Gabrielle's Story
Health Is Wealth – And Trusting My Instincts Saved My Life
In 2005, at just 20 years old, I knew something wasn’t right. After nearly a year of GP visits with no answers, I trusted my gut and got a second opinion. That decision changed everything.
Following scans, blood tests, and a lymph node biopsy, I was diagnosed with Stage 3, almost Stage 4, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Before starting treatment, I was worried about my future and whether I’d be able to have children. So, my boyfriend (now husband) and I froze embryos, just in case.
I went through nine months of chemotherapy, receiving treatment every two weeks through a port-a-cath, followed by six weeks of daily radiotherapy. It was a tough road, but I made it through.
Fast forward to 2023 – I’m a mum to six beautiful children (no embryos needed!), married to that same amazing man, and surrounded by a loving, supportive family. I’m currently in remission and receiving monthly immunotherapy as part of ongoing maintenance.
Looking back, I’m so grateful I listened to my instincts. I truly believe that second opinion saved my life. If something doesn’t feel right – keep asking questions until you get answers.
Health is wealth.
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