April 17, 2025

Navigating Life After Cancer at 18: Lauren’s Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma Story

Lauren reflects on her experience of being diagnosed with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, at just 18 years old. Growing up, she had a busy and active life, balancing school, sports, and church activities. However, in the summer of 2019, after graduating high school, she started noticing some unusual symptoms. She developed a persistent dry cough that wouldn’t go away despite various treatments. Over time, she became extremely fatigued, had trouble breathing, and noticed swelling and discoloration in her left arm. These signs eventually led to her discovering a lump under her arm, prompting her to visit her pediatrician.

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Katrina Villareal

Despite several visits and tests, the doctors initially brus h ed off some of Lauren’s concerns. Her pediatrician detected a heart murmur and then referred her to a cardiologist. After more tests, the cardiologist’s findings led Lauren to the emergency room, where a CT scan revealed a large tumor in her chest. An oncologist quickly confirmed the worst: lymphoma. This shocking diagnosis changed everything, and doctors rushed her to a larger hospital for further testing, where she learned the tumor was pressing on her lungs and heart.

Doctors diagnosed Lauren with a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma called primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma. Her treatment plan included six rounds of chemotherapy over six months. She experienced significant side effects, including fatigue, hair loss, mouth sores, and flu-like symptoms after each round. But through it all, she found solace in her faith and began documenting her experience through social media. Sharing her story on YouTube allowed her to connect with others facing similar battles, turning her experience into a source of strength for herself and others.

After completing chemotherapy, doctors declared Lauren cancer-free. She celebrated this milestone but acknowledged the challenges that came afterward, such as health anxiety and long-term side effects, including fertility concerns. Nonetheless, she has embraced her life post-cancer, celebrating the lessons learned and the life still to be lived. Lauren’s story is one of resilience and empowerment. She has used her experience to help others, share her journey, and find her true passion in marketing and public relations.

Watch her story to hear from Lauren on:

How she turned her cancer diagnosis into a platform for hope and connection.
How she faced the unexpected with faith and strength.
How she navigated the toughest challenges of chemotherapy, including hair loss and the emotional toll.
What she wishes she had known during treatment and how she found purpose in the hardest moments.

Name: Lauren Mae D.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 18
Diagnosis:
- Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma (PMBCL)
Symptoms:
- Dry cough
- Extreme fatigue
- Trouble breathing
- Swollen and discolored left arm
- Lump under the arm
Treatment:
- Chemotherapy