Cancer Patient Story: My Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (DLBCL) 1st Symptoms & Diagnosis | Barbara (1 of 3)

20 years after going through breast cancer treatment, Barbara R. found herself facing down yet another diagnosis. This time, it was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, a subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In this first part of our conversation, Barbara shares everything from those first symptoms of the DLBCL to her path to getting her diagnosis.
Thank you for sharing your story, Barbara!

The interview has only been edited for clarity.

Videos:
1) My Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (DLBCL) 1st Symptoms & Diagnosis (in my 70’s): This Video

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Contents of the Video:
00:00 - Intro
01:41 - What were the 1st symptoms?
03:06 - Learning results of endoscopy
04:48 - News of pancreatic cancer (mis) diagnosis
05:42 - Processing a cancer diagnosis - again
06:29 - Path to getting the NHL subtype diagnosis
07:22 - Did you consider a second opinion?
08:12 - What treatment options were presented?
08:34 - How did you break the news to loved ones?
09:47 - Describe the port placement procedure
11:15 - Dealing with a setback in treatment
13:03 - Getting through the isolation of being in the hospital during COVID-19
15:42 - R-CHOP chemotherapy and side effects
17:14 - Did side effects get better or worse throughout R-CHOP?
18:15 - Describe the hair loss from chemotherapy
20:24 - Guidance on how to deal with hair loss with young kids
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[ThePatientStory]

We’d love to hear from you: Have you had to advocate for yourself to get your diagnosis? If so, please share your experience in the comments below 👇

[BRMBeeGeesR]

In 1985, my younger brother died of lymphoma, a day before his 28th birthday. Last week, I was referred to a cancer clinic; the doctor knew already what my blood work showed. Asked if I have any lumps; yes, armpit. And groin. And what I had thought was up above my elbow, was just a pulled muscle, turned out it was wrong. In 10 days I go get the CT scan and the PET scan. These ladies give me the strength to be more positive than negative.

[tammyslaughter]

Wow! I would have been so relieved that it was non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma instead of pancreatic cancer.

[polyrhythmia]

In my case, it was tonsil cancer that led to DLBC non-Hodgkin diagnosis. Went through six rounds of R-CHP-Pola this year. My best advice is don't eat during infusion. I buzzed my hair off before treatment.

[roselucht]

Eight weeks ago I have had a bilateral mastectomy for my invasive lobular cancer (along with two other breast cancers )during all this it was found I have stage 4, B-cell Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. ( mine is slow growing.) I’m on my second session of Chemo today. Three days ago I had my port placed thankfully.
7 years ago my oldest brother died from Mantel cell Non Hodgkins Lymphoma.
Thankfully I refused all Covid jabs, ( I know too much! ) I’ve had many people I know die and many almost die from the covid jab, ( that is NOT a vaccine)

[colinnz]

I feel bad for thinking it but i am so happy i dont have cancer. Seems bad to say but i dont think i could be strong enough to go through it like this beautiful lady❤

[Irishgirl-mh]

I lost all my hair last year from chemotherapy for Hodgkin. I wondered how my grandkids would handle it. I wore a hat most of the time but I did let them see me bald at last. It wasn’t shocking or so it seemed. My grandson thought it was “silly” like I did it to amuse them. He acted very natural about it. So I did too.

[lisbeth]

At first I was told that I had sciatica when I complained of pain in my foot. The doctor scanned my back & planned to perform surgery. I asked for a second opinion. My next doctor (a female) tested my leg & back & discovered a small tumor. I had surgery to remove the tumor, 3 rounds of chemo, & radiation. My oncologist said he would cure me! After 7 years in remission, I am returning to my oncologist to find out her suspicions from a recent test.🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽