When Natalie Rennie thought she’d pulled a muscle, she never imagined it would lead to a cancer diagnosis. A visit to the doctor revealed a lump on her collarbone was actually Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare cancer of the lymphatic system. Natalie, 37, has now gone through three cycles of chemotherapy and emerged stronger, even after facing hair loss and a sepsis scare.
Now, Natalie is urging everyone not to dismiss small warning signs. Those minor oddities we sometimes notice in our bodies could be major indicators of health issues. “I kept holding onto the hope that someone would say it was nothing,” she said, but further tests at William Harvey Hospital confirmed the cancer diagnosis.
“Hearing you have cancer is earth-shattering,” she shares. “But it’s okay not to feel strong all the time. You’ve got to be kind to yourself.” With two young children, Natalie is keen on staying healthy and is grateful for the vigilant care that helped her catch the disease early at stage two.
She stresses that even for treatable cancers like Hodgkin lymphoma, early detection is key. If she’d ignored her symptoms, things could’ve been much worse. She’s now embracing her “new normal” and wants others to not shy away from prioritising their health.
Remember, noticing something unusual? Don’t wait—get it checked. The NHS provides valuable guidance for those experiencing potential cancer symptoms. It might not be anything serious, but a doctor’s visit could make all the difference. Stay vigilant and listen to your body; it might just save your life. 🌟 #HealthMatters #CancerAwareness #StayStrong