Within a matter of weeks her symptoms got progressively worse and she began losing a lot of weight. By January 2021 she had received a number of antibiotics and her symptoms hadn’t shifted, so her GP referred her for a chest x-ray. 

“After the x-ray, the doctor asked me, is your Mammy with you, I said 'no she doesn’t come to appointments with me anymore'. 

He said can you ask her to come in. I thought that was strange- I’m an adult, but didn’t think too much of it. He sat us down and said, we have found an unusual large shadow on your lung and we need to transfer you to hospital straight away” She says.

Rebecca was admitted to hospital for a week and due to Covid-19 restrictions, was unable to have any visitors. They performed a number of scans, tests and biopsies before confirming that she had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

“It was a weird way to find out I had cancer, I was just 21 and in hospital on my own. I asked if I was going to die, but he said it was quite treatable. I phoned mum and dad and said he thinks its lymphoma, when they googled it and realised it was blood cancer the phone line went dead, no one spoke we were all in complete shock.” 

 

Unfortunately there wasn’t time for Rebecca to undergo any fertility preservation treatment as they had to begin treatment straight away, just one week after she heard the words ‘you have cancer’.

Rebecca says that her treatment has been particularly tough. She began ABVD treatment followed by BEACOPP. When both of these failed, Rebecca was transferred to St James’ Hospital and began salvage chemotherapy.

“I was admitted for my first treatment on my 22nd birthday and that was rock bottom for me. No one could visit me, or come to any chemotherapy or treatments, I could only bring my parents with me for scan results.”

Throughout her diagnosis Rebecca has availed of the Irish Cancer Society Support Line, Daffodil Centre, free counselling and financial aid.

“I called the Society’s Support Line one afternoon when I was really anxious and they were brilliant, the offered me free counselling sessions- it was really good I just needed someone to chat with. 

"Having someone to talk to and share with is a huge weight off your shoulders, there is always someone there to listen- you will never be fully alone.. it’s so good to know those free resources are available when you need them.”

Rebecca also notes something else that helped her during her treatment “I got a dog after my diagnosis and it has helped with my mental health so much. There were days before I got my puppy, Harvey, where I wouldn’t leave the house. 

Since I got him, it’s given me a reason to get up in the morning and brings me so much joy. It’s nice to focus your energy on taking care of something else instead of worrying about yourself.”

Reflecting on her own experience with cancer, Rebecca says that it has strengthened her in many ways.

“I’ve learned to enjoy my own company more. I have been forced to go through a lot of scary things alone, I think that will stand to me in a way. Going through this has strengthened my own inner confidence and that has empowered me. 

"I also think it’s important to remember that sometimes in life there isn’t a positive, sometimes something is just unfortunate- you can just take it for what it is and that’s ok. I never got into ‘survival mode’ I don’t want to feel ashamed that I am fighting this, I don’t want to fight 'a battle’, I’m not trying to be a warrior I am just a sick person.

"I just knew I didn’t want to die, I didn’t feel like I would definitely beat it and its OK to feel that way, but you can know you will try your best to carry yourself through it."

Rebecca notes that it’s also okay to grieve a life you once had.

She says, "Going through cancer, it’s an unusual feeling you lose a part of yourself, we’re not used to grieving for ourselves, so its ok to be sad about it too.

During Rebecca’s scan in June, they decided to halt her chemotherapy treatment and give her immunotherapy (pembro) and an allogeneic stem cell transplant instead. Thankfully, Rebecca’s 27-year-old brother Codaí is a 100% genetic match.

“My treatment plan has changed a few times and there have been a lot of wobbles along the way. It’s been hard to stay positive, so instead I am trying staying neutral because things can change quite quickly," she says.

Rebecca had her allogeneic stem cell transplant in December 2021 and was in hospital over 3 weeks. 

“The transplant went quite well, thankfully. My brother Codaí was my donor. I spent Christmas in hospital but all the nurses & staff made the day so special. I am now over 50 days post-transplant and feeling good.”

Last week Rebecca received the news that she is now in remission and will be out volunteering for Daffodil Day tomorrow.

"My whole family is delighted. I am now looking forward to attending my graduation at the National University of Ireland Galway in April. I feel I can finally start moving on with my life, it feels amazing."