Barista who Drank 8 espresso shots daily to fight fatigue later diagnosed with stage II cancer

A New Jersey man who once relied on as many as eight espresso shots a day to push through extreme exhaustion later discovered his symptoms were tied to a life-changing cancer diagnosis.

Conor Mulvanerton, 26, first began experiencing persistent fatigue and night sweats in early 2024 while working early morning shifts as a Starbucks barista and applying for jobs in the advertising industry.

At the time, he dismissed the symptoms as stress and lack of sleep—fueling his long workdays with caffeine in an attempt to stay functional.

“Though I'm not proud of it, some days I would consume eight espresso shots and still be able to sleep after work,” he told People.

As the months went on, Mulvanerton’s condition worsened. By summer 2024, he began waking up drenched in sweat, though he initially attributed it to warm weather and household temperatures.

“I rationalized this in my head by thinking that it was summer,” he said, noting that neither he nor his family initially considered the symptoms alarming.

In July 2024, he secured a temporary advertising role in New York City, but soon after began experiencing “rare health issues” that escalated his concerns.

An ultrasound eventually revealed swollen lymph nodes, leading to a diagnosis in November 2024 of stage II Hodgkin’s lymphoma—a cancer affecting the lymphatic system.

“At first, my oncologist told me that if I were to get cancer, this is the ‘best’ cancer to get,” Mulvanerton said, describing the initial reassurance he received.

While early chemotherapy cycles showed positive results, follow-up scans later confirmed the cancer had not fully responded, forcing him into further treatment.

By March 2025, the physical toll of chemotherapy led him to step back from full-time work. He later transferred his care to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where he underwent additional chemotherapy and an autologous stem cell transplant in September 2025.

Support from family and friends played a crucial role throughout his treatment, including handwritten letters collected and gifted before his transplant.

“Receiving this package really helped my mental health going into my stem cell transplant,” he said.

Music, particularly artists like Lorde and Tame Impala, also helped him stay motivated during long hospital stays.

In December 2025, Mulvanerton’s first post-transplant scan showed no signs of cancer, and he has since focused on rebuilding his strength through running, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments.

From surviving treatment to preparing for ongoing scans, he says his outlook on life has fundamentally shifted.

“My main focus in life now is to survive for as long as possible,” he said.