A 38-year-old Sydney professional says his life changed overnight after a surprising stage-four cancer diagnosis — one that began with a symptom he almost ignored.
A Swollen Knee Leads to a Stunning Diagnosis
Govind Sandhu, Head of Global Music Partnerships at TikTok Australia, first noticed something was wrong after running the Sydney Half Marathon. His knee had swollen, but he assumed it came from a fall during an earlier trail run.
For six weeks, he also battled body aches, sweats, and fatigue — symptoms he believed were the flu or possibly Covid. But instead of improving, he felt himself “going downhill.”
Tests Reveal Advanced Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
After multiple doctor visits, bloodwork, scans, and biopsies, specialists confirmed stage-four non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Additional abnormalities near his pancreas and heart created further complications, though doctors believe his heart is unaffected.
Sandhu will begin aggressive chemotherapy, matching the speed and seriousness of the cancer.
An Outpouring of Support
Friends and followers flooded his social media with encouragement. Many praised his resilience and positivity, calling him strong enough to “beat this” and overcome the challenge ahead.
Despite his shock, Sandhu remains determined. “This won’t be the end of my story,” he wrote. “I’m 38, I have so much to live for. Life is beautiful, and I’m grateful.”
A Reminder to Listen to Your Body
Sandhu hopes sharing his journey encourages others to take symptoms seriously. “Cancer doesn’t discriminate,” he said. “Get your check-ups. Don’t ignore it when something feels off.”
