control.
I, for sure, do not see life the same way as before. Even on the days I feel really weak and helpless, I just know in my heart that I will come out from this battle, with a scar on my chest, even stronger and better.
One thing I’m sure about in this journey – that even now with cancer, I’m still in the middle of God’s will.
For now, I will leave you with these photos taken by Macky for my birthday shoot this year.
“Bald is the new bold.”
Sharing with you my favourite thread by my fellow LympHOMIE Hank Green.
Being a Swiftie and having Lymphoma, I very much can relate 😂 I find it cool to have a theme song for my cancer and all the more a Taylor Swift song hehe plus she’s coming here to Singapore next year! Yay! Something to look forward to as I heal and recover.
God’s hands has been all over this journey and I am excited to share more in the next blog, so stay tune 🙂
