Navigating the medical world was like learning a new language. From meeting oncologists to enduring countless tests, Laura found herself juggling not just the disease but also the bureaucratic hurdles of insurance and the financial challenges of cancer. Imagine battling a $100,000 medical bill while undergoing cancer treatment like Laura did. Eventually, she won her insurance appeals, but these challenges highlighted the critical need for self-advocacy.

Treatment for stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma was no picnic. Laura endured six months of chemotherapy followed by a month of radiation. She lost her hair — not just on her head but everywhere, a detail that surprised her. Fortunately, she wasn’t plagued by the nausea often depicted in media, likely thanks to effective anti-nausea meds. However, mouth sores and extreme fatigue became familiar companions.

Post-treatment life brought its own set of emotional and physical adjustments. While declared in remission in 2018, Laura grappled with the invisible scars left by stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma. She described the strange void after her regular oncologist visits ended, likening it to new parents leaving the hospital with their first child — uncertain, overwhelmed, and without a manual.

Despite lingering side effects like neuropathy and the emotional weight of past battles, Laura’s outlook remains empowering. She’s passionate about survivorship and emphasizes that healing isn’t just physical. It’s about finding support, whether through online communities or fellow survivors. Laura’s advice? You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not your disease.

Watch Laura’s video to find out more about:

• What started as a cough that later led to life-changing news.
• Fighting a $100,000 medical bill while undergoing treatment.
• Why post-cancer life isn’t ‘back to normal’ — she shares her unexpected challenges.
• What Laura wishes she had known before chemo, and what she wants every patient to know.