Currently a property manager, with ambitions of becoming a licensed estate agent and eventually owning his own real estate agency, 26 year old Jayson Filomeno is now a picture of health, but he hasn’t forgotten those who gave him a future.
Diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma when he was 19, Jayson’s subsequent cancer battle motivated him to organise a fundraising morning tea at the Alex Scott and Staff Leongatha office where he works.
Jayson is keen to share the challenges he faced, and the importance of funding the dedicated health professionals, equipment and research needed to help people tackle lymphoma.
Jayson’s diagnosis was not a speedy one, with symptoms beginning when he was a 16 year old high school student. Jayson suffered constant stomach and back pain, among other symptoms, having to take lengthy periods of time away from school.
Symptoms intensified at the age of 19 while studying at university in Melbourne. While his existing abdominal issues persisted, left knee pain arose.
‘Go home and take some panadol and you’ll be right’ was something he heard from several Melbourne doctors. No medication eased the pain with Jayson struggling to sleep or study, making him determined to identify the underlying issue responsible.
His pain made it difficult to eat or drink leading to dehydration and severe weight loss, dropping over 30 kilos in a period of two months.
Jayson developed lumps under his armpits, in his groin and neck, with those in his neck reaching the size of golf balls. He knew something was not right (see more about common symptoms)
“The mixture of pain, severe lack of sleep and now numerous lumps forced me to quit my tertiary studies and return to Leongatha.”
It was here at the medical centre that his doctor diagnosed him with Hodgkin Lymphoma. That sparked numerous tests back in Melbourne, with MRI’s and PET scans revealing it had reached stage 4, demanding immediate treatment.
Just three days later he met his treatment team and haematologist at Latrobe Regional Hospital, to discuss chemotherapy and pain management.
“I became the youngest patient to attend Gippsland Cancer Care Centre. I was advised that I would need 6 months of vigorous chemotherapy in order to reduce the size of the cancerous lymph nodes.”
That involved 9 hours for one day each week connected to an intravenous machine. “Whilst the pain I experienced pre-diagnosis was severe, nothing prepared me for the pain and awfulness I was about to feel after every chemo session.”
Nausea and chronic headaches consumed Jayson for the first three days after each infusion. Followed by debilitating mouth ulcers leaving him unable to eat or drink. Other side effects developed including hair loss and the metallic taste in his mouth.
However Jayson maintained his determination to soldier on, seeing fighting cancer as a mental battle.
“The moment you start giving up and telling yourself it has beaten you is the moment you start losing the fight. That was the mantra that drove me.”
After eight months of treatment Jayson received the golden news that he was in remission. He continues to be six years later, but still requires regular checks and quarterly scans.
Jayson’s experience with Stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma inspired him to organise a fundraising event for World Lymphoma Awareness Day on 15th September 2022. The majority of businesses around town got involved, donating raffle and auction prizes and entering the bake off competition. The event ended up raising an incredible $6,717 for Lymphoma Australia!
“I am thrilled that our community came together and we were able to raise these vital funds for more nurses. Everyone should have access to the right support when needed and the Lymphoma Care Nurses are there for you. We are glad we can now support other patients and families, and share information about lymphoma.”
Thank you for sharing your experience Jayson and in your support of other patients and families.
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