Jana Batson was just 31 and a new mom when she faced a shocking diagnosis: nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma. This form of cancer affects the lymphatic system, which helps our bodies fight infections.
In late 2022, Jana noticed a swollen lymph node on her collarbone and decided to get it checked. Despite initial tests showing no cause for concern, she felt something was off. Trusting her instincts, she sought further investigation at EvergreenHealth, where a CT scan revealed a sizable mass in her chest.
Jana recalls that moment vividly. “I was alone and just wanted reassurance,” she said. “Hearing the diagnosis was surreal. I instantly thought of my daughter and felt overwhelmed with fear.”
At the time, she was healthy, living an active lifestyle with regular runs and a balanced diet. The diagnosis felt contradictory to the care she took of herself.
After more tests, her doctors recommended a four-drug chemotherapy treatment. However, there was a risk it might affect her fertility—a big concern for Jana, who hopes to expand her family. A fertility specialist suggested egg freezing, but this would delay treatment. Ultimately, her doctors decided it was best to start chemotherapy right away, which meant she had to stop breastfeeding her daughter.
Chemotherapy had some success, but after several cycles, Jana’s doctors determined that continuing with the initial plan could be harmful due to lung damage from one of the drugs. They pivoted to radiation therapy, which made her anxious.
“This was not what I had envisioned for my recovery,” she admitted. However, her oncologist, Dr. Yolanda Tseng, introduced her to proton therapy. This advanced treatment minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissues, making it a safer option, especially given Jana’s previous lung issues.
After 15 sessions, Jana experienced mild side effects but found proton therapy much easier than chemotherapy. She finished her treatment in May 2023 and has seen positive results in follow-up scans.
“I learned to trust my body again,” Jana shared. “Hodgkin lymphoma can feel like a betrayal, especially when you’ve been taking care of yourself. But with time, you can heal.”
Today, Jana is not only cancer-free but also embraces motherhood as she welcomes a baby boy into the world. Despite her health challenges, she enjoys balancing life as a full-time mom and a part-time school nurse.
Through her journey, Jana emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy. If she hadn’t pushed for additional tests, her diagnosis might have come too late.
“Take care of your mental health,” she advises. “Find what makes you smile, and don’t hesitate to seek help. The emotional toll of survivorship can be heavy.”
Hodgkin lymphoma primarily affects younger individuals, often those between 15 to 35 years old. The cause remains unknown, underscoring the unpredictability of the disease.
For more on Hodgkin lymphoma and its treatment options, you can check out resources from the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, a leading institution in cancer research and patient care.
