Chelsea’s Stage 2B Classical Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Story

Chelsea shares the story of getting diagnosed with stage 2B Hodgkin’s lymphoma and undergoing ABVD chemo to get into remission. As a Trans woman, Chelsea shares her experience with hair loss, dating, and life after cancer.

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This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for treatment decisions.

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Let the drugs do their thing. Chemo is a crazy process, but it’s a tried-and-true method of treatment, and you can get through this.

When you go through chemo, it’s important to make it special to you. I chose to do that by wearing fancy dresses to my treatments.

That really added to my experience. Do whatever you can to make chemo a celebration of survivorship as you beat this and move forward.

Chelsea B.

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Diagnosis

What were your 1st symptoms?

I noticed a growth on my neck. Usually, if there’s swelling from a viral infection, you see symmetrical swelling, so just having it on the right side only was a little alarming.

I also had full-body itches. That was really strange. It was almost like the itchiness was underneath my skin. I had drenching night sweats as well, which are very indicative of a Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis.

»MORE: Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients share common first symptoms

How did you get diagnosed?

I went to my primary care, and he’s usually very jovial, but he was serious this time. He said, “I’m going to refer you to a specialist right now.”

I saw the specialist, and she said there was a possibility it was cancer. From there, it became more and more apparent that it wasn’t just possibly cancer — that it was. 

Processing the diagnosis

I was in denial. I don’t get cancer. That’s not something that happens to me. That happens to other people. 

I got my first opinion at a local hospital, and I went for my second one at a clinic in Boston. Even at the second opinion, I was in denial.

One of the nurses had a tray of snacks, and she asked if I wanted anything. I said, ‘No, those are for cancer patients.’

»MORE: Patients share how they processed a cancer diagnosis

How did you tell people about your diagnosis?

I made a Facebook post. I reminded people that if you ever find a suspicious lump, to go get it checked out. 

I didn’t feel comfortable telling my coworkers. I don’t know why. I just didn’t feel comfortable with that, but I had a good support system on Facebook and with my friends. 

»MORE: Breaking the news of a diagnosis to loved ones

ABVD chemo side effects

I had constipation from Round 2 onward. I had hair loss from about Round 5. I had persistent nausea and vomiting from about Round 7 on.

The effects were very much cumulative, so they got worse as I went on. 

The vomiting was the worst, I think. The inability to keep any food down was difficult. I ate a lot of white rice.

I found I could stomach that okay. Sprite was a godsend. I took some anti-nausea medicine as well.

»MORE: Read our comprehensive ABVD chemotherapy info page

When did you find out you were in remission?

I was in remission after my fourth round of chemo. By January, I was already in remission. They offered me the option to stop chemo and switch to radiation or to go ahead and complete the 12 rounds.

I opted to finish chemo just because the side effects are much more short-term than radiation. 

Chelsea B.

I had gone in for an appointment with my oncologist before my fifth treatment, and he told me I was in remission. I was elated. Like any 30-year-old, I celebrated with a post to Facebook. Then I had to go to chemo. 

It was a little weird knowing I was in remission and still having to go to treatment, but I knew I needed to finish the 12 rounds to make sure we got everything. 

Describe your last day of treatment

The nurses brought me a cake, so I shared it with all of my friends who came out to support me at my final chemo.

I took a week off of work to just sleep. I think that helped my recovery significantly. I was just happy to be done with it. I didn’t really do anything crazy to celebrate. 

What was your follow-up protocol?

Every 6 months, I would go see my oncologist for a check-up and blood work. They do that for the first 5 years. I’m 6 years out now, so it’s much more optional to go. 

Support & Emotions

Can you talk about your support system?

My friends definitely were the ones who helped me get through it. A key person was my friend Sarah. My partner at the time helped out a ton as well by taking me to and from appointments. My friend Sarah would just come over and hang out. 

Prior to chemo, I had done some burlesque performances. Sarah and I were in the same troupe, so we had a great friendship from that.

After my chemotherapy, Sarah took me to a Victorian teahouse, and we had afternoon tea. It was lovely. That was a celebration of sorts that she threw for me after finishing chemo.

How have you managed your mental and emotional state?

I’ve mostly dealt with hard stuff by leaning on my friends and by seeing a therapist.

I recommend that for everyone. It’s great to have that sounding board.

Financial toxicity: paying for cancer treatment

I am fortunate to have a very well-paid job. The financial burden was minimized in my case. I’m a government employee, and I have very good health insurance.

I hit my $5,000 deductible in 2 years pretty quickly. Everything else was covered completely. 

The financial thing initially was a very big concern because I didn’t know what to expect. As time went on, though, I realized it was very manageable in my case.

When I was voicing my concerns about it, some of my friends suggested a lot of grant programs and things like that. It’s nice to know programs like that do exist. I didn’t have to take advantage of them, but if you need help, do it. 

Message for someone who has just been diagnosed

Be patient with yourself. It’s a lot to take in. Do what you have to do to get through it. Put yourself first.

Trust your medical professionals, because they will steer you right. Let the drugs do their thing. Chemo is a crazy process, but it’s a tried-and-true method of treatment, and you can get through this.

When you go through chemo, it’s important to make it special to you. I chose to do that by wearing fancy dresses to my treatments.

That really added to my experience. Do whatever you can to make chemo a celebration of survivorship as you beat this and move forward. 

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Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Stories