As 2026 began, my focus was solely on the upcoming summer. At 18, I was eager to graduate high school and create lasting memories with friends. I was filled with anticipation and pride, needing only to finish the first half of the year before the celebrations could start. I diligently worked through my senior year, adhering to routines, aware of the significant year ahead. Unusual symptoms began to emerge, but I brushed them aside.
The year began with unexplained large bruises on my legs. As a tennis player, I attributed them to accidental hits with the racket. Although I ignored the bruising, my increasingly itchy skin was harder to overlook. It led to sleepless nights spent scratching until my skin bled, leaving scars on my legs and feet.
With time, more symptoms appeared: night sweats, a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. I struggled to speak full sentences without coughing. Although I realized something was wrong, I hoped it would resolve and tried to stay positive. Reflecting now, I see how much I ignored.
Intent on enjoying my senior year’s final weeks, I was worn out and lacked energy for planned activities. Consistent exhaustion prevented me from living as any 18-year-old should. I visited the doctor in spring, mentioning my three-month persistent cough. He suspected seasonal asthma and prescribed an inhaler, which proved ineffective, prompting another visit three weeks later.
At this visit, I shared additional symptoms like bruises and itchy skin. A chest X-ray was ordered, and en route home, the doctor asked me to return immediately, a clear cause for concern. Subsequent CT scans revealed an eight-centimeter mass on my lung and a swollen lymph node on my neck. Blood tests confirmed a life-changing diagnosis.
“You have Hodgkin’s lymphoma stage 2” were words I heard on April 23, 2026, marking a new reality.
Unexpected at my age, everything progressed too quickly to fully process, bringing fear and questions. I hoped for a less severe diagnosis, yet the reality was stark.
I am undergoing treatment with Nivolumab AVD chemotherapy. Sessions last four to six hours every two weeks. To date, I have completed five of twelve treatments, with the sixth underway. Some days are better, while others are challenging, especially the first few days after chemo. Fatigue and nausea dominate, requiring rest.
Cancer and chemo impact my entire life. Physically, I face constant exhaustion, nausea, infections, hair loss, and side effects that complicate daily tasks. Emotionally, moving from a healthy teen to a young adult with cancer is tough.
I planned to create summer memories, yet much of my time is spent at the cancer center. I sometimes feel forgotten by friends enjoying summer without me. A swift lesson post-diagnosis highlighted the value of positivity, resilience, appreciating supportive people, and valuing life’s small joys.
“If something feels off, don’t ignore it” is an important lesson I wish to share.
Still in my cancer journey, I seek to remind others about the invisible nature of some illnesses. Listen to your body. If you notice something unusual, have it checked without delay.
While unrequested, cancer revealed the essence of true friendships. Challenging times show who genuinely supports you. If someone you know faces difficulty, reach out with a message or call; it can make a significant impact.
Following my diagnosis, I decided to document my journey on TikTok. I aim to demonstrate that joy and life continue even with cancer. If sharing my experience helps someone feel less isolated or proactive about health, it’s worthwhile.
Julika Feix, 18, from Cape Coral, Florida, actively shares her cancer story on TikTok (@julika.fx), encouraging awareness of health regardless of age.