How Stage 4B Hodgkin Lymphoma has Helped Redefine Dilan’s Life
Dilan was living a happy life with his wife and young daughter when he received news that turned his world upside down. In March 2015 — ironically, on his 25th birthday — he was diagnosed with stage 4B Hodgkin lymphoma. What started as night sweats, intense fatigue, itchy skin, and lumps on his neck and in his armpit soon led to a life-altering visit to the doctor. That’s when he first saw the words “cancer referral form” linked to his name.
Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Dilan’s diagnosis touched off a whirlwind of tests — blood work, biopsies, and scans — leading to the confirmation of stage 4B Hodgkin lymphoma, the cancer having already spread to his lungs. But the physical symptoms weren’t the hardest part. The psychological weight of it all was what overwhelmed him. Dilan recalls the deafening silence after hearing the word “cancer,” a moment filled with blank thoughts and creeping fears about mortality, identity, and purpose.
Chemotherapy became Dilan’s primary treatment, stretched over six grueling months. The side effects were brutal. Hair loss hit the hardest — he lost everything from his head hair to his eyelashes, eyebrows, and body hair, too. It wasn’t just about appearance; it felt like losing a part of who he was. His confidence plummeted, and it took a toll on his mental health. Once outgoing, he began hiding behind hats and sunglasses, avoiding social interactions. It wasn’t vanity; it was grappling with an identity that felt stripped bare.
Yet amidst his stage 4B Hodgkin lymphoma experience, Dilan discovered resilience. He turned inward, embracing meditation, breathwork, and journaling, practices that he continues today. He rekindled his old love for sketching and found solace in simple creative acts. These mental health tools anchored him during moments of anxiety, especially when he faced fears of recurrence.
Dilan’s treatment was successful; his stage 4B Hodgkin lymphoma is now in remission. But his story isn’t just about surviving cancer — it’s about redefining life beyond diagnosis. He candidly admits that cancer, paradoxically, became a catalyst for transformation. It taught him to value life, cherish small moments, and live authentically. His message is clear: cancer doesn’t have to overshadow your existence. It can be a reminder of life’s fragility and the strength within us all.
Watch the video to learn from Dilan about:
- How he found strength in unexpected places after his cancer diagnosis.
- What to do when hair loss feels like losing a piece of yourself.
- His powerful reflections on going from diagnosis on his birthday to redefining life.
- How cancer, strangely enough, changed his life for the better.
- Name:
- Dilan P.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 25
- Diagnosis:
- Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Staging:
- Stage 4B
- Symptoms:
- Night sweats
- Appearance of lumps on the neck and in the armpit
- Severe itching
- Fatigue
- Treatment:
- Chemotherapy
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for treatment decisions.
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