Natalie Rennie’s life changed when she found out that she suffering from a rare form of cancer – after the 37-year-old went to the GP to have a pulled muscle checked out
A mum who went to the GP with a pulled muscle was shocked after finding out that she had a rare type of cancer.
Natalie Rennie, 37, was mid-appointment when the GP noticed a small lump on her collarbone. After tests were run, Rennie was sent to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Kent, where it was discovered she had enlarged lymph nodes.
Rennie said: “I thought I had pulled a muscle, I assumed it was nothing but decided to make an appointment just to be sure. I think we all have moments where we notice something a bit off and the thought of cancer briefly crosses our mind. But this wasn’t one of those times — especially since I’d been feeling completely well in myself.”
After undergoing more tests, Rennie was told that she had Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare cancer affecting the lymphatic system. Since then, she has had three cycles of chemotherapy, with six infusions, that led to her losing her hair and needing emergency treatment for sepsis.
“I kept holding onto the hope that someone would say it was nothing — just a misunderstanding or something minor. But the further I progressed along the pathway, the more obvious it became that this was serious. Deep down, I think I already knew,” Rennie said.
Hodgkin lymphoma affects the lymphatic system – a network of vessels and glands spread throughout the body. The most common symptom of the cancer is a painless swelling in a lymph node, usually in the neck, groin, or armpit. It can develop at any age, but mostly affects people between the ages of 20 and 40, and those over 75, according to the NHS.
When she and her husband heard the news, it was like “someone took all the air out of the room”. Rennie added: “Hearing you have cancer is earth shattering and life changing. People say, oh, you are strong, but it’s okay not to feel strong. It was pretty tough. But I am four months out of chemotherapy now and getting stronger each day.”
Rennie, who works as a programme manager for NHS Kent and Medway, said she feels “forever indebted to the NHS”, calling the haematology team “unsung heroes”.
She added: “I have two young children and I want to stay healthy for them, so I am quite vigilant when it comes to my health and I think that went in my favour. If I had waited and ignored that first lump the cancer would have progressed. It is always easier to treat when it is at an earlier stage and mine was stage two.”
Her message to others is to know that you are “never to young to have cancer”. Rennie said: “If you notice any unusual or persistent symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice.”