A WOMAN diagnosed with cancer the day before her 28th birthday has urged people to “believe in their gut feeling”.
Courtney Wilson-Calder, from Pudsey, is determined to raise awareness of lymphoma for Blood Cancer Awareness Month, which begins today.
When she shared her story on TikTok, her story went viral, receiving hundreds of comments and more than a million views.
@courtneywilson7x My cancer story 💜 Hodgkin’s lymphoma #hodgkinslymphoma #cancer #cancersucks #lymphoma ♬ Surrender - Natalie Taylor
The newlywed was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma on August 18 and said the symptoms can be hard to diagnose and recognize.
She said: “I first found a lump in my neck in March but the doctor thought it was a swollen lymph node.
“When it grew and became painful, I went to see a specialist who told me it could be cancer.
“I spent time away from work with loved ones who helped me come to terms with what I could be facing.
“I spoke to my fiancé and I decided I wanted to get married before I started any treatment.
“After planning a wedding in five weeks, I was told my biopsy had no cancer cells. I relaxed, my friends planned me a hen do and I was so happy and relieved."
She married Liam, the "man of her dreams" but they didn't expect what was coming next.
Courtney said: “I found another lump and after another biopsy, I got a call to go to the hospital for my results a week earlier than expected. I was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma the day before my 28th birthday.”
In the short time since her diagnosis, Courtney, along with her friends and family have taken comfort in fundraising and raising awareness of lymphoma.
Her JustGiving page quickly smashed its £500 target and currently stands at more than £4,000.
Courtney said: “I will shortly be starting treatment and my journey to getting better, I have a positive treatment plan in place and I’m ready to give this my all.
“I want to encourage everyone of all ages to check their lumps and believe in their gut feeling.”
She’s hosting a fundraising event on September 11 at New Farnley Cricket Club in Leeds. There will be raffles, a tombola and auction prizes up for grabs.
Visit Courtney’s JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/courtney-wilson8.
All proceeds will go to Lymphoma Action. It’s the only charity in the UK dedicated to lymphoma, the fifth most common cancer.
“Everyone at Lymphoma Action is thinking of Courtney and wishing her the very best with her treatment,” said Sarah Thorn, Community and Partnerships Manager at the charity.
“We want to say a huge thank you to her for so bravely raising awareness of lymphoma and fundraising for us, especially when she has only just received her diagnosis.”
Lymphoma symptoms include a lump in the neck, armpit or groin; feeling worn-out for no reason, unexplained weight loss, excessive sweating at night, and constant itching for no reason. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk/BCAM
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