CommunitiesB-Cell LymphomaHow do I know if my follicular lymphoma comes back after remission?

How do I know if my follicular lymphoma comes back after remission?

TO

Community Member

2 months ago

Hello Toni here. I was diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma in December 2024. I went through 6 rounds of RCHOP and finished in April 2025. I was unable to work during treatment and although it may be different for others I would not recommend working while having this aggressive chemo treatment. I’m in remission now but I am a bit concerned about how to determine if the cancer returns. Before being diagnosed, I did not have any symptoms until I felt a lump in my pelvic area. By the time I had all the tests that led to the PetScan I was full of cancer. Unfortunately insurance will not pay for future PetScans unless the cancer returns. I stress over how I can ever be sure if it returns again. In my case Chemo was absolutely brutal, however, I do feel blessed it was caught in time.

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accepted answer

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Monitoring for recurrence after remission is a common concern, and many cancer centers have follow-up protocols that include regular physical exams, blood work, and imaging when medically indicated. It's worth discussing with your oncology team about what specific monitoring plan they recommend for your situation, as they may have strategies for early detection that work within insurance guidelines. Many patients in this community have shared similar worries about surveillance after treatment, and connecting with others who understand this journey can provide valuable insights and support during this phase of recovery.

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CA

Community Member

2 months ago

Monitoring for recurrence after remission is a common concern, and many cancer centers have follow-up protocols that include regular physical exams, blood work, and imaging when medically indicated. It's worth discussing with your oncology team about what specific monitoring plan they recommend for your situation, as they may have strategies for early detection that work within insurance guidelines. Many patients in this community have shared similar worries about surveillance after treatment, and connecting with others who understand this journey can provide valuable insights and support during this phase of recovery.

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JE

Community Member

a month ago

Im currently getting Rchop round 5 of 6 is tomorrow. I typically take that week off from work then Return to work the following week and keep working until next treatment. I've been blessed that so far ive managed my chemo pretty good. I typically feel crummy for a week after treatment but then I start to feel better. Glad to hear your in remission. I too worry about relapse as its my biggest fear

TO

Community Member

a month ago

Hi Jeff: I’m going to my oncologist next month to discuss the best plan for surveillance going forward. I know now I need to pay more attention to my body to hopefully notice anything that may not feel right. Since I’ve always been healthy, the cancer diagnosis was a real shock because I felt fine. Unfortunately Cancer can show up anytime without warning. Staying optimistic and following doctor’s orders is so important for a positive outcome. I’m glad to hear you’re managing it well with work, I wasn’t that fortunate. Now I’m living life through a different lens as most Cancer survivors probably do!

JE

Community Member

a month ago

Mine came on very quick. Only symptoms I had was abdominal pains and nothing else. My pcp kept chalking it up to gastritis or an ulcer or something else along those lines. I had multiple visits and nothing was helping. He finally ordered an ultrasound which showed the lymphoma then an mri, cat and pet scan from there. Everything happened in 30-40 days. I lost 50 lbs from beginning of September when pains started to end of October. Im finally gaining weight back slowly but surely. Most days ive felt pretty good so far. 1 treatment left and my last pet scan showed im in remission. My biggest fear is a relapse but will take it day by day as thats all you can do

TO

Community Member

a month ago

Absolutely one day at a time. Others can be supportive and try to sympathize but it’s hard for them to have a true understanding of how it really has a significant impact on our life going forward. Sometimes I feel hijacked because it’s always on my mind. I’m staying as optimistic as I can while at the same time thinking about tackling bucket list items sooner rather than later. Good luck with your last treatment.

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