Scholar, 22, hit with ‘shock’ most cancers prognosis shares the primary signal

When Abby Maxwell first discovered a lump in her armpit, she didn’t assume it will be something too critical.

The 22-year-old was despatched for an ultrasound at University Hospital Hairmyres, however she felt “light-hearted” regardless of the appointment.

However, a collection of biopsies left Abby in floods of tears, revealing she had non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a kind of cancer that develops within the lymphatic system.

The scholar from Blantyre, Lanarkshire, thought she was too younger to be recognized with most cancers.

The former Aldi employee instructed GlasgowLive: “When you’re younger you don’t actually assume, ‘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.

“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.”

Abby started her chemotherapy treatment that caused her to lose hair as a result, which took a “horrible” toll on her.

She defined that January was the “worst” month as a result of there was a whole lot of unknown.

Abby mentioned: “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.”

Despite her cancer battle, Abby tried to get out as much as possible and continue her “normal” life as a 22-year-old. 

Fortunately, she was given the all-clear from cancer in July after she completed her chemotherapy.

She said: “I used to be completely ecstatic once I discovered, a part of me couldn’t imagine 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.”

The 22-year-old, who hopes to return to work in the new year, is now taking time out to regain her fitness and strength. 

Abby also took part in Beatson Cancer Charity’s annual ‘Off The Beatson Track’ event on August 27 – a walk that saw 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 Beatson over the course of her treatment and wants to give back, having already raised almost £500 through JustGiving.

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.”

You can help Abby’s fundraiser here.