I was told I had glandular fever but later given shock diagnosis – I wouldn't wish on worst enemy, says teen DJ
A TALENTED teenage DJ has told how he was diagnosed with a cancer he "wouldn't wish on his worst enemy" after it was initially thought that he had glandular fever.
But Rowan O'Neill, 18, is refusing to let cancer stop his career, is staging a marathon dance session for charity, despite undergoing gruelling chemotherapy.
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Rowan was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma
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The kind-hearted teen is giving back to the Irish Cancer Society
Although Rowan endured intensive chemotherapy earlier this week which left him sick and fatigued, the kind-hearted teen is staging the gig to give back to the Irish Cancer Society and all in the Oncology Unit in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Co.
The teen is determined to win his battle against stage four Hodgkin's Lymphoma which he was finally diagnosed with in January, after medics missed his symptoms for almost three years.
He says he initially went to medics with a lump in his neck but was told it was glandular fever.
A second visit to the doctors, when a "sore" lump appeared under his armpit after Christmas, was dismissed as an infection.
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He said: "After I came back from holidays, I went to the emergency department with my mother and demanded a scan.
"After a wait of 18 hours, I was admitted and kept for almost three weeks for tests and treatment after I was told I had cancer.
"It had spread to my chest by then and I had a seven centimeter tumour.
"Once I was admitted, the doctors were on the ball and I started chemotherapy pretty much straight away.
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"I've had two long and rough chemotherapy sessions and doctors say they will probably give me another two intensive ones because the scan showed the treatment was working.
"The treatment is horrible. It's everything you think it is going to be and worse.
"I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I'm also losing my hair but it will grow back. I'd rather lose my hair than my life."
STAYING POSITIVE
Rowan is remaining positive and is now concentrating on helping others by using his skills as a DJ to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society in a 14-hour music session in a barbershop.
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The event will also feature barbers and tattoo artists, as well as face painting for children.
Rowan, who has just completed a course in music production, has already raised over €12,000 for the worthy charity.
WHAT IS HODGKIN LYMPHOMA?
HODGKIN Lymphoma is an uncommon cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and glands spread throughout your body.
The lymphatic system is part of your immune system. Clear fluid called lymph flows through the lymphatic vessels and contains infection-fighting white blood cells, known as lymphocytes.
In Hodgkin Lymphoma, B-lymphocytes (a particular type of lymphocyte) start to multiply in an abnormal way and begin to collect in certain parts of the lymphatic system, such as the lymph nodes (glands). The affected lymphocytes lose their infection-fighting properties, making you more vulnerable to infection.
The most common symptom of Hodgkin Lymphoma is a painless swelling in a lymph node, usually in the neck, armpit or groin.
Hodgkin Lymphoma can develop at any age, but it mostly affects young adults in their early 20s and older adults over the age of 70. Slightly more men than women are affected.
He said: "I love being on the deck and I was doing well until I got sick but everything is kicking off again, maybe not the wait I wanted but everyone's journey is different.
"The cancer set me back but I will fight it.
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"It's just a hassle to me at a time when I should be living my life but you have to make the best out of a bad situation.
"But I'm still on the decks every day. I don't care if I'm being sick from the chemotherapy in the toilet by my deck, I'll still get out there."
'SO SUPPORTIVE'
Last weekend, Rowan hit the decks to a packed floor at the Earth dance floor in Drogheda and is delighted by the support from people and even his favourite DJs who have started to follow him on social media.
He said: "BLK and Alex Farrell have started following me which is amazing and so many people have been so supportive.
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"Just a huge thanks to them and to my sister Jade, Smack Madn and Warren Wealan for organising this event.
"My DJ career has only started and I'm still a kid. Imagine what it is going to be like in four years from now!
The Chops and Chunes 4 Charity gig starts at 9am on Sunday, April 27th, at the ChopShop, Stockwell Lane in Drogheda.
Donations can be
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Rowan with DJ Smack Daddy
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