College Student Thought Her ‘Insane Workload’ Was Making Her Sick Until Docs Found a Tumor the ‘Size of a Grapefruit’

Anna Sadowski, a 22-year-old college student from Philadelphia, is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment after receiving a stage 2 diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. What began as fatigue and skin rashes was initially dismissed as stress related to her demanding academic life. However, a startling discovery during a chest scan in October 2025 revealed a large tumour measuring 10cm near her heart.

Sadowski’s health issues began in the spring of 2023 when she started experiencing hives on her back and swelling on her lips. Initially attributing these symptoms to the pressures of her intense college schedule, she continued to push through, believing they were the result of workload stress. She describes her schedule as “insane,” balancing college courses, part-time work, and involvement in multiple clubs. The relentless pace contributed to feelings of exhaustion and burnout, which she viewed as a natural consequence of her commitments.

By August 2025, Anna’s symptoms worsened significantly. Alongside persistent coughing and severe chills, she began to experience night sweats so severe that she would soak her sheets multiple times each night. Despite her deteriorating condition, she convinced herself that her symptoms were nothing more than a common cold, inadvertently ignoring the warning signs her body was presenting.

It was not until her mother insisted on a doctor’s visit that Sadowski began to receive the medical attention she needed. The medical team quickly recognised the severity of her situation and referred her to the emergency room. There, a chest scan revealed a sizeable mass next to her heart, which left Sadowski in utter shock at the diagnosis.

When doctors confirmed that the mass was indeed a tumour and that she had stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma, a whirlwind of emotions rushed over her. Facing the grim possibility that her life could be at stake, she described the experience as terrifying. “I honestly thought I was going to die,” she recalled, highlighting the gravity of her situation.

Since receiving her diagnosis, Anna has been undergoing chemotherapy to combat the cancer. Despite the challenges, she has chosen to use her experience as a platform to spread awareness about the importance of not dismissing bodily symptoms. Sadowski’s message is clear: individuals need to listen to their instincts and not hesitate to seek medical care if they feel something is amiss.

In her own words, “Your body knows when something is wrong.” She hopes her story will resonate with others who may be experiencing similar symptoms but are afraid to seek help. Overcoming her fears about visiting the doctor, Anna urges others to be proactive about their health, encouraging them not to ignore their symptoms.

As a vibrant young woman with a promising future ahead, Anna’s experience serves as a sobering reminder of the critical nature of early detection and intervention in serious health issues. Her journey underscores the necessity of prioritising one’s health above the stresses of daily life, especially during periods of high academic or personal demands.

Anna Sadowski’s story is not just a personal account of battling cancer; it’s an urgent call to action for everyone to be vigilant about their health and to trust their instincts when something doesn’t feel right. She embodies resilience in the face of adversity, and through her strength, she hopes to inspire others to advocate for their health, ensuring no one else faces a similar ordeal.