Woman Dismisses Cough, Swollen Lymph Node as Bronchitis Until Doctors Discover Stage 2 Cancer (Exclusive)

**Rochester Sales Representative Chronicles Battle Against Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on TikTok**

Jessica Potter, a 33-year-old sales representative from Rochester, New York, has taken to TikTok to share her personal journey with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, hoping to bring awareness and encouragement to others facing similar challenges. Potter’s diagnosis came after a series of misinterpreted symptoms which she initially attributed to bronchitis, a common ailment during the winter months.

From December 2025 until January 2026, Potter experienced persistent illness coupled with a significant cough and a noticeably swollen lymph node in her neck. Despite her husband’s concerns urging her to seek medical advice, Potter initially overlooked the seriousness of her condition. “I thought it was bronchitis. I just figured that when you get sick, lymph nodes get bigger,” she stated. However, a visit to her doctor led to swift medical action, including an ultrasound that escalated into a whirlwind of scans and tests over four weeks.

Ultimately, a biopsy revealed the presence of Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Potter was diagnosed with stage 2B Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which signifies that cancer has developed in two or more lymph nodes. In response, her medical team devised a treatment plan involving eight rounds of chemotherapy, specifically the ABVD regimen, which includes Adriamycin, Bleomycin, Vinblastine, and Dacarbazine. “It’s a pretty harsh chemo,” she remarked, revealing that she lost her hair after treatment number two.

Alongside chemotherapy, Potter has been receiving immunotherapy, designed to bolster her immune system and target cancer cells more effectively. While acknowledging the challenges, she reflected on the taxing nature of the treatments that left her frequently bedridden. “Chemo makes you very nauseous and bed-bound. You have good days and bad days,” she explained, adding that she often found herself confined at home. Despite her struggles, she has maintained her full-time job by working remotely, which she credits for providing a sense of normalcy amid the chaos of her treatment.

Potter’s employer has offered her understanding and flexibility as she navigates treatment, allowing her to take necessary breaks as needed. She has found solace in balancing work with her health challenges, stating, “Working has given me a purpose, a reason just to wake up and not have to be a cancer patient.” Maintaining this routine has brought structure and a distraction from her cancer battle, providing something positive to focus on during her treatment.

In an effort to connect with others and foster a supportive online community, Potter began sharing her experience on TikTok. Driven by the desire to help others who may feel isolated and overwhelmed, she wanted to shine a light on Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a condition she found underrepresented in online discussions surrounding cancer. “I didn’t want other people to feel like I did in the beginning, lost and using Google and spiralling,” she affirmed. Since starting her account, many women have reached out to her, seeking guidance and sharing their own experiences, which has been incredibly fulfilling for her.

Potter has built a small but vibrant online community of around 6,800 followers, where she shares insights and humorous takes on her cancer journey. “I wanted to create a space where we can just laugh at cancer and not let it define us,” she noted. Her content strikes a balance between awareness and light-heartedness, allowing both those directly affected by cancer and others to participate in discussions that, while serious, can also be approached with humour.

Among the messages she emphasises through her platform, Potter encourages her followers to seek medical advice for any unusual changes in their bodies. “If you catch something sooner rather than later, that’s better,” she asserted, explaining the relief and gratitude she felt when receiving support from others who had undergone similar experiences. “Finding one person that had Hodgkin lymphoma was the best support that I could have found. I wanted to be that person for others,” she expressed.

Looking ahead, Potter remains committed to documenting her journey and uplifting her followers while addressing the challenges of living with cancer. She aims to provide a refuge of positivity and understanding, proving that even in the harshest of circumstances, it is crucial to find light and support in the community. Through her continued efforts, Jessica Potter exemplifies resilience and dedication, embodying a message of hope and encouragement for others in the fight against cancer.