Ashlee’s Stage 4 Burkitt Lymphoma Story
Ashlee was diagnosed with stage 4 Burkitt lymphoma on July 9, 2024. Before her diagnosis, she had been active and health-conscious, even competing as a bodybuilder. In June 2024, she experienced abdominal pain, night sweats, and some bleeding, which she initially attributed to her IUD and the intense physical demands of bodybuilding. However, things took a turn when she noticed a mass on her abdomen during a workout. She went to an ER where a CT scan revealed a large mass near her femoral artery, though doctors were uncertain of its nature.
Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Katrina Villareal
Ashlee sought further medical evaluation at the University of Florida, where the mass was discovered to be much larger than expected and appeared to be cancerous. After a biopsy, she received the devastating news that she had stage 4 Burkitt non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The doctors warned her of a 70% chance of not surviving, given the aggressive nature of the lymphoma and its potential spread to her central nervous system.
Her treatment began promptly with chemotherapy, starting with a spinal tap to check for cancer in her brain and spine. Her chemotherapy regimen included five-day continuous drips every three weeks. The side effects were intense, including an allergic reaction to one of the drugs that caused her to stop breathing. Despite the challenges, Ashlee continued to work full-time while undergoing treatment, maintaining a sense of normalcy for her two young children, especially her daughter who struggled with the illness.
Throughout six chemotherapy treatments, Ashlee dealt with extreme physical exhaustion, nausea, and other side effects. She remained focused on being present for her children, despite the toll the illness took on her body. By the end of her treatment, she was physically drained, but mentally, she found herself reflecting on the fragility of life, mending relationships, and prioritizing time with her family. She also began to come to terms with the emotional challenges of living with cancer, including the impact it had on her future and personal life.
Currently, Ashlee is on a sabbatical, enjoying time with her children and focusing on her health. She is dealing with medical menopause as a result of her treatment and remains concerned about the possibility of relapse, though her doctors remain optimistic. Moving forward, she will continue to have regular check-ups, including bloodwork and CT scans every three months.
- Name: Ashlee K.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 29
- Diagnosis:
- Burkitt lymphoma
- Staging:
- Stage 4
- Symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Night sweats
- Visible mass in the abdomen
- Treatments:
- Surgery: partial colectomy (removed 14 inches of the intestine)
- Chemotherapy
This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.
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Erin R., Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) & Burkitt Lymphoma, Stage 4
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Emily S., Burkitt Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Stage 4
Initial Symptoms: Constant fatigue, tongue deviated to the left, abscess in right breast, petechiae on legs, night sweats, nausea and vomiting, persistent cough
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Ashlee K., Burkitt Lymphoma, Stage 4
Symptoms: Abdominal pain, night sweats, visible mass in the abdomen
Treatments: Surgery (partial colectomy to removed 14 inches of intestine), chemotherapy