An Aussie runner has revealed the symptoms he experienced before going to the doctor for a check-up — and being diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
TikTok global music partnership head Govind Sandhu, 38, said he first noticed symptoms after completing the Sydney Half Marathon in May.
“The day after that I just went downhill (with a) swollen knee, although I thought that was because my knee was injured from a stack when I was in Hobart running some trails,” Sandhu said via Instagram on Wednesday.
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“(I had) really bad body aches and sweat and everything that would make you think it was the flu, or COVID.
“(But) after a four-week period, I just deteriorated.”
Sandhu said he went to see the doctor and was sent for tests including ultrasounds, blood tests, PET scans, CT scans, and biopsies.
He was then given the bad news.
According to Cancer Council, the most common symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include painless swelling in the neck, armpit, and groin.
Other symptoms include heavy sweating at night, unexplained changes in body temperature, unexplained weight loss, and unexplained itching on the body.
An advanced stage means the cancer has moved out of the lymph nodes.
The corporate executive will now undergo a round of chemotherapy, along with a course of steroids and antibiotics.
“It’s safe to say that I’m about to embark on the biggest challenge of my life,” Sandhu said.
“Of course, I can’t believe it but, at the same time, so many things are out of one’s control.
“I’ve had more time to process the ‘why me’ (given) all the things I do that would make me think I would be in a category not susceptible to this.”
Sandhu urged people to seek medical attention for any unexplained symptoms.
“Go get your check-ups, go get your blood work done — if you’re feeling sick, don’t try to just fight it off,” he said.