The story of Rob Thompson, an ulcerative colitis patient-turned-cancer survivor, is one of missed opportunities. It took more than nine months for physicians to diagnose Mr. Thompson with hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, a rare complication of treatment with thiopurines and anti–tumor necrosis factor agents.
But it was largely a product of his own resourcefulness, drive and his support network that he received the HSTCL diagnosis at all.
Mr. Thompson, who is now 30 years old, was diagnosed