Woman, 32, Reveals the One Mistake That Led to Her Stage-4 Cancer Diagnosis”
A 32-year-old woman from Edmonton, Alberta, has shared her heartbreaking story of being diagnosed with stage-4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, revealing that she ignored early signs of the illness, thinking they were just part of “getting older.”
Taylor Deanne Roy, who had been struggling with extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, and itchy skin for years, was initially diagnosed with follicular eczema and thought her symptoms were simply related to the condition. However, it wasn’t until she found a large lump on her neck that she sought medical attention. After undergoing an ultrasound and a biopsy, Taylor received the devastating news that she had advanced Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, with cancer that had already spread to her lungs and spine, told The Mirror.
“I have been struggling for three years with itchy skin that was diagnosed as follicular eczema,” Taylor explained. “For two years, I had become extremely tired and out of shape, but I thought it was just part of being older. I started getting random pains that I blamed on myself.”
It wasn’t until she found the lump that she felt taken seriously by doctors. On October 2 of this year, Taylor received her stage-4 diagnosis. “The moment I was told I had cancer, it was as if the whole world around me stopped,” she said. “I felt like nothing was real for a few minutes. I said thank you and left, and as I drove home, I had a complete breakdown. All I wanted was to be the best version of myself and to start a family of my own.”
Now, Taylor finds herself in the fight of her life. She experiences “severe pain, nausea, and exhaustion” daily, and on some days, she struggles to get out of bed. “My body is a stranger, betraying me in ways I never thought possible,” she said. “The hardest part is the feeling of losing myself—losing the independence I worked so hard to build. This isn’t how I saw my life turning out.”
Before her diagnosis, Taylor’s life had already been turned upside down when an electrical fire destroyed her home, leaving her without her belongings. Despite these unimaginable challenges, she has received unwavering support from her friends and family.
“My friends and family have shown up in every way they can, whether it’s donations, making food for me, and showing up with a cupcake on my birthday,” Taylor said. “They’ve done my laundry, helped me get around, and checked in on me constantly. I’m beyond broken—physically, mentally, financially. I’ve reached a point where I need to ask for help because sometimes, no matter how strong we try to be, we can’t do it alone.”
In addition to her own battle, Taylor is using her platform on TikTok to raise awareness about her experience and encourage others to advocate for their health. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “I think the most I can do with my circumstances is spread enough awareness for people to advocate for themselves and not give up when doctors don’t listen. If I had been more pushy with doctors, I wouldn’t be stage 4 right now.”
Taylor remains hopeful for the future, drawing strength from her loved ones and the possibility of beating her illness. According to Cancer Research UK, nearly 85% of people diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma will survive for five years or more. Taylor’s fight continues, and she is determined to raise awareness for others who might be facing similar health struggles.