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Hodgkin's Lymphoma Recurrence & The Fight for a Diagnosis
Manage episode 520204540 series 3687070
In this episode of Before Our Visit Ends, we sit down with yoga teacher and mom Emily, who shares her incredible story of facing a Hodgkin's lymphoma recurrence seven years after being declared in remission. Emily’s journey sheds light on the unique challenges of a young adult cancer diagnosis, the difficult decisions that come with aggressive treatment, and the profound power of self-advocacy. How do you find the strength to fight cancer a second time, and how does it reshape your entire outlook on life, family, and what it means to be healthy?
Emily's story is a powerful testament to resilience. Initially diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma at just 18 years old, she went through treatment and embraced life, believing cancer was in her past. Seven years later, living in Hawaii and newly engaged, subtle but persistent symptoms led her to suspect something was wrong. This episode details the critical moments of advocating for yourself as a cancer patient, as Emily had to push for the scans that would ultimately confirm a "bulky disease" Hodgkin's lymphoma recurrence. We explore the emotional and physical toll of a more aggressive treatment plan, including 12 rounds of ABVD chemotherapy and radiation, and discuss the long-term side effects of cancer treatment that she still monitors today. A central theme of our conversation is the crucial decision-making around fertility after chemotherapy, a concern that is top-of-mind for many young patients. Through it all, Emily provides an honest look at life after cancer, sharing how her experiences have influenced her approach to health, motherhood, and her career as a movement specialist.
About Our Guest:
Emily Peretti is a yoga teacher, movement specialist, and mother of two. Her personal health journey deeply informs her work, where she specializes in prenatal, postnatal, and aerial yoga. After facing a young adult cancer diagnosis and a later recurrence, Emily has become a passionate advocate for knowing your body and living a conscious, low-toxin lifestyle. She shares her knowledge and life experiences to help others move their bodies correctly and find happiness and health in every stage of life.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction to Emily's Story
(01:39) Meet Emily: Yoga Teacher, Movement Specialist, and Mom
(06:32) An Unexpected Young Adult Cancer Diagnosis at Age 18
(11:06) A Surprising Hodgkin's Lymphoma Recurrence Seven Years Later
(13:31) Recognizing Relapse Symptoms & Advocating for a Diagnosis
(16:12) Navigating Aggressive Treatment and Long-Term Side Effects
(17:41) The Caregiver’s Journey: Supporting a Loved One Through Cancer
(21:34) Making Critical Decisions: Fertility Preservation Before Chemotherapy
(22:58) Finding Support: Resources, Communities, and Cancer Camps
(27:12) Life After Cancer: A New Perspective on Health and Happiness
(30:03) Emily's Final Advice: “Know Your Body and Be Your Own Advocate”
Learn More From Our Guest / Episode Resources:
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