Poppy Bilderbeck
Warning: This article contains discussion of cancer diagnosis which some readers may find distressing.
A TikTok exec has taken to social media to raise awareness after receiving a preliminary diagnosis of stage four cancer despite being fit and healthy.
Head of Global Music Partnerships at TikTok Govind Sandhu has opened up about his cancer diagnosis and how he realised something was wrong with his health a day after completing a half marathon.
Advert
In a video the 38-year-old shot over the weekend uploaded to his Instagram yesterday (12 June), Govind explains he had just received a preliminary diagnosis of 'stage four Non-Hodgkin lymphoma'.
"Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in your lymphatic system, which is part of the body's germ-fighting immune system," Mayo Clinic explains. "In non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, white blood cells called lymphocytes grow abnormally and can form growths (tumors) throughout the body."
Govind reflects how he's not 'been feeling well at all' over the past six weeks and the day after he finished the Sydney Half Marathon, he noticed he had a 'swollen knee'.
He initially thought the changed appearance to his joint and injury was 'from a stack' when he was running on 'some trails' in Hobart. However, he then experienced 'really bad body aches and sweats' - 'everything that would make you think it was the flu or Covid' - and his health just 'went downhill' from there.
Govind says 'over a four week period [he] just deteriorated' and so he quickly sought medical help.
And after 'multiple' visits to the doctor alongside blood tests, scans and biopsies, doctors were able to get 'a pretty comprehensive overview of where things were at'.
He adds: "But there's also been some complications as they found some abnormalities just above my pancreas and on my heart."
Thankfully, Govind says his heart looks 'okay' and the finding above the pancreas 'will need to get zapped'.
"And if it's cancer, the chemo which I will start soon will be aggressive. And so it should get that," he continues.
Govind explains he's currently being started on steroids and antibiotics.
Thanking all the staff at the hospital he's being treated at for taking care of him, he concludes the video: "It's safe to say I'm about to embark on the biggest challenge of my life yet.
"And I'm going to do my best to keep everyone updated with my progress - the highs, the lows.
"Of course, I can't believe it, but at the same time, so many things are out of one's control. I've had my time to process the 'Why me?' All the things I do that would make me think that I would be in a category not susceptible to this, but it doesn't discriminate. So go get your check ups, go get your blood work done. If you're feeling sick don't just try and fight it off. But we're going to get through this."
In his caption, he explained he's sharing his story for his 'own healing' and for an 'outlet' while also 'hopefully putting good vibrations & useful info into the world through the many highs & lows which there will be many'.
Govind said: "I appreciate it might not be for everyone which is totally fine. If there are any specifics you want covered along the way or need context drop it in the comments & I’ll try to come back to that in time."
He resolved: "Long road ahead, but this won’t be the end of my story, it can’t be! I’m 38 years old, lived the most blessed life to date & have so much more to live for.
"Reality is, I have a chance to fight this f**%%* so I’ll take the W there.
"Life is beautiful, I am lucky & grateful for what I have. The mission continues."
UNILAD has contacted Govind Sandhu for comment.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.