{"id":2851,"date":"2026-03-02T01:11:33","date_gmt":"2026-03-01T17:11:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportpro.cc\/?p=2851"},"modified":"2026-03-02T01:11:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-01T17:11:33","slug":"she-thought-it-was-a-uti-it-was-stage-iv-lymphoma-a-college-students-fight-for-survival","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportpro.cc\/?p=2851","title":{"rendered":"She Thought It Was a UTI \u2014 It Was Stage IV Lymphoma: A College Student\u2019s Fight for Survival"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

SEO Keywords:<\/strong> Stage IV lymphoma symptoms, T-cell lymphoma story, ALK+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma, lymphoma misdiagnosis UTI, bone marrow transplant recovery, alectinib lymphoma treatment<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When 21-year-old college student Emma Operacz<\/strong> began experiencing symptoms of what seemed like a simple urinary tract infection (UTI), she had no idea her life was about to change dramatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What started as mild discomfort turned into fevers, extreme fatigue and severe pain \u2014 ultimately leading to a devastating diagnosis: Stage IV T-cell lymphoma<\/strong> that had spread to her brain and central nervous system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is the story of how early symptoms were mistaken, how her condition escalated rapidly, and how an experimental treatment and bone marrow transplant saved her life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Early Symptoms: \u201cSomething\u2019s Not Right\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In June 2024, Operacz noticed UTI-like symptoms while attending a graduation celebration. Over-the-counter medication didn\u2019t help. Antibiotics prescribed later were ineffective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within days, new symptoms appeared:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Persistent fever<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Severe fatigue<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Side pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Swollen lymph nodes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Rapid health decline<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Despite multiple tests, including CT scans, doctors initially ruled out kidney stones and appendicitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When swollen lymph nodes were discovered during a pelvic exam, lymphoma was mentioned as a possibility \u2014 though it seemed unlikely for a healthy 21-year-old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Soon after, a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis: Stage IV lymphoma<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    Understanding Her Diagnosis: ALK+ Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Operacz was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Her specific subtype was ALK+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)<\/strong>, which is more common in children and young adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    According to specialists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute<\/strong>, T-cell lymphomas account for roughly 15% of non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Disease Overview<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    Category<\/th>Details<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Cancer Type<\/td>T-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma<\/td><\/tr>
    Subtype<\/td>ALK+ Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma<\/td><\/tr>
    Stage at Diagnosis<\/td>Stage IV<\/td><\/tr>
    Spread To<\/td>Central nervous system and brain<\/td><\/tr>
    Initial Symptoms<\/td>Fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    Rapid Decline and Emergency Treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Shortly after diagnosis, Operacz\u2019s condition worsened. Her lymph nodes became painfully enlarged, and she collapsed at one point due to complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Chemotherapy began immediately, but repeated infections and neurological spread forced doctors to escalate care. She was transferred to the Cleveland Clinic<\/strong> for specialized treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Scans revealed the cancer had spread to her brain \u2014 significantly lowering her survival odds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Her sister later said she was preparing for the worst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    A Last Hope: Experimental Treatment with Alectinib<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Dr. Deepa Jagadeesh proposed a bold solution: using alectinib<\/strong>, a medication typically prescribed for lung cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What made the drug promising was its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier \u2014 a crucial factor since Operacz\u2019s cancer had spread to her central nervous system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The medication was approved for off-label use and started on August 20, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Results<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • Rapid clinical improvement<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Cancer entered remission by September 2024<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Stabilized neurological symptoms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      \n\n\n\n

      Bone Marrow Transplant: A Sister\u2019s Life-Saving Gift<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Although remission was achieved, doctors recommended a bone marrow transplant to reduce relapse risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Operacz\u2019s sister was a perfect donor match and immediately volunteered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The transplant took place on November 8, 2024 \u2014 one day after her 22nd birthday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Why Bone Marrow Transplants Matter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      Purpose<\/th>Explanation<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
      Eradicate residual cancer<\/td>High-dose chemotherapy eliminates microscopic disease<\/td><\/tr>
      Immune system reset<\/td>Donor stem cells rebuild immune defenses<\/td><\/tr>
      Reduce relapse risk<\/td>New immune cells help target remaining lymphoma cells<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      After transplant, Operacz spent 70 days in isolation while her immune system recovered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n\n\n\n

      Recovery and Rebuilding Life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      The physical battle was followed by emotional recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      While isolated in Cleveland, Operacz took online classes and slowly regained strength. By late 2025, she graduated from Eastern Michigan University<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      In January 2026, she began a graduate program in social work, inspired to support cancer patients facing similar struggles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Doctors say relapse risk significantly declines two years after transplant, and at five years patients are often considered cured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n\n\n\n

      Key Warning Signs of Lymphoma<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

      Although symptoms can mimic minor illnesses, warning signs include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Persistent swollen lymph nodes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Unexplained fever<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Night sweats<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Extreme fatigue<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Unintended weight loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Ongoing pain without clear cause<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        If symptoms worsen or don\u2019t respond to treatment, further evaluation may be necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n\n\n\n

        FAQ: Lymphoma and Early Symptoms<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

        1. Can lymphoma feel like a UTI?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Yes. Early symptoms such as pelvic discomfort or swollen lymph nodes can mimic urinary infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        2. What is ALK+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        It is a subtype of T-cell lymphoma that commonly affects children and young adults and may respond well to targeted therapies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        3. Why was alectinib effective?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Alectinib can cross the blood-brain barrier, making it effective when lymphoma spreads to the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        4. How successful are bone marrow transplants?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        They significantly reduce relapse risk, especially when performed during remission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        5. What are survival rates for Stage IV lymphoma?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Prognosis varies by subtype, age and treatment response. Advances in targeted therapies and transplantation have improved outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n\n\n\n

        A Message of Resilience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Operacz describes her journey as \u201cbuilding a new Emma.\u201d While she misses her life before cancer, she now channels her experience into helping others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Her story underscores an important lesson: if your body tells you something isn\u2019t right, keep seeking answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Early detection and persistence can save lives.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        SEO Keywords: Stage IV lymphoma symptoms, T-cell lymphoma story, ALK+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma, lymphoma misdiagnosis UTI, bone marrow transplant recovery, alectinib lymphoma treatment When 21-year-old college student Emma Operacz began experiencing symptoms of what seemed like a simple urinary tract infection (UTI), she had no idea her life was about to change dramatically. What […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"saved_in_kubio":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2851","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportpro.cc\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2851","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportpro.cc\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportpro.cc\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportpro.cc\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportpro.cc\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2851"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/sportpro.cc\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2851\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2852,"href":"https:\/\/sportpro.cc\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2851\/revisions\/2852"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportpro.cc\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2851"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportpro.cc\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2851"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportpro.cc\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2851"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}