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7NEWS
a day ago
- Health
- 7NEWS
Sydney family in new health fight after parents and cousin diagnosed with different cancers
A Sydney family dealt three health blows in recent years is preparing for another cancer fight. Ross Taylor, 35, will start chemotherapy this week after he was diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin lymphoma. His diagnosis comes shortly after his cousin overcame the same rare cancer. It also follows the sad death of his father-in-law to brain cancer five years ago, while his mother-in-law is in remission following her battle with stage four follicular lymphoma. 'All I could think (when I was diagnosed) was about the future, my family, my business,' Ross, a dad to twin toddler boys and the owner of a plumbing operation that he launched, told 'You're always trying to climb and climb, but nothing can prepare you for this. 'I'm lucky to have amazing people around me.' One of his rocks, he says, is his wife Kayla, who was front and centre to the cruelty of cancer while a caregiver to her parents just a few years ago. 'She's been all over everything (in terms of planning),' Ross said. 'She looked into medications, booking appointments, on top of being a great mum and doing her work as well. 'I couldn't do it without her.' Taylor first noticed something was wrong six months ago after pulling up from a cross-fit competition with a sore back. Scans showed a fracture in his lower spine and two bulging disks, but he was expected to have healed in about six weeks with rest. When he was still in pain and essentially 'stuck', he went back to his doctor. 'It got to the point I couldn't walk,' Taylor said. Further scans identified a 10cm-round tumour on top of his heart, with cancer also in his spine, lungs, stomach and hips. Doctors confirmed he had Hodgkin lymphoma, a disease 800 Australians are diagnosed with every year. The average age at diagnosis is 44. Kayla said it was another cruel blow so soon after other members of their family had fallen sick. 'It's really hard — you think, 'he's too young for this',' she said. 'There's a lot of stress involved, especially with the business. 'I just want him to rest up so he can get better.' Beginning treatment Ross will begin chemotherapy — a new treatment called BrECADD — on Tuesday. '(BrECADD) has shown some promising results in clinical trials, being better tolerated and more effective than the eBEACOPP regimen in first-line treatment for adult patients with advanced stage Hodgkin lymphoma,' the Leukaemia Foundation told 'Results suggest some patients on BrECADD had fewer side effects and better progression-free survival rates.' The foundation said that while most patients with Hodgkin lymphoma can be treated, 'some face poor prognoses and long-term side effects from treatment, including secondary malignancies, cardiovascular disease and infertility'. 'Hodgkin lymphoma patients who often experience poorer outcomes are those who don't respond well to treatment or relapse,' the foundation said. 'Current treatments include ABVD and eBEACOPP, with eBEACOPP being more intensive and effective but having higher toxicity. 'It is not yet clear to us if BrECADD compares favourably with ABVD, which can be the preferred treatment over eBEACOPP for many patients. 'The Leukaemia Foundation welcomes research into safer and more effective treatments for blood cancer, including lymphoma.' Each of Ross' six cycles will cost $15,000, a financial burden he thought he would have to shoulder himself because it is not currently covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) or Medicare. But loved ones and strangers alike have come together to cover almost all of that $90,000 cost via a GoFundMe. 'We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the love and generosity shown to our family during the hardest time of our lives,' Ross said. 'Your support has not only eased the financial burden to help pay for my treatment, but it has lifted our spirts in ways words can't fully express. Thank you for standing with us, your kind words mean everything.' The active father, who is used to rising early to hit the gym before heading to work, spending time with his kids and then powering through late night emails, said it would be incredibly hard to take a step back. He said he would be off work for at least six months, and feared for the future of his business. 'I want to keep working through but the specialists basically said, 'nope, you will need some time to rest and recover',' he said. The Leukaemia Foundation said it would support BrECADD being listed on the PBS if the 'clinical data is strong enough'.
News18
02-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Her Itchy Legs And Fatigue Were Warning Signs Of Rare Cancer, But Doctors ‘Dismissed' Them
Last Updated: A CT scan revealed that Emma Simms has an 8 cm tumour in her chest, some of which had spread to her right lung. A woman in the UK was struggling with exhaustion, itchy legs and weight loss for years. She was diagnosed with cancer after her symptoms were initially 'dismissed" by the doctors. Emma Simms, a 32-year-old from Stratford-upon-Avon, 'knew for years" that something was wrong, but she was repeatedly assured by doctors that she was fine. According to Bristol Live, Emma had been feeling fatigued and dealing with persistent itching on her legs, but her condition didn't improve. 'I was turned away three times by my GP and even ended up in A&E," Emma said. Despite undergoing blood tests and being reassured that she didn't have lymphoma, her symptoms continued to worsen. One doctor even assured her, 'You don't have leukemia, you don't have lymphoma. Everything's come back great." It wasn't until December last year that Emma was referred to the haematology department at Churchill Hospital in Oxford. There, a CT scan revealed the shocking truth: an 8 cm tumour in her chest, some of which had spread to her right lung. She was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, a rare blood cancer. 'I was told over the phone a couple of weeks before the biopsy confirmed it, so I had a bit of time to get my head around it," Emma said. Still, seeing the scan and being faced with the reality of her condition left her shaken. 'How did this happen? How was it missed for so long?" she wondered. Before her diagnosis, Emma had been working for a tech marketing platform based in New Zealand. Exhausted all the time, she didn't have many hobbies. 'I didn't realise it was the cancer making me feel this way. Now that I know, I'm excited to change that." Her treatment began with an aggressive chemotherapy regimen. 'It was terrifying, but given how big the tumour was, I wanted to go in hard. I've just finished my second cycle, and if things look promising on my next scan, I'll be able to switch to a different chemo regimen called ABVD," Emma said. But the treatment came with challenges as Emma has been dealing with side effects like severe bone pain from injections, vomiting and weight gain due to steroids. Still, she remained resilient and even embraced the loss of her hair. 'I thought I'd wear my wig constantly, but I mostly just go bald now or wear a hat," she said. Emma has found a supportive community on TikTok where she shares her journey openly. 'Talking about my journey has connected me with so many amazing people. It really helps me feel less alone," she said. Her partner, Calvin, has been her biggest support. 'He's been incredible. I don't know how I'd manage without him." According to the Mayo Clinic, Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune system that helps fight infections. It starts when healthy cells in the lymphatic system grow uncontrollably. First Published:
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'I knew for years something was wrong but GPs kept dismissing symptoms'
A 32-year-old says she 'knew for years' that something wasn't right but GPs kept telling her she was fine. Emma Simms, from Stratford-Upon-Avon, had been exhausted, plagued by itchy legs, and unable to gain weight. But when the night sweats and chest pain kicked in, she began pushing for answers – only to be repeatedly dismissed by doctors. 'I was turned away three times by my GP and even ended up in A&E,' Emma says. 'Each time I was told it was nothing serious. They did blood tests and categorically told me I didn't have lymphoma. One GP actually said, 'You don't have leukaemia, you don't have lymphoma. Everything's come back great.' And that was it. I was sent on my way.' READ MORE: Armani perfume that's 'hard to find' and is shoppers' 'favourite' now half price READ MORE: Hospital apologises after nine-year-old died after being discharged It wasn't until December 2024, after months of worsening symptoms, that Emma was finally referred to the haematology department at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford. There, a CT scan revealed the truth: an 8cm tumour lodged in her chest with some spread to her right lung. She had Hodgkin's lymphoma – a rare form of blood cancer. And she was officially diagnosed on 4 February 2025, which also happened to be World Cancer Day. 'I was told over the phone a couple of weeks before the biopsy confirmed it, so I had a bit of time to get my head around it,' Emma explains. 'But nothing prepares you for sitting there face-to-face and seeing the scan image. I just remember thinking, 'How did this happen? How was it missed for so long?'' Before her diagnosis, Emma had been working for a tech marketing platform based in New Zealand. 'I didn't really have many hobbies, mainly because I was just so tired all the time – which I now know was the cancer. But I'm excited to change that. Getting sick has made me realise how much life I still want to live.' Her treatment began with one of the most aggressive forms of chemotherapy, delivered in intense bursts across several days. 'It was terrifying, but given how big the tumour was, I wanted to go in hard. I've just finished my second cycle, and if things look promising on my next scan, I'll be able to switch to a different chemo regimen called ABVD.' But the treatment hasn't come without a cost. 'The vomiting and the bone pain from the Filgrastim injections have been the hardest. You have to inject yourself after chemo to boost your white blood cells, but it makes your bones ache so badly. I've also gained two stone in two months from the steroids, and between that, the bloating, and the hair loss, sometimes I hardly recognise myself in the mirror.' Still, Emma has taken it all in stride — even the emotional toll of losing her hair. 'I thought I'd wear my wig constantly, but I mostly just go bald now or wear a hat. The support online has been amazing. It's helped me feel more confident about going out without it. People message me saying I don't need the wig, but it's still a bit of a mental adjustment.' What's surprised Emma most is how she's coping mentally — and how it compares to the internal battles she's fought for years. 'People might be shocked to hear this, but for me, dealing with cancer has been easier than my past mental health struggles,' she says. 'I've battled anxiety and depression since I was a teenager. Cancer is scary, of course, but there's a treatment plan. There's a path forward. With mental health, it's just you, alone in your head. That's so much harder.' Emma's openness about both her physical illness and her mental health has made her a relatable figure on TikTok, where she shares raw, unfiltered updates with her growing audience. 'Social media can be a toxic place, but it's also full of kind-hearted strangers. Talking about my journey has connected me with so many amazing people. It really helps me feel less alone.' Through it all, Emma credits her partner Calvin as her rock. 'He's been incredible. I don't know how I'd manage without him. Honestly, people who go through chemo alone are superheroes. My family and friends have also been so supportive – I feel very lucky.' She's currently waiting for a scan to see how well her body is responding to the treatment. 'I'll still be on chemo for a few more months after that – the type will just depend on what the scan shows.' Emma admits she has a new outlook on life now. 'I've never felt more excited for the future. I used to take my body for granted. Now I just want to live life fully, try new things, appreciate the little stuff.' For anyone facing pushback from doctors, Emma's message is clear: trust yourself. 'If you feel something's wrong, keep going back. I knew in my gut something wasn't right. And while I was frustrated by the delay, once I got to Haematology, the care has been phenomenal. The Aylesford Cancer Unit in Warwick has been like a second family. The staff there are literal angels.' And for those quietly battling their mental health, Emma's advice is full of empathy. 'Please talk to someone. Whether it's a therapist, a GP, or just someone you trust. You don't have to go through it alone. I started medication, and it changed my life – but it takes time and patience to find what works. The most important thing to remember is that you're not broken. You're not weak. You're just human.' For now, Emma is taking each day as it comes — and hoping that by sharing her truth, others might feel seen, heard, and inspired to keep pushing. 'What started as a place to vent and track my journey has turned into this amazing community,' Emma says. 'If sharing my highs and lows helps just one person feel less scared or less isolated, then it's all worth it. I've always believed there's strength in being vulnerable.' So whether she's posting in a headscarf or cracking a self-deprecating joke about chemo brain, Emma is showing the world that even in the face of cancer — and after being dismissed for years — she's finding her voice, and helping others find theirs too.
Wales Online
30-04-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
'I knew for years something was wrong but GPs kept dismissing symptoms'
'I knew for years something was wrong but GPs kept dismissing symptoms' By the time Emma, 32, was finally diagnosed the cancer had spread to her lungs Emma Simms knew something wasn't right (Image: Emma Simms/Cover Images ) A 32-year-old says she 'knew for years' that something wasn't right but GPs kept telling her she was fine. Emma Simms, from Stratford-Upon-Avon, had been exhausted, plagued by itchy legs, and unable to gain weight. But when the night sweats and chest pain kicked in, she began pushing for answers – only to be repeatedly dismissed by doctors. 'I was turned away three times by my GP and even ended up in A&E,' Emma says. 'Each time I was told it was nothing serious. They did blood tests and categorically told me I didn't have lymphoma. One GP actually said, 'You don't have leukaemia, you don't have lymphoma. Everything's come back great.' And that was it. I was sent on my way.' It wasn't until December 2024, after months of worsening symptoms, that Emma was finally referred to the haematology department at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford. There, a CT scan revealed the truth: an 8cm tumour lodged in her chest with some spread to her right lung. She had Hodgkin's lymphoma – a rare form of blood cancer. And she was officially diagnosed on 4 February 2025, which also happened to be World Cancer Day. 'I was told over the phone a couple of weeks before the biopsy confirmed it, so I had a bit of time to get my head around it,' Emma explains. Emma had been suffering symptoms that were dismissed Article continues below 'But nothing prepares you for sitting there face-to-face and seeing the scan image. I just remember thinking, 'How did this happen? How was it missed for so long?'' Before her diagnosis, Emma had been working for a tech marketing platform based in New Zealand. 'I didn't really have many hobbies, mainly because I was just so tired all the time – which I now know was the cancer. But I'm excited to change that. Getting sick has made me realise how much life I still want to live.' Her treatment began with one of the most aggressive forms of chemotherapy, delivered in intense bursts across several days. 'It was terrifying, but given how big the tumour was, I wanted to go in hard. I've just finished my second cycle, and if things look promising on my next scan, I'll be able to switch to a different chemo regimen called ABVD.' But the treatment hasn't come without a cost. 'The vomiting and the bone pain from the Filgrastim injections have been the hardest. You have to inject yourself after chemo to boost your white blood cells, but it makes your bones ache so badly. I've also gained two stone in two months from the steroids, and between that, the bloating, and the hair loss, sometimes I hardly recognise myself in the mirror.' Still, Emma has taken it all in stride — even the emotional toll of losing her hair. 'I thought I'd wear my wig constantly, but I mostly just go bald now or wear a hat. The support online has been amazing. It's helped me feel more confident about going out without it. People message me saying I don't need the wig, but it's still a bit of a mental adjustment.' What's surprised Emma most is how she's coping mentally — and how it compares to the internal battles she's fought for years. 'People might be shocked to hear this, but for me, dealing with cancer has been easier than my past mental health struggles,' she says. 'I've battled anxiety and depression since I was a teenager. Cancer is scary, of course, but there's a treatment plan. There's a path forward. With mental health, it's just you, alone in your head. That's so much harder.' Emma credits her partner Calvin as her rock Emma's openness about both her physical illness and her mental health has made her a relatable figure on TikTok, where she shares raw, unfiltered updates with her growing audience. 'Social media can be a toxic place, but it's also full of kind-hearted strangers. Talking about my journey has connected me with so many amazing people. It really helps me feel less alone.' Through it all, Emma credits her partner Calvin as her rock. 'He's been incredible. I don't know how I'd manage without him. Honestly, people who go through chemo alone are superheroes. My family and friends have also been so supportive – I feel very lucky.' She's currently waiting for a scan to see how well her body is responding to the treatment. 'I'll still be on chemo for a few more months after that – the type will just depend on what the scan shows.' Emma admits she has a new outlook on life now. 'I've never felt more excited for the future. I used to take my body for granted. Now I just want to live life fully, try new things, appreciate the little stuff.' For anyone facing pushback from doctors, Emma's message is clear: trust yourself. 'If you feel something's wrong, keep going back. I knew in my gut something wasn't right. And while I was frustrated by the delay, once I got to Haematology, the care has been phenomenal. The Aylesford Cancer Unit in Warwick has been like a second family. The staff there are literal angels.' And for those quietly battling their mental health, Emma's advice is full of empathy. 'Please talk to someone. Whether it's a therapist, a GP, or just someone you trust. You don't have to go through it alone. I started medication, and it changed my life – but it takes time and patience to find what works. The most important thing to remember is that you're not broken. You're not weak. You're just human.' Article continues below For now, Emma is taking each day as it comes — and hoping that by sharing her truth, others might feel seen, heard, and inspired to keep pushing. 'What started as a place to vent and track my journey has turned into this amazing community,' Emma says. 'If sharing my highs and lows helps just one person feel less scared or less isolated, then it's all worth it. I've always believed there's strength in being vulnerable.' So whether she's posting in a headscarf or cracking a self-deprecating joke about chemo brain, Emma is showing the world that even in the face of cancer — and after being dismissed for years — she's finding her voice, and helping others find theirs too.
Scottish Sun
30-04-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
‘How was this missed for SO long?' Woman, 32, reveals the signs of killer cancer doctors repeatedly ignored
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WOMAN has questioned how her cancer was repeatedly missed - until a scan revealed an 8cm tumour in her chest. For years, Emma Simms, 32, knew in her gut that something wasn't right as she grappled crippling exhaustion, maddeningly itchy legs and was unable to gain weight. 8 Emma Simms was exhausted and unable to gain weight for years Credit: Cover Images 8 She was fobbed off by GPs when she complained of chest pain and night sweats Credit: Cover Images 8 After months, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma Credit: Cover Images When she also began suffering from night sweats and chest pain, Emma began pushing for answers – only to be repeatedly dismissed by doctors. 'I was turned away three times by my GP and even ended up in A&E,' Emma, from Stratford-Upon-Avon, said. 'Each time I was told it was nothing serious. They did blood tests and categorically told me I didn't have lymphoma. 'One GP actually said, 'You don't have leukaemia, you don't have lymphoma. Everything's come back great.' "And that was it. I was sent on my way.' It wasn't until December 2024, after months of worsening symptoms, that Emma was finally referred to the haematology department at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford. There, a CT scan revealed an 8cm tumour lodged in her chest and beginning to spread to her right lung. She was officially diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma – a rare form of blood cancer - on February 4, 2025, which also happened to be World Cancer Day. 'I was told over the phone a couple of weeks before the biopsy confirmed it, so I had a bit of time to get my head around it,' Emma explained 'But nothing prepares you for sitting there face-to-face and seeing the scan image. People with tattoos have a 21% higher risk of lymphoma blood cancer - even if they're tiny, study suggests "I just remember thinking, 'How did this happen? How was it missed for so long?'' Her treatment began with one of the most aggressive forms of chemotherapy, delivered in intense bursts across several days. Emma said: 'It was terrifying, but given how big the tumour was, I wanted to go in hard. "I've just finished my second cycle, and if things look promising on my next scan, I'll be able to switch to a different chemo regimen called ABVD. 8 Emma questioned how it took so long for the cancer to be spotted Credit: Cover Images 8 She soon started on chemotherapy Credit: Cover Images 8 The treatment left her in pain but she's found her diagnosis surprisingly easy to cope with Credit: Cover Images 'The vomiting and the bone pain from the Filgrastim injections have been the hardest. "You have to inject yourself after chemo to boost your white blood cells, but it makes your bones ache so badly. "I've also gained two stone in two months from the steroids, and between that, the bloating, and the hair loss, sometimes I hardly recognise myself in the mirror.' But Emma has found some parts of her ordeal easier than she'd anticipated. 'I thought I'd wear my wig constantly, but I mostly just go bald now or wear a hat," she said. "The support online has been amazing. It's helped me feel more confident about going out without it. "People message me saying I don't need the wig, but it's still a bit of a mental adjustment.' What's surprised Emma most is how she's coping mentally. 'People might be shocked to hear this, but for me, dealing with cancer has been easier than my past mental health struggles,' she says. 'I've battled anxiety and depression since I was a teenager. Cancer is scary, of course, but there's a treatment plan. There's a path forward. "With mental health, it's just you, alone in your head. That's so much harder.' 'Excited for the future' Emma has taken to TikTok to share updates on her cancer and mental health. "Talking about my journey has connected me with so many amazing people. It really helps me feel less alone.' Through it all, Emma credits her partner Calvin as her rock. 'He's been incredible. I don't know how I'd manage without him. Honestly, people who go through chemo alone are superheroes. "My family and friends have also been so supportive – I feel very lucky.' She's currently waiting for a scan at the end of April to see how well her body is responding to the treatment. What is Hodgkin lymphoma? HODGKIN lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes. It is not common, with around 2,100 people diagnosed every year in the UK. Hodgkin lymphoma can develop at any age, but it mostly affects people between 20 and 40 years of age and those over 75. Slightly more men than women are affected. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, on the other hand, is diagnosed in 13,000 new patients per year. It is more common as you get older, with over a third of cases diagnosed in people over the age of 75. 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 a person more vulnerable to infection. Like all cancers, symptoms vary and can be vague. However, patients usually notice swelling in one or more lymph nodes. This can be in any area of the body, but is often in the neck, armpit or groin. The swelling is usually painless, although some people find that it aches. Some people with Hodgkin lymphoma also have other more general symptoms. These can include: Night sweats Unintentional weight loss A high temperature (fever) A persistent cough or feeling of breathlessness Persistent itching of the skin all over the body Source: Cancer Research UK and the NHS. 'I'll still be on chemo for a few more months after that – the type will just depend on what the scan shows.' Emma said her illness has given her a new outlook on life. 'I've never felt more excited for the future. I used to take my body for granted. Now I just want to live life fully, try new things, appreciate the little stuff.' For anyone facing pushback from doctors, Emma urged them to trust their gut and keep pushing for answers. 'If you feel something's wrong, keep going back. I knew in my gut something wasn't right. "And while I was frustrated by the delay, once I got to Haematology, the care has been phenomenal. "The Aylesford Cancer Unit in Warwick has been like a second family. The staff there are literal angels.' For now, Emma is taking each day as it comes — and hopes sharing her journey might help others in her position. 'If sharing my highs and lows helps just one person feel less scared or less isolated, then it's all worth it. "I've always believed there's strength in being vulnerable.' 8 Emma urged others in her position to push for answers Credit: Cover Images
