Gerrard Kaonga
Doctors told a 23-year-old British man that he had simply developed swollen glands rather than the serious cancer that was spreading in his body.
British man Kyle Kennedy first began feeling unwell last August, as he developed a pain and swelling in his neck that he got concerned about. After booking a visit to his local doctor, his concerns were dismissed, including his night sweats, and he was told he had swollen glands. He was simply told to take painkillers to alleviate the symptoms.
However, he eventually awoke with a swollen face and was convinced something more concerning was happening.
His sister Kelsey Thomas, spoke of her brother’s realization that something was seriously wrong.
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Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, she said: “That weekend he kept saying to me and my mum, ‘I just don’t feel right, it’s getting worse.' He woke up one morning and his face had blown up, as if he’d had an allergic reaction.
“I kept asking him if he was sure it wasn’t his hay fever.”
She also noted that her brother sent her a picture of his swollen face and was told to go straight to the hospital after visiting his doctor for a second time.
After he had undergone other tests, he was diagnosed with stage four diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) - a fast-growing and aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A CT scan revealed that Kyle has a mass in his chest, and this had spread to his bowel and tonsils.
His sister added: “Considering he had a mass on his chest, he wasn't breathless or anything like that. Every night after work he'd either be going to the gym or playing [the racket sport] padel. He was always really fit and healthy."
A GoFundMe page for Kyle has been set up and speaks of the difficulties he faces going forward with treatment.
The page reads: “Kyle is 23, self-employed and has recently bought a house with his girlfriend. He has a big challenge ahead with chemo and immunotherapy. We want to try and raise as much as possible to support Kyle with his nutrition, extra treatment and move into his new home. We also want to raise awareness for Lymphoma in young people.
“We'll be starting our 50+ mile run on the morning of Sunday 30th November. Anybody is welcome to join us for a few laps and to cheer us on.
“We know the run will be tough but nothing compared to what our mate is going through.”
So far, £18,000 ($23,451) have been raised out of the £20,000 ($26,053) goal.