Rylie began experiencing symptoms in the months leading up to her diagnosis with Hodgkin lymphoma. Initially, she dismissed her symptoms, which included severe back pain and night sweats, attributing them to a waist trainer she had been using. Despite increasing discomfort, she continued with her daily activities, including travel, only to find the pain becoming paralyzing.

After multiple visits to the ER, where doctors suggested her pain was due to a pulled muscle or kidney infection, Rylie still found no relief. It wasn’t until she consulted a general practitioner, who immediately recognized the severity of her condition and sent her for further tests, that she was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin lymphoma. The diagnosis came after months of misdiagnoses and escalating symptoms, including difficulty breathing after consuming alcohol, intense night sweats, low energy, and excruciating back pain.

Upon diagnosis, Rylie faced the emotional turmoil of confronting cancer while also considering future fertility. Since she had not yet had children, her oncologist advised undergoing fertility treatment before starting chemotherapy. After completing the process, she began her chemotherapy treatment, which consisted of 12 rounds of ABVD over six months.

The treatment, though grueling, provided some initial relief from her symptoms, especially after the first round when she was finally able to breathe easier. However, she also experienced common side effects such as nausea, hair loss, and neuropathy in her hands. After four rounds of chemotherapy, follow-up scans showed that the treatment was effective, allowing her to continue the same regimen.

Five years after her diagnosis, Rylie reached the significant milestone of being officially cancer-free. Reflecting on her experience, she stresses the importance of vulnerability and honesty, particularly in asking for support from loved ones. She believes that opening up and being raw about one’s feelings can strengthen relationships and help others better understand the emotional toll of serious illness. Through this difficult time, Rylie has learned to embrace vulnerability and encourages others to do the same, noting that it can lead to deeper empathy and connection with those around you.