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Shoulder Ache Hides Cancer: Young Woman's Shock Diagnosis
22 Nov
Summary
- A 23-year-old woman's persistent shoulder pain led to cancer diagnosis.
- Mass found on her heart and lung was initially mistaken for muscle ache.
- Chemotherapy shows complete response, but treatment is ongoing.
What began as a nagging shoulder ache, dismissed by Allie Reece as a result of sleeping awkwardly, ultimately led to a life-altering cancer diagnosis. The 23-year-old from Atlanta first noticed the pain in August 2024, experiencing sporadic discomfort for months. The pain intensified in April 2025, prompting her to seek medical attention.
During her hospital visit, tests revealed an elevated D-dimer, suggesting a blood clot. Further scans uncovered an orange-sized mediastinal mass pressing on her heart and lung. This led to a devastating diagnosis of Stage II Hodgkin lymphoma on August 5, 2025, nearly 18 months after her symptoms began.
Reece underwent surgery to remove the mass and is now undergoing chemotherapy. Recent scans show a complete response, with no visible cancer. She is documenting her experience on social media to inspire others and urges everyone to listen to their bodies.
