Emmet Burns – 'Hearing that I had cancer was a complete shock. It was a really tough experience.'

In May 2021, 24 year old Emmet Burns from Co. Dublin was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma - a cancer of the lymphatic system.

Emmet was in his final year of a Masters at Smurfit Business School when he began experiencing a number of symptoms, including itching and fatigue, which doctors believed to be an allergy.

In April, Emmet noticed a large lump on his collar bone, he assumed it was a pulled muscle so he visited his physio, who referred him back to his GP.

"My GP sent me to A&E for a chest x-ray, which detected swollen lymph nodes in my chest.

I was hospitalised for 5 nights and they carried out lots of scans and tests. Eventually they were able to tell me it was lymphoma, and at the end of the week they did a biopsy on the lymph nodes and confirmed I had Hodgkin lymphoma.

Emmet began chemotherapy treatment at the end of May and should finish treatment in November 2021.

“At the start of treatment I was raring to go! I just wanted to get the chemotherapy done, because I knew it was the only way I could get better. The first session was ok, but it definitely got harder the more I did it. After my third session, my body began to anticipate the nausea, meaning I could barely step foot in the ward without vomiting, and now vomit for the majority of each session. This has made chemo both daunting and draining. It always wipes me out for a few days after.”

A keen sportsman, Emmet continued to exercise throughout his treatment, which he says has been a huge help to him both physically and mentally.

“I have been able to go to the gym throughout the treatment. I didn’t think I would, but I generally get my chemo on a Friday, take it easy over the weekend, then try to go to the gym on the Monday and do a light workout. I know from speaking to a lot of people that they really struggle to exercise during their chemo, so I feel lucky that I was able to continue lifting weights. I found it has helped my mind as well. It gives me some sort of normality and structure to my day.”

In October, Emmet decided to host a fundraising challenge on behalf of the Irish Cancer Society and St. Vincent’s hospital haematology ward, and to raise awareness of Hodgkin lymphoma. He is challenging friends, family and team mates to join him with ‘Emmet’s Ten Tonne Challenge' by taking on 100 exercise reps whilst raising vital funds for cancer patients and their families. Emmet himself lifted ten tonnes by doing 50 squats, 25 deadlifts and 25 bench presses, all at 100kg.

Emmet says that although going through cancer has been incredibly tough, the most positive part has been the unwavering support he has received from his family, friends and girlfriend Caoimhe throughout.

This November, he is encouraging men of all ages across Ireland to listen to their bodies and to get checked out if they notice anything unusual.