At 23, life usually revolves around studies, first jobs, travel plans, and time with friends. It’s an age where the future feels open and full of possibilities.

For Rajdeep, however, things took an unexpected turn.

In October 2024, he received the news no one ever wants to hear: Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

One day, he was a young man with his whole life ahead of him, and the next, his world revolved around hospital visits, scans, biopsies, and treatments. The carefree days of youth were replaced with the weight of survival.

But what makes Rajdeep’s story remarkable is the courage, trust, and a willingness to embrace every possible tool that could help him.

Today, he stands in complete remission, with a renewed spirit and a deeper sense of purpose.

This is his story.

The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

When Rajdeep went in for his PET-CT scan in October 2024, the results were far from easy to take in. To put it simply, the scan showed that cancer had spread widely through his body.

Here’s what it revealed:

• There were large clusters of lymph nodes in his chest and neck, and they weren’t just swollen — they were metabolically active, which meant they were cancerous.
• The largest mass in his chest measured 12.8 x 8.3 cm — a significant size for someone so young.
• The disease had also spread to the lymph nodes on both sides of his neck, from the jawline down to the collarbones. The biggest one measured 3.5 x 2.6 cm.
• Even more concerning, there was bone marrow involvement — the cancer had reached the very tissue responsible for producing blood cells.
• To add to this, small nodules were found in his lungs, showing that the disease was not confined to one place but had already spread to other organs.

The impression was clear and heavy: Stage 4 Classical Hodgkin’s Lymphoma with a high metabolic burden.

For Rajdeep and his family, the words hit hard. Stage 4. Bone marrow. Lungs. Chest. Neck.

At just 23, to be told that your body is battling cancer at multiple levels is more than overwhelming, it shakes you at your very core, turning your world upside down in an instant.

When faced with medical terms like ‘Stage 4 Classical Hodgkin’s Lymphoma with high metabolic burden,’ it’s natural to feel lost. 

For Rajdeep and his family, the words sounded heavy, technical, and frightening.

But what do they actually mean? 

What is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and how is it different from the more commonly heard Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?

Let’s put it simply.

What is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma? (And How is it Different from Non-Hodgkin’s?)

Think of your body’s lymphatic system as a vast network of security guards (lymph nodes and vessels) that protect you from infections. Lymphoma happens when some of these guards go rogue and start multiplying uncontrollably, forming cancer.

Now, there are two main types of lymphoma:

1. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL)
   • Doctors recognize it by the presence of a very specific ‘signature’ cell called the Reed–Sternberg cell.
   • It usually starts in the lymph nodes and tends to spread in a step-by-step, more predictable way. Because of this, doctors often find it easier to track and treat.
2. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)
   • This is not one single disease but a big family of blood cancers, with many different subtypes.
   • Unlike Hodgkin’s, it doesn’t have the Reed–Sternberg cell.
   • It can start in lymph nodes, but also in other organs like the stomach, intestines, or even the skin. Its spread is less predictable, and the severity can vary widely.

Both Hodgkin’s and many forms of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are treatable today, especially when detected early and supported with the right blend of medical care, nutrition, lifestyle, and emotional strength.

 

The Choice That Changed Everything

Rajdeep was already under the care of an excellent oncology team. His doctors encouraged him to undergo chemotherapy, but also supported the idea of complementing his treatment with lifestyle changes.

That’s when he joined our programme.

Lifestyle medicine isn’t about replacing medical treatment; it works alongside it. It strengthens the body, calms the mind, and makes it easier to cope with the side effects of conventional therapies.

His plan wasn’t just about cancer; it was about him. Beyond reports and scans, we looked at his sleep, nutrition, stress, emotions, relationships, and everyday habits. The focus was always on seeing Rajdeep as a whole person, not just a diagnosis.

The protocol included:

• Deep cellular nutrition to help his body repair DNA, regenerate stem cells, and block pathways that allow cancer to grow.
• Gut health and inflammation management, because the gut plays a central role in immunity.
• Liver and lymphatic support to help cleanse and improve recovery.
• Micronutrient replenishment to strengthen the body before and after chemo.
• Circadian rhythm reset for better sleep and deeper healing.
• Gentle movement, keeping his body active but not overburdened.
• Emotional health support, from meditation to safe spaces to express fears.
• Tools to manage chemotherapy side effects, including numbness in the hands and poor sleep.

This wasn’t just about fighting cancer. It was about helping Rajdeep feel human again, supporting him to live with dignity and strength even while undergoing treatment.

The Breakthrough: May 2025

Just seven months later, on 22nd May 2025, Rajdeep’s follow-up PET-CT told a very different story.

• The large mediastinal (chest) mass? No longer active.
• The neck and supraclavicular nodes? No longer active.
• The lung nodules and bone marrow? No new activity.
• Overall: No metabolically active cancer cells anywhere in his body.

The verdict: Complete remission.

For a young man who once faced the reality of Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, these words were life-giving.

In Rajdeep’s Own Words

“A few months ago, I was at the lowest point in my life, battling Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Today, I write this as a victor, with a renewed perspective on health, life, and purpose.

Joining this programme brought about a transformational shift in my lifestyle. In a remarkably short period, I experienced improvements not only in my physical health but also in my emotional and mental well-being. It truly gave me a second chance at life.”

He goes on to share:

“A special note of gratitude goes to my counsellor, Ms. Misbah Shaikh. Her unwavering support from Day 1 made all the difference. Whether it was tracking my daily routine, reviewing reports, or simply being available when I had concerns, her dedication was pivotal to my recovery.

I now live with a healthier body—my liver, heart, and lungs have all improved. But just as importantly, I carry a peaceful mind. In the chaos of life, we often forget why we fight so hard for our health. This journey helped me reconnect with that purpose.”

One quote from Luke Coutinho stayed with him throughout:

“Your why should be stronger than your what if.”

He said that this single line gave him clarity, and it’s a principle he continues to live by.

His integrative nutritionist, Misbah Shaikh, Senior Nutritionist and Lifestyle Expert, Team Luke, shares: 

“What’s remarkable about Rajdeep is how easy going yet disciplined he was. He followed every change and piece of guidance to the T. He trusted the process and put in the work.

The chemo sessions began affecting his sleep and causing numbness, but with tools like meditation, deep breathing, and routine adjustments, we were able to overcome these challenges. I am so proud of him and incredibly grateful to be part of his journey.”

More Than Just a Survivor Story

Rajdeep’s journey goes far beyond being a medical success; it’s a reminder of what true healing looks like.
It is a story of:

• Faith, in the process, even when the road felt uncertain.
• Discipline, in following small but powerful lifestyle changes every single day.
• Resilience, in facing the physical discomfort and emotional lows that came with treatment.
• Support from doctors, family, counsellors, and everyone who walked beside him.
• And above all, hope, the belief that better days were always possible.

This is what the management of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma looks like when medicine and lifestyle work together.

Final Takeaway

Rajdeep’s story is proof that Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor stories are not just about surviving; they’re about living again.

If you are struggling, remember this:

Your why should always be stronger than your what-if.

There is always hope. You just need the right action, with the right mindset.

To know more about his transformational journey, watch this:

 

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Disclaimer: We cannot emphasize this enough: integrative and lifestyle medicine never replaces medical treatment. It works alongside it. We are deeply grateful to Rajdeep’s oncologists and doctors, whose care and expertise laid the foundation for his healing.

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If you or a loved one is going through cancer, remember, you don’t have to walk this path alone. 

Our Special Cancer Care Programs are designed to work alongside medical treatment, offering personalized support through nutrition, emotional wellness, and lifestyle care. 

Reach out and let us be part of your journey, because healing is always stronger when it’s supported from every angle.

Call us on 1800 102 0253 or email consults@lukecoutinho.com.