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Woman's 'Migraine' Revealed as Stage 3B Blood Cancer
2 Dec
Summary
- Initial symptoms of fatigue, ear loss, and facial drooping were misdiagnosed.
- A vacation to Mexico led to the discovery of a neck tumor.
- Stage 3B follicular lymphoma was diagnosed, requiring aggressive chemotherapy.
A Wisconsin woman's persistent symptoms, initially attributed to a migraine and panic attack, were later discovered to be stage 3B follicular lymphoma. Courtney Liniewski experienced fatigue, hearing loss, and facial drooping, but doctors repeatedly assured her she was healthy. It wasn't until a vacation in Mexico that a significant neck swelling prompted a return to the hospital.
Upon returning, scans revealed a grapefruit-sized tumor in her chest and the aggressive blood cancer had spread. Liniewski underwent six rounds of chemotherapy over six months and was declared cancer-free in July 2025. She credits her vacation for highlighting the severity of her condition, as the swelling led to the critical diagnosis.
Follicular lymphoma typically affects older individuals and is considered incurable due to its tendency to recur. Despite being in remission, Liniewski is aware of the potential for the cancer to return. She now advocates for self-advocacy in healthcare, encouraging others with unusual symptoms to seek thorough diagnoses.
