Student, 22, 'too young for cancer' rocked by shattering news after finding lump
A student who was diagnosed with cancer said she was in tears and shock as she never thought she would get it at that age.
When 22-year-old Abby Maxwell, from Glasgow, found a lump in her armpit, she knew something was up. After getting an ultrasound and a series of biopsies at University Hospital Hairmyres, it was confirmed that she had Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
The diagnosis was soon after the lump in the armpit - and Abby could not believe it. “When you are young you don’t really think ‘I can get cancer ’. It wasn’t bothering me or anything and the day I went for the ultrasound I was light-hearted until I walked in and talked to the doctor,” she said.
“I immediately just wanted to leave the room (when given the diagnosis) and get out of the hospital, I started crying. It was a shock,” the former Aldi worker added.
The chemotherapy began and Abby lost her hair - but it was the waiting around before the treatment which was the worst part, Abby said. “January was the worst month because there was a lot of waiting about and the unknown, I had a lot of anxiety,” she explained to GlasgowLive.
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Abby says her mum had multiple breakdowns during the difficult ordeal (Abby Maxwell)“Losing my hair was a shock and it took a toll because, as a young woman, my hair was a big part of me. It was quite horrible to lose that. I took a step back from working because I didn't want to be there. Mum had a few break downs along the line.
“Everyone surrounded me and were trying to keep my life as normal as possible. I tried to get out as much and went to concerts with my friends and tried to live a normal 22-year-old’s life,” Abby recalled.
The college student completed her studies in June - a week before her final chemotherapy session. A few weeks later, on July 28, Abby was given the all-clear and hopes to return to work in the new year. Until then, she is taking time out to regain her fitness and strength.
Abby rings the bell after being declared cancer free (Abby Maxwell)She said: “I was absolutely ecstatic when I found out, part of me couldn’t believe it. I was nervous but as soon as they told me, I was over the moon. My mum started crying and my sister was hugging me, it felt amazing.
“I am still feeling tired and my body is still run down but I am feeling so much better mentally. I just think now is the time to get my life back on track. It’s weird to go from not doing anything to going back to normal life. I’m excited to get back out into the real world after a difficult year,” Abby said.
Abby is now taking part in Beatson Cancer Charity's 'Off the Beatson' annual track event - a walk that will see over 2,000 participants take on a 10K to raise money for patients and their families who are facing a cancer diagnosis.
She relied on the Beatson over the course of her treatment and wants to give back, having already raised almost £500 through JustGiving. Abby is walking with her mum and a friend this August.
She added: “The nurses had so much compassion and were so helpful. It’s where you want to be if you are going through such a horrible time. It’s massively important to give back to them and this is the biggest thing I have done all year. I am buzzing for it, it will be a good atmosphere.”
To support Abby's fundraising appeal here.
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