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Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma- Watch & Wait Approach
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: 2 hours ago | Replies (238)Comment receiving replies
I was recently diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma Grade 2/Stage 3. My doctor put me on “Watch and Wait” for the first three mos., which my next scan and blood work will be in September. I know I’m new to this and have much to learn. As you all know, the “Watch and Wait” plan was difficult to understand and accept at first. I’m doing better with it now and, of course, will know more in September. My biggest concern is it progressing from Stage 3 to Stage 4 (which would involve an organ or my bones) while we are “waiting” ! I do not have major symptoms yet. Can anyone give me some peace with this?
Replies to "I was recently diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma Grade 2/Stage 3. My doctor put me on “Watch..."
Welcome to Connect, @katharine56. Having to ‘watch and wait’ after a diagnosis can feel like you’re waiting for the proverbial ‘other shoe to drop’. The inaction feels contrary to your thoughts of ‘let’s get this taken care of!’, right? Follicular lymphoma is often slow to develop. So you’ve likely had this condition for some time.
Your doctor has staged and graded the level of involvement and is using those results to determine if and when they’d suggest starting treatment. Some patients without symptoms can go many years without treatment. The good news is that there are several positive treatment options available for follicular lymphoma.
Knowledge is power but the internet can be full sites that may not be very productive or helpful. So here are a few articles from credible sources which will give you some useful information about the disease and potential treatment options.
~uptodate.com:
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/follicular-lymphoma-in-adults-beyond-the-basics
~Healthline.com:
https://www.healthline.com/health/follicular-lymphoma#diagnosis
~Mayo Clinic:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/non-hodgkins-lymphoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20375680
I’d also like to tag some of the members in Connect who also were diagnosed with FL so they can offer you some suggestions and discuss their experiences with you…here are just a few: @valandsheri @quimbie @puddknocker @traceyt @vonbaron36 @bogie60 @lee59 @susanlim
Wishing you only good news on your upcoming appointment in September. Will you please let me know what you find out?
When finally diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma from a small lump on my throat it was wait and see. Had scans regularly. The doctor said it is a slow-growing tumor in my chest we will watch it. I had bone marrow test done and it was ok. This was in 2005. I had to wait for 6 years before I needed chemo. That is a long wait with Dr. visits and the worry and concern. I had chemo for over 2 years and finished last chemo at end of 2011. I see the Dr. 2 X a year for exam and had cat scan every year until this year the Dr. said my scans are not showing anything that needs to be addressed but they continue the blood work every 6 months. You have to stay positive and take care of yourself with rest and good food and family and do not dwell on what could be just concentrate on positive outcome. Sorry you have to face this. I can understand. I had both of my knees replaced this year and doing just fine. I will be 81 in couple of weeks and doing ok. Take each day as it comes with prayer and positive thoughts.
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Be patient. Once you start on medication you are there for the rest of your life. The docs know the tipping point. Meds have terrible side effects. You trade one problem for another. It’s all okay. Don’t be troubled. Follow the doc and be comforted.