Georgie Swallow, a content producer based in London, UK, is working to raise awareness about Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer that impacts the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system, by sharing the symptoms she faced but initially chose to overlook.
At just 28 years old, Georgie received her diagnosis, and unfortunately, the treatment led to early menopause, preventing her from having children.
When the symptoms began, Georgie attributed them to stress and felt that seeing a doctor would be “wasting everyone’s time.”
She admits she was overly trusting to believe that nothing serious could occur, even after she felt a lump on the side of her neck.
Georgie, now 32, shares that the illness took a toll on her mental and physical health.
Before her stage 4 cancer diagnosis, she experienced three main symptoms: itchy legs, night sweats, and persistent fatigue.
“I would scratch until my skin broke, which kept me awake all night. I visited the doctor, and they suspected it might be stress, allergies, or urticaria, but no cream or lifestyle adjustment helped,” she recounted.
“During this period, I was losing weight, experiencing night sweats, feeling constantly drained, and battling a continuous cycle of colds and flus, but I just assumed I was overworking myself and wearing myself out.
Georgie pointed out that these symptoms can often be quite mild and easily mistaken for other issues, which is why cancer is frequently diagnosed at a later stage.
Regarding early menopause, Georgie likened it to the sensation of “being hit by a bus.”
“Cancer can take so much from you, but losing my ability to have children before I even had the chance was really tough.
“Menopause can be challenging at any age, but at 28, I didn’t have anyone my age to discuss it with.
“None of my friends could truly grasp what I was experiencing, and while they were supportive, it’s difficult to comfort someone about something you don’t fully understand.
This courageous young woman is now telling her story to help raise awareness about the significance of timely doctor visits, along with the adverse effects that early menopause can have on mental well-being.
