A Persistent Lump Leads to a Life-Changing Diagnosis

In April 2025, 20-year-old college junior Kylee Kurtz was recovering from a car accident when she noticed a bump on her head that wasn't going away. A few months later, three golf-ball-sized lumps appeared on her neck.

Attending school in Florida and far from her family, Kylee initially wasn't overly concerned. But her roommates urged her to go to urgent care. After examining her, a provider immediately sent her to the hospital.

"The nurse there made me go," Kylee recalled. "She said, 'As a mom, if you don't go, your mom will be so upset with you.'"

Kylee listened to her advice and was at the hospital for nine hours while they performed two CAT scans. They told her she had 14 inflamed lymph nodes and tested her for autoimmune diseases and infections – all of which came back clear.

They urged Kylee to meet with an oncologist and set her up with an appointment as quickly as they could.

"I was 20 years old – I wasn't thinking it was cancer," she said.

A suspected diagnosis

Yet, two days later, when Kylee returned to the hospital, the lumps on her neck had grown to baseball-size. When the doctor asked if she had any symptoms, Kylee shared that she had been experiencing night sweats for about a year – chalking it up to the Florida heat. She also noted that she had some shoulder pain, too. The oncologist explained that her symptoms were consistent with lymphoma, but a biopsy would be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Kylee's family wanted her biopsy done in Connecticut – closer to home. They made an appointment with Stamford Health's Bennett Cancer Center's (BCC) Dr. Antonio Picon, a surgical oncologist, in early December.

"I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma on December 12, 2025. It was stage III – in my head, neck, chest, and pelvic region," Kylee said. "It helped that I had heard the news in Florida first – I was prepared for the worst. I was supposed to graduate, so I was sad to not go back to school and graduate with my roommates."

According to the American Cancer Society, Hodgkin lymphoma is a rare disease that is most diagnosed in early adulthood (in the 20s) or late adulthood (after age 55). Though this cancer can develop in children or adults as well. Symptoms include painless swollen lymph nodes (most often in the neck, armpits, or groin), drenching night sweats, and unexplained weight loss.

"I'd urge people to see medical attention when they feel an abnormal lump or lymph node," noted Dr. Antonio Picon, who was part of Kylee's care team. "Cancer can be cured when detected at earlier stages."

Some cases of Hodgkin lymphoma are linked to a virus called Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which can cause infectious mononucleosis (mono). People who have had mono are at an increased risk of Hodgkin lymphoma. Most people with Hodgkin lymphoma don’t have a family history.

Personalized treatment plan

Throughout six months of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, Kylee made a conscious effort to stay positive and focus on the milestones ahead. She went to the BCC every two weeks from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and then the day after each chemotherapy appointment for a shot to boost her white blood cell count.

"My parents came to every treatment, except one due to a prior commitment – but I was never alone," Kylee said. "The nurses would always come and talk to me. They would help to distract me from everything – we'd talk about what shows I was watching or what was trending on TikTok. Everyone was so great at taking care of me."

Dr. Jamie Stratton, a medical oncologist at the BCC, was her treating physician and oversaw her care plan.

"Kylee did have some setbacks and complications during treatment, but she always remained positive and resilient. She did very well with her demanding course of therapy," said Dr. Stratton.

Kylee lost her hair during treatment but felt that her body responded relatively well. After a treatment day, she would get lunch with her parents and then nap at home the rest of the day. By the next day, she would be feeling better.

On June 18, 2026, Kylee had her last chemotherapy appointment and rang the bell at the BCC. Her mom and her best friend joined her, and it was an emotional moment.

"I saw everyone crying and then I started crying," Kylee remembered. Next on Kylee's list is a celebration of life trip with her best friend. Then, she's back to school to graduate.

"One of the most rewarding parts of treating young patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma is seeing them move beyond their cancer diagnosis and live a full life," Kylee's oncologist, Dr. Stratton said.

Kylee was so thankful for the care she received at the BCC that on her last day of treatment, she brought lunch in for everyone.

"I appreciated ALL of them – and I wanted to say thank you and goodbye," Kylee said.