Lip Filler Reaction Mistaken for Cancer: Survivor’s Warning Tale at 27

Leitrim Mother’s Cancer Journey: A Story of Advocacy and Hope

In early 2023, Letitia McFarlane, a 27-year-old mother of two from Kinlough, Co Leitrim, received a life-altering diagnosis: Primary Mediastinal large B Cell Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. Her experience underscores the critical importance of cancer awareness, proactive healthcare advocacy, and the invaluable support provided by organizations like the irish Cancer Society.

The Initial misdiagnosis and the Fight for Answers

McFarlane’s journey began during a family holiday in Spain in November 2022, when she experienced unusual swelling in her face. Initially, doctors attributed this to an allergic reaction to lip fillers.Though, mcfarlane knew something was seriously wrong and persisted in seeking answers.

“My face was severely swollen and as soon as my doctors heard about the lip fillers, they just attributed what was going on with me to that.” McFarlane stated, highlighting a common challenge patients face when symptoms are quickly dismissed or misattributed. “Thankfully, I kept pushing and asking more questions.” Without her persistence, the cancer might have gone undetected for longer, potentially impacting her prognosis.

Treatment and Remission: A Family Effort

Following her diagnosis, Letitia underwent several rounds of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and ultimately, Car-T cell therapy at St. James’s Hospital in Dublin. After months of rigorous treatment, she received the news she had been waiting for: in May 2024, she was in remission.

Reflecting on her experience, McFarlane emphasized the profound impact her illness had on her family. “They all had to jump in and help with the children and support me through my treatment. “It’s a been a whole of family effort to get through this and I can’t thank them enough for everything they have done,” said Letitia, illustrating the vital role family support plays in navigating a cancer diagnosis.

Raising Cancer Awareness Among Young People

McFarlane is now a vocal advocate for increased cancer awareness, notably among young people. “I think young people need to be more empowered and aware to ask questions and push for tests if we don’t feel right,” she said. Her experience highlights the need for young adults to be vigilant about their health and to advocate for themselves when they suspect something is wrong.

Daffodil Day: A Beacon of hope and Support

Letitia is urging the people of Leitrim and the northwest to support Daffodil Day on March 28th. Daffodil Day is the irish Cancer Society’s largest fundraising event, and the funds raised are crucial for supporting cancer research and providing vital services to patients and their families.

“The money raised fuels life changing cancer research and vital support services,” McFarlane stated. “I would encourage everyone across Leitrim and the north-west to please get out there on Daffodil Day, March 28th, and show your support for those affected by cancer in your local community.”

The Irish Cancer Society: A Lifeline for Patients and Families

The Irish Cancer Society provides a wide range of services to people affected by cancer, including free transportation to treatment, counselling, and night nursing care.In 2024 alone, the organization provided over 100 free lifts to Leitrim-based cancer patients, 290 free counselling sessions, and over 70 nights of free night nursing care.

Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power emphasized the widespread impact of cancer in Ireland. “One in two of us will hear the words ‘You’ve got cancer’ in our lifetimes,” she said. “There isn’t a family in Ireland that hasn’t felt the impact of a cancer diagnosis. Your support on daffodil Day fuels life changing cancer research and vital free services and supports.”

Ms.Power added, “We really need this year’s Daffodil Day to be the biggest yet to ensure we can be there for those who need us most in 2025. And we cannot do this without you.”

The Imperative of Early Detection and Proactive Healthcare

Letitia McFarlane’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and proactive healthcare advocacy. While her initial symptoms were dismissed, her persistence ultimately led to a diagnosis and triumphant treatment. It also highlights the vital support provided by organizations like the Irish Cancer Society, which offers a lifeline to patients and families affected by cancer. The Irish Cancer Society invests in ground-breaking cancer research and delivers crucial free support services for people affected by cancer. This includes transportation to treatments, counselling and end of life care, ensuring no one faces cancer alone. For more details about Daffodil Day visit cancer.ie/daffodilday.

As Averil Power so eloquently said, “Right now, a child is hearing the words ‘It’s cancer’.A parent is holding on to hope for a treatment that hasn’t been discovered yet. And a researcher has an idea that could turn that hope into reality.”

Take Action Today

• Donate to Daffodil Day: Support life-changing cancer research and vital services.
• Spread Awareness: Share Letitia’s story and the importance of cancer awareness among young people.
• Advocate for Your Health: If you feel something is wrong, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention and push for answers.

Letitia McFarlane’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of family support, and the critical role of cancer awareness. By supporting Daffodil Day and advocating for proactive healthcare,we can help ensure that others facing similar challenges receive the care and support they need. Visit cancer.ie/daffodilday today to donate and learn more about how you can make a difference in the fight against cancer.

How can we ensure health organizations can best serve patients and their families and what would you change about the Irish healthcare system?

Letitia McFarlane: A Leitrim Mother’s Cancer Journey and Her Advocacy for Early Detection

Archyde News: Welcome, Letitia, and thank you for sharing your incredible story with our readers today. Your journey with Primary Mediastinal large B Cell Lymphoma has been truly inspiring, a testament to your strength and advocacy. Can you tell us about the moment of diagnosis that led you to fight for answers when your symptoms were dismissed?

Letitia McFarlane: Thank you for having me. That moment during our family holiday in spain,when the swelling in my face started,was deeply concerning. When doctors quickly attributed it to lip fillers, I knew deep down that there was something more going on. The misdiagnosis made me push harder, ask more questions, and advocate for proper testing. Early detection is critical.

The Role of Family in Your Cancer Battle

Archyde News: Absolutely. Persistence is key. Your family played a huge role in supporting you during treatment. How did this “family effort” impact your ability to cope with the challenges of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and Car-T cell therapy?

Letitia McFarlane: Words can hardly express how invaluable their support was.They stepped in to care for our children, offering unwavering emotional support, and helped me navigate the often difficult treatment process. Knowing they were there allowed me to focus on healing. I am beyond grateful for their love and dedication.

Promoting Cancer Awareness Among Young Adults

Archyde News: It’s wonderful to hear about such a supportive network. You’re also a strong advocate for cancer awareness, notably among young people.What specific message do you want to convey to young adults about being proactive with their health?

Letitia McFarlane: I want them to know that they need to trust their instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention and demand answers. Early detection drastically improves the chances of successful treatment.Don’t dismiss symptoms or ignore your body’s signals.

The Significance of Daffodil Day and the Irish Cancer Society’s Support

archyde News: That’s powerful advice. You’re encouraging people to support Daffodil Day on March 28th. Can you explain why this event and the work of the Irish Cancer Society are so important, especially for cancer patients in Leitrim and across Ireland?

Letitia McFarlane: Daffodil Day is crucial because the funds raised support essential cancer research and provide vital services to patients and their families, like free transport to treatment.The Irish Cancer Society offers a lifeline during the most challenging times. The support they (ICS) provided to the community in Leitrim alone – free lifts, counselling sessions, and night nursing care – made a tangible difference in many lives, including mine.

The Imperative of Proactive Health and Early Detection

Archyde News: Your experience truly underscores the impact of their work. Letitia, you’ve faced incredible challenges with unwavering strength. What’s one key takeaway you want our readers to remember from your journey?

Letitia McFarlane: Be your own advocate. don’t accept dismissals. Keep pushing for answers. I would not be in remission today without it. Also never hesitate to seek support – from family, friends, and great organizations like the Irish Cancer Society.

Archyde News: Thank you for sharing this incredibly important insight based on personal lessons you have learned, Letitia for your time and for sharing your story, Letitia. Before we conclude, What message would you give to someone newly diagnosed with Cancer?

Letitia McFarlane: To someone recently diagnosed, I would want them to know that they are not alone. Reach out to the Irish Cancer Society and don’t give up hope. Cancer treatment has become significantly refined in recent times. Though I am now in remission, this is not the end of my health journey, just the beginning of a slightly different path. There is strength in connecting with others going through similar experiences.

A Final Thought from Letitia

Archyde News: a thought provoking question so our readers get involved, What can we do to ensure health organizations can do the best for patients and the families and what would you change about our Irish healthcare system?

Letitia mcfarlane: Thank you for this question, my answer would center around the importance of investing in preventative healthcare. By proactively supporting patients before illnesses escalate, our aim will to improve our health outcomes across the board. Encouraging people (Especially young people) to become proactive with our health is crucial. By ensuring everyone has access to information and are encouraged to seek regular check-ups,we can hopefully detect illness earlier and improve treatment outcomes.

Archyde News: Thank you Letitia again for your time and your thoughtful answers.