A younger Scottish nurse who put her exhaustion all the way down to 'being on evening shift for a month' was devastated to study she had a uncommon type of most cancers.
Lucy Summers had been working exhausting in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary's Ear, Nostril and Throat division in February final yr when she first started to endure from excessive fatigue.
The 25-year-old initially put her tiredness all the way down to her unsociable work sample after additionally 'shrugging off' a small lump that had appeared in her neck months as a swollen gland.
However when the lump reappeared alongside Lucy's new signs, a involved hospital colleague put her identify on the ultrasound scan and biopsy ready listing.
In April 2021 Lucy acquired the heartbreaking information that her outcomes confirmed she had Stage 3 Hodgkin's Lymphoma, an unusual most cancers that develops within the lymphatic system, in her neck and spleen.
Lucy, from Strichen, Aberdeenshire, is now sharing her story within the hope she will elevate consciousness of Hodgkin's Lymphoma signs.
She instructed the Report: "I am the world's worst for saying, 'I am high-quality'. I really assume that is as a result of I'm a nurse.
"I by no means sleep effectively on a month of nights so did not query something concerning the tiredness at first.
"Working in ear, nostril and throat, I am additionally used to coping with the lymphatic system, so I initially wasn't too involved concerning the lump on my neck both, however trying again at photographs it was large.
"If sharing my story urges one individual to get checked and ask questions then it is price it."
Lucy has since endured over a yr of intense therapy which she says has left her feeling 'like a damaged lady'.
Regardless of getting the all-clear in November final yr, her most cancers returned to her neck in January 2022.
"It is devastating," Lucy added.
"The pores and skin round the place the lump had been began to really feel exhausting once more and I had a foul feeling. I had ready for the worst.
"Medical doctors did a PET scan and confirmed it had returned.
"I fear extra for my household and buddies, it has been exhausting for them, particularly through the pandemic."
The younger fighter now hopes to be positioned on a medical trial earlier than having a stem cell transplant, utilizing her personal wholesome cells, and is ready to listen to if she has been accepted for an immunotherapy trial in London.
Staying optimistic and eager to assist others, Lucy has additionally started documenting the highs and lows of her most cancers journey on Instagram.
Lucy's Lymphoma Journey has racked up over 2,000 followers from as far-off as Australia and the U.S.
"So many individuals have had lumps checked out as a result of they noticed my web page, which makes it price it," Lucy added.
"I need to present individuals the highs and lows, but in addition that most cancers doesn't suggest loss of life, you may survive."
Pals, household and locals have additionally raised over £6,000 for Teenage Most cancers Belief in help of Lucy.
On March 13 her buddies are internet hosting a charity fundraiser at Fraserburgh Previous Parish Church.
Head to the official Fb web page for extra info or to donate.
Comply with Lucy's journey on Instagram.
Donate to Teenage Most cancers Belief through their web site or name 020 7612 0370.
For extra info on Hodgkin lymphoma head to the NHS web site.
Do not miss the newest information from round Scotland and past - Signal as much as our every day publicationright here.