Why Didn't the Hodgkin's Lymphoma Get Detected Sooner?
February 8, 2025
When I was finally diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, my first thought—after the initial shock—was: How did the doctors miss it for so long? Looking back, the signs were there, scattered across months of medical concerns that seemed unrelated at the time. But hindsight is always clearer than the present moment.
Between April 2024 and December 2024, I went from 230 lbs to 180 lbs. At first, I was thrilled. I had been following Dr. Jason Fung’s plan from The Diabetes Code, focusing on intermittent fasting and healthier eating. The weight was coming off, my blood sugar levels improved, and I felt like I was finally taking control of my health. Friends, family, and coworkers noticed the transformation and showered me with compliments.
"Wow, you look amazing!"
"What’s your secret? I need to do what you’re doing!"
"You’re so disciplined—it’s inspiring!"
Hearing that kind of praise is addicting. It reinforces the belief that whatever you’re doing must be working. And in many ways, it was working—I felt healthier than I had in years. But what I didn’t realize was that some of that weight loss wasn’t just from better eating. It was also a symptom of something much more serious lurking beneath the surface.
A Timeline of Missed Clues
April 2024 – Diagnosed with diabetes. My A1C was 7.9. 230 pounds.
June 2024 - A1C down to 6.2, 210 pounds. But now I had high blood pressure issues.
August 2024 – Blood sugar improved to prediabetic levels, A1C was 4.7. Added high LDL and low HDL to the issues. I weighed 195 lbs.
The EKG reading from my work physical revealed I had also suffered a silent heart attack. I didn't, no one could see that in a subsequent EKG and testing, the tech just didn't put the leads on correctly.
October 2024 – I thought it was a kidney stone, I e had one before and thought I recognized the symptoms.
December 2024 – Another kidney stone attack, went to urgent care, yeah some blood in the urine, but the good Doctor provided me with some muscle relaxers and I was told go home and drink more water.
Early January - I got a massage to help manage the pain. It I'm just walk hurt each time they put their hands near the tumor, again, I thought kidney stone.
January 8 - this is where you all come into the story and was told in my first post .
Each of these medical events seemed isolated at the time, each with a logical explanation. But together, they painted a different picture—one that took far too long to recognize.
Your Doctor’s Appointment: Slow It Down, You Deserve It
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that doctor’s appointments—especially annual physicals—are your time. And yet, most of us feel rushed through them. Doctors are busy, appointments are short, and sometimes it feels like they’re already moving on to the next patient before you’ve even finished your questions.
But here’s the truth: You deserve to be heard. Your health is too important to be rushed.
Take Control of the Conversation
Don’t just go with the flow. When the doctor asks, “How are you feeling?” don’t just say, “Good.” Be specific. If you’ve had changes—like unexpected weight loss, fatigue, or unusual symptoms—bring them up.
Write down your concerns beforehand. It’s easy to forget things in the moment. A simple list ensures nothing gets overlooked.
Ask follow-up questions. If a doctor says, “Your numbers look good,” respond with, “Can you explain what that means in detail?” or “What should I watch for over the next year?”
You Have the Right to Slow It Down
Doctors often operate on tight schedules, but that doesn’t mean you have to rush your appointment. If you feel like they’re moving too quickly, say something. Try:
“I have a few more concerns I’d like to discuss before we wrap up.”
“Can you explain that in simpler terms?” (Medical jargon can be confusing—make sure you understand.)
“What other tests or screenings should I consider based on my symptoms?”
One of the biggest reasons my lymphoma went undetected was that I didn’t know the right questions to ask. I assumed that because I felt mostly fine and my numbers were improving, I was in the clear. But not all health issues show up in standard tests.
The Hard Truth: Doctors Can Miss Things—You Have to Look Out for Yourself
Doctors are incredibly knowledgeable, but they’re not mind-readers. They rely on patients to report symptoms, push for answers, and follow up on concerns. If I had been more persistent—if I had asked about my unexplained weight loss, the fatigue, or the strange pattern of health problems—maybe my diagnosis would have come sooner.
I don’t blame my doctors. They treated the conditions they saw: diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney stones. But what I learned is this: You have to step back and see the big picture for yourself.
If something feels off, don’t accept “everything looks fine” as the final answer. Dig deeper. Ask more questions. Get a second opinion if needed. You are your best advocate.
The Lesson: Your Health, Your Responsibility
My diagnosis came much later than it should have, but at least now I know what I’m up against. The road ahead won’t be easy, but at least I’m finally on the right path.
And if my experience can help even one person slow down, ask better questions, and push for the care they deserve—then sharing this journey will have been worth it.
At your next doctor’s visit, remember: Slow it down. Ask the tough questions. Demand the attention you deserve.
Because nothing—nothing—is more important than your health.