A 34-Year-Old New Mother Diagnosed With Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Beats 3-Month Prognosis Through Chemotherapy and Becomes a Marathon Runner

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:13:00 +0200

Aruna Gobalan, a 34-year-old software engineer and recent immigrant to California, was a new mother just returning from maternity leave when she began experiencing unexplained symptoms that puzzled doctors. After numerous tests, including a biopsy prompted by a drooping eyelid, she was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma with extensive dural involvement. The prognosis was grim: she was given only three months to live. Facing the challenges of aggressive treatment while caring for her infant daughter and managing a demanding job without nearby family support, Aruna endured eight cycles of traditional chemotherapy and six cycles of intrathecal chemotherapy delivered directly into her spinal canal. The treatment caused severe side effects, including significant weight loss, mouth sores, nausea, and hair loss. Despite the odds, she achieved remission after her 14th chemo cycle and celebrated her daughter’s first birthday. Motivated by a promise to care for her body if she survive