Woman, 21, thought she had hay fever before ‘too young’ diagnosis

A young woman was diagnosed with blood cancer after initially dismissing her symptoms as hay fever. Izzy Darnes, 21, thought she was ‘too young for cancer’ before being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in June last year.

She had felt lethargic for around a week beforehand and had attributed a rash on her skin to hay fever. Izzy also believed that the bruises which appeared were caused by bumping into things while redecorating her bedroom.

After dismissing the symptoms, she is now urging other young people to seek medical attention if they have concerns about their health.

Izzy, of Narborough, Leicestershire, said: “I had no energy to do anything, which wasn’t like me. I also had these massive dark bruises that wouldn’t heal and a petechiae rash (a cluster of small pinpoint red, purple or brown spots that appear on your skin), both of which I originally put down to something else. I initially thought the rash was down to hay fever and I assumed the bruises were from being clumsy when moving things around when decorating my bedroom.”

After initially trying unsuccessfully to secure a GP appointment on the Friday before her diagnosis, her condition deteriorated over the weekend. Attempting again on the Monday, she was this time able to obtain one, where she was immediately referred to the GP assessment unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary for further examination, having developed a high temperature.

Izzy, who was employed in local governance prior to her diagnosis, recalled: “Even at this point, I never thought that what I was facing was cancer. In my head, I was far too young for that.”

Following numerous tests, Izzy was ultimately diagnosed with ALL. The 22 year old subsequently endured months of intensive chemotherapy and immunotherapy, with treatment scheduled to conclude in April.

She experienced multiple complications and adverse effects, including a severe stomach infection, medical PTSD stemming from her ordeals and persistent mobility problems, which rendered her unable to walk for a month.

She explained: “I was really poorly and I couldn’t walk. I had to be carried up the stairs because my legs didn’t work. I had to have a wheelchair and I’ve got a crutch as my legs aren’t quite there yet, because I couldn’t use them for a month. Having my independence taken from me really hurt – one minute life was completely normal, then the next I’m lying in hospital unable to move, relying on other people for everything.”

Izzy has been actively fundraising for The Children and Young People’s Cancer Association, which has supported her throughout her cancer battle. She has already amassed more than £3,700, providing her with a sense of “purpose” during a period when employment has been impossible.

Izzy said: “I think I needed something to do because I couldn’t work. I get along with all my colleagues and have missed the buzz of the office.

“I’ve missed getting up in the morning and having a purpose. So, having Izzy’s Legacy, it’s something for me to do. I can pick it up and put it down, but it’s something that’s mine.

“It’s my thing and no one can take it from me. I’ve made it my mission to share my story, as people need to be aware of cancer in young people.

“If just one person went to the doctors because they have heard my story and it means they can catch their cancer early and get diagnosed quicker, instead of leaving it for three months where it could become more aggressive and harder to treat, then it’s worth it.”

Izzy believes her diagnosis has provided her with a fresh outlook on life and transformed her into a better person.

She said: “I think having cancer makes you think of life as that bit more precious and it probably makes you more compassionate toward people, too.”

To support or learn more about Izzy’s Legacy, visit the website.