Chris, Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

I was diagnosed with stage IV B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma on February 19^th, 2025, and was hospitalized for testing and confirmation purposes.

After a week in the hospital undergoing various tests, including a colonoscopy, an MRI, X-rays and labs, I went home and began to prepare for chemotherapy, after meeting my oncologist, Dr. Mann.

Shortly thereafter, I was hospitalized again as a precaution due to some test results. Throughout the whole experience, the one thing I kept hearing over and over again from my oncology team, my infusion staff and my physicians was to not chase after the symptoms and side effects of the treatment. What they meant by that was to stay off of Google and WebMD as much as possible. There is so much misinformation on the internet.

I relied on the Lymphoma Research Foundation for accurate and effective information to dispel my fears, concerns, as well as treatment-related information.

My team of competent and dedicated oncology staff members encouraged me to write down what I was experiencing and to discuss those side effects and symptoms with them every week during chemotherapy treatment and blood draws.

I also relied on the Lymphoma Research Foundation as well as other organizations like the American Cancer Society, Blood Cancer United, and the Cancer Alliance Network for accurate and effective information to dispel my fears, concerns, as well as treatment-related information.

I feel so very fortunate for all the assistance and information I’ve received about my diagnosis and for having a great team supporting me at Florida Oncology and Hematology.

For those like me who may not have financial support, these organizations mentioned above have assisted me with financial support for treatment-related expenses like co-pays and transportation.

There are so many resources out there, and I encourage those with cancer or their family members to reach out to these organizations for assistance. I also encourage those affected by lymphoma to seek out resources, financial support, and information through organizations like the Lymphoma Research Foundation or through apps like Fundfinder.

In July of this year, after a PET scan, I was told I was in remission. As much of a shock as it was to be diagnosed with lymphoma, I was equally shocked when I was told I’m in remission. 

Going through R-CHOP, the chemotherapy regimen my oncologist treated me with, was hard, but I’m so very grateful that I’m close to the finish line. I have another PET scan scheduled for next week! Wish me luck!